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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

A delightful dish combining the sweetness of butternut squash with a creamy sauce and savory Italian sausage, perfect for satisfying family meals.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 590
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gnocchi
  • 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed Choose ripe squash for best taste.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Measure flour correctly to avoid density.
  • 1 large egg
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more for extra flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the Sausage
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed Can substitute with other types of sausage if desired.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust for preferred spice level.

Method
 

Make the Gnocchi
  1. Boil the cubed butternut squash in a large pot until soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and cool slightly, then mash into a smooth puree.
Prepare the Dough
  1. Mix the egg, flour, salt, and pepper into the squash puree until a soft dough forms. Adjust with more flour if sticky.
Shape the Gnocchi
  1. Roll portions of dough into ropes about 1/2 inch thick and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use the back of a fork to create ridges.
Cook the Gnocchi
  1. Bring salted water to a boil, add gnocchi, and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in cream and simmer, stirring in Parmesan until thickened. Season to taste.
Cook the Sausage
  1. Heat olive oil in a separate pan, sauté onion until translucent. Add sausage, brown it, then add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until sausage is done.
Combine Everything
  1. In a large bowl, toss gnocchi with the creamy sauce and sausage mixture until evenly coated.
Serve
  1. Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan, herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Notes

For leftovers, cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or cream.