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- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed The main stars of this dish are butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and Italian sausage. Butternut squash brings a sweet, nutty flavor. Ricotta adds creaminess, making the gnocchi soft. Italian sausage gives a savory taste that pairs well with the squash. - 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus additional for dusting) - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese All-purpose flour binds the dough, while the egg helps it hold shape. Fresh sage adds a lovely herbal note. Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor with its salty richness. - Sea salt and black pepper - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Seasoning is key. Sea salt and black pepper boost all the flavors. Olive oil coats the squash for roasting. Freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth and depth, lifting the dish from simple to extraordinary. Using these fresh, quality ingredients will make your butternut squash gnocchi with sausage a savory delight. Each component plays a vital role in creating a comforting and delicious meal. Enjoy the process of cooking and the wonderful aromas that fill your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Place the butternut squash cubes on the sheet. - Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. - Toss the squash until it is evenly coated. - Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes. - Look for tender squash with a light caramelization on the edges. Roasting brings out the sweetness in the squash. You want it soft and slightly charred for the best flavor. - Grab a large mixing bowl and mash the roasted squash with a fork or potato masher. - Stir in the creamy ricotta cheese until well combined. - Crack in the large egg and add the freshly grated nutmeg. - Mix everything thoroughly to create a smooth mixture. - Gradually add the all-purpose flour, a little at a time. - Keep mixing until the dough forms a soft, workable mass. The dough should not stick too much to your hands. If it feels too sticky, add more flour. - Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. - Take a portion of the dough and roll it into a rope about 1/2 inch thick. - Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form gnocchi. - For texture, press the back of a fork against each piece. Shaping the gnocchi is fun and easy. The fork marks help the sauce cling better when you serve them. - How to check dough consistency Your dough should feel soft and smooth. If it sticks to your hands, add a bit more flour. If it feels too dry, you may need a splash of water or an extra egg. - Rolling techniques for even pieces Roll the dough gently into a rope. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick. Use a light touch to keep it even. Cut into 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking. Press a fork on each piece for texture. - Timing for cooking gnocchi and sausage Cook the gnocchi first. It takes about 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Start the sausage while the gnocchi cooks. This way, both will be ready at the same time. - How to avoid water splatter When adding gnocchi to boiling water, drop them in gently. Use a slotted spoon to avoid splashes. This keeps your kitchen clean and safe. - Best garnishes to enhance flavor Top your dish with fresh sage leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness. Black pepper gives a nice kick. - Recommended side dishes for a complete meal Serve with a light salad or roasted veggies. Garlic bread also pairs well. These sides balance the rich flavors of the gnocchi and sausage. Pro Tips Use Fresh Sage: Opt for fresh sage leaves instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor profile in your dish. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the gnocchi dough just until combined to avoid tough gnocchi. It should be soft and slightly sticky. Test Gnocchi Before Cooking: Boil a small piece of gnocchi first to check the texture. It should float to the top when ready. Customize Your Sausage: Try different types of sausage, such as spicy or sweet, to tailor the dish to your taste preferences. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try using different proteins. Chicken or turkey can replace the Italian sausage. These meats add a lighter taste while keeping the dish hearty. For a vegan option, swap the ricotta cheese with tofu or a vegan cream cheese. Use plant-based sausage to keep the flavor strong without meat. You can change the taste of your gnocchi by adding herbs or spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary works well with butternut squash. Spice it up with crushed red pepper for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Experiment with sauces too. Instead of using a simple drizzle of olive oil, try a creamy Alfredo or a tangy marinara. Each sauce offers a new twist on the dish. Using seasonal vegetables can enhance your gnocchi. In fall, add roasted Brussels sprouts or kale. During spring, fresh peas or asparagus can lighten the meal. You can also adapt this dish for holidays. Serve it with a side of roasted root vegetables for Thanksgiving. Or, top it with toasted walnuts for a festive touch during winter gatherings. To store leftovers, place the gnocchi and sausage in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. This way, it stays fresh longer. It can last for about three days. Make sure to check for any off smells before eating. Freezing uncooked gnocchi is easy. First, lay the gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat frozen meals, simply place the frozen gnocchi in boiling water. Cook them until they float. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. For the sausage, heat it in a skillet until hot. Combine them together and enjoy! Leftover gnocchi and sausage can be transformed into new dishes. Try adding them to a hearty soup. They also work great in a baked casserole with cheese and veggies. Another idea is to toss them in a salad with fresh greens. These options help reduce waste while keeping meals interesting. You can mix and match flavors for fun new meals. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your leftovers! You can tell gnocchi is ready when it floats. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes. When the gnocchi rise to the top of the boiling water, they are done. You should check them to ensure they are tender. If they are still hard, give them another minute. Cooking gnocchi is quick, so stay close! Yes, you can prepare gnocchi in advance. After shaping them, place the gnocchi on a floured baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch each other. You can store them in the fridge for a day or two. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the uncooked gnocchi. Just remember to freeze them in a single layer first. Once they are frozen, you can move them to a bag. This way, you can enjoy them anytime! Butternut squash gnocchi pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works great. You might also enjoy garlic bread for a comforting touch. Another idea is to add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These sides will make your meal even more delightful! Butternut squash gnocchi combines rich flavors and simple steps. We explored key ingredients, from squash to sausage, and shared tips for perfect results. Remember, gnocchi cooking is about timing and texture. You can customize with different proteins or herbs too. Store leftovers safely and use fresh ideas for future meals. With these tricks in hand, you can create a delicious dish that impresses everyone at the table. Enjoy the cooking journey, and don't hesitate to experiment with this wonderful recipe!

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

A delightful dish featuring homemade gnocchi made from roasted butternut squash, paired with savory Italian sausage and fresh sage.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus additional for dusting)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 2 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 4 fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated. Roast in the oven for approximately 25 minutes or until the squash is tender and exhibits a light caramelization on the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, mash the roasted butternut squash using a fork or potato masher until completely smooth. Incorporate the ricotta cheese, egg, and freshly grated nutmeg into the mixture, blending thoroughly. Gradually add the flour in small increments, mixing until a soft and pliable dough forms—it should be manageable without being overly sticky. Divide the dough into four equal portions for easier handling.
  • On a well-floured surface, take one portion of dough and gently roll it into a long rope approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut this rope into 1-inch pieces to create individual gnocchi. For added texture, you may press the back of a fork against each piece. Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches, cooking them until they rise to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Utilize a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and transfer them to a plate or a baking sheet.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Using a spatula, break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is nearly done, add the minced garlic and chopped sage, stirring for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is softened.
  • Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sausage mixture. Gently toss them together to meld the flavors, ensuring the gnocchi are coated in the savory sausage juices. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle in half of the grated Parmesan cheese and mix through.
  • Transfer the gnocchi and sausage mixture onto individual plates. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with a few extra fresh sage leaves for a pop of color and aroma.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper.
Keyword butternut squash, gnocchi, Italian, pasta, sausage