Description
Silky butternut squash gnocchi dances with savory Italian sausage, embracing rustic herbs in a comforting autumn melody. Fragrant thyme and sage elevate this hearty dish, promising a soul-warming culinary journey you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1/2 ounces (14 grams) Italian sausage (casings removed, about 3 links)
- 10 ounces (283 grams) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
Liquid and Cream Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Render the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully browning the slices without constant stirring. Develop a deep golden crust on each side to enhance the meat’s rich flavor profile.
- Introduce uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the skillet with heavy cream and chicken broth. Create a simmering liquid environment that allows the gnocchi to gently absorb surrounding flavors and become tender.
- Incorporate butternut squash puree and minced garlic into the skillet, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, creamy mixture. Reduce heat and allow the ingredients to meld, thickening the sauce while ensuring the gnocchi reach perfect tenderness.
- Infuse the dish with aromatic herbs by stirring in half the fresh sage and thyme. Carefully calibrate the seasoning, considering the natural saltiness of the sausage and balancing with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Elevate the final presentation by scattering the remaining fresh herbs across the surface. Serve immediately while the gnocchi remain warm and the sauce maintains its velvety consistency, capturing the essence of rustic, comforting cuisine.
Notes
- Swap regular sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
- Ensure gnocchi doesn’t overcook by watching closely during simmering, as potato-based pasta can quickly become mushy and lose its delightful texture.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free gnocchi and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Boost vegetable content by adding spinach or kale during the final cooking stage for extra nutrition and vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg