Description
A cozy, creamy one-pan dish featuring gnocchi, butternut squash, and savory sausage, perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack Gnocchi (Shelf stable or refrigerated both work)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (Mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 cups Butternut squash (Peeled and cut into small cubes, or use pre-cut)
- 1 medium Onion or shallot (For a cozy flavor base)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 cups Broth (Chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (For the richest sauce, half and half for lighter)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan (Freshly grated melts best)
- 1 tsp Sage or thyme (For fall flavors)
- 2 cups Spinach (Optional, for color and balance)
- to taste none Salt and pepper (Always taste as you go)
- 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper (Optional for a gentle kick)
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until no longer pink. Scoop onto a plate.
- In the same pan, cook the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the butternut squash and a pinch of salt. Pour in the broth, cover, and simmer until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Mash about a third of the squash in the pan for a thicker sauce.
- Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet and let simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until tender.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Return the sausage to the pan. Toss in spinach (if using) and sage or thyme. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For best results, do not boil the gnocchi separately. Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid splitting cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian