Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Fall’s Delicious Sin

There’s just something so satisfying about making pasta from scratch, you know? Especially when the air gets crisp and you’re craving those warm, cozy fall flavors. And let me tell you, this Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi recipe? It’s a total game-changer. Forget the same old tomato sauce – we’re talking a luxuriously creamy, savory sauce that perfectly complements the sweetness of the squash. Mmm!

I remember the first time I ever cooked with butternut squash. I was intimidated! It seemed so… big and orange and…squashy! But then I roasted it, and that sweet, nutty aroma filled my kitchen, and I was hooked. Now, I sneak butternut squash into everything I can this time of year. Seriously, everything. And these little pillows of gnocchi? They’re my absolute favorite way to enjoy it. The texture is just amazing – soft and pillowy on the inside, with a slight chew that’s *chef’s kiss*. Trust me, you’re gonna love this!

This recipe is my go-to. I’ve been making it for years, tweaking it here and there until it’s just perfect. My friends and family always rave about it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s surprisingly easy, even if you’ve never made gnocchi before. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Okay, so why *this* gnocchi recipe? Well, let me tell you! It’s got everything going for it. Seriously!

Quick and Easy to Make

Don’t let “homemade gnocchi” scare you! This isn’t one of those recipes that takes all day. I promise, it’s surprisingly simple. If I can do it, you can definitely do it! No fancy pasta-making skills required. We’re keeping it real and easy!

Delicious and Flavorful

The savory-sweet combo is just *chef’s kiss*. The butternut squash gives it a touch of sweetness, but then the sage and Parmesan kick in with that savory goodness. It’s like a party in your mouth, seriously!

Perfect for Fall

Butternut squash is *the* flavor of fall, right? This is the perfect way to use it. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, it just feels right eating something so seasonal! For more information on seasonal produce, check out the Seasonal Food Guide.

Vegetarian-Friendly

Looking for a tasty vegetarian meal? Look no further! This gnocchi is packed with flavor and totally meat-free. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients for Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff, it really makes a difference!

• 1 butternut squash, roasted and pureed (you’ll want about 2 cups of puree)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting (you’ll need it, trust me!)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (just give it a quick whisk)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (don’t forget this!)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (adds a little warmth)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (the good stuff!)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (smells divine!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (always!)

How to Make Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be enjoying your own homemade Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi in no time!

Preparing the Butternut Squash

First, we gotta get that butternut squash ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now, carefully cut the squash in half from top to bottom. Scoop out all those seeds – you can roast them later if you’re feeling fancy! Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for about 45-60 minutes, or until it’s super tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork. Let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and mash it really well, or use a food processor for a super smooth puree. You’re aiming for about 2 cups. Set it aside to cool completely. This is important – too much warmth will mess with the dough!

Making the Gnocchi Dough

Alright, dough time! In a large bowl, combine that cooled butternut squash puree, flour, egg, salt, and nutmeg. Gently mix it all together until it forms a dough. Don’t overmix! Just bring it together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead it for just a couple of minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should be soft, but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes it easier to roll. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

Shaping the Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Okay, get ready to get your hands dirty! Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch thick. Now, use a knife or a bench scraper to cut the rope into 3/4-inch pieces. These are your gnocchi! If you want to get fancy, you can roll each gnocchi over a fork or a gnocchi board to create those little ridges. They look pretty, and they help the sauce cling better. But honestly, they taste just as good without the ridges, so don’t stress if you don’t have the time!

Cooking the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop the gnocchi in, a few at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or they’ll stick together! Cook them until they float to the surface. Once they float, let them cook for another minute or two. This ensures they’re cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside.

Preparing the Sage Butter Sauce

While the gnocchi are cooking, let’s make that amazing sage butter sauce! In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh sage and cook for a minute or two, until the butter is melted and the sage is fragrant. Careful, don’t let the butter burn! The aroma is just heavenly, isn’t it?

Assembling and Serving the Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Now for the best part! Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan with the sage butter sauce. Toss them gently to coat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, and get ready to enjoy the most delicious Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi you’ve ever had! Oh, and don’t forget a little extra Parmesan on top – because why not?!

Tips for Perfect Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Okay, so you wanna make *amazing* gnocchi, right? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years that will really take your Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi to the next level. These are my secrets, so listen up!

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Seriously, this is key! Overworking the dough makes it tough, and nobody wants tough gnocchi. Just mix it until it *just* comes together. Think delicate! You’ll thank me later!

Cook Gnocchi in Batches

Don’t be tempted to dump all the gnocchi in the pot at once! They’ll stick together and cook unevenly. Cook them in batches, and they’ll have plenty of room to float and get perfectly cooked. It’s worth the extra time, I promise!

Adjust Sauce Consistency

Sometimes the sauce can get a little thick, you know? If that happens, just add a little bit of the pasta water to thin it out. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi and makes it extra creamy. It’s a total game-changer!

Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy! This Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi is delicious as is, but it’s also super easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! That’s what cooking is all about, right?

Add Brown Butter

Okay, this is a *game-changer*. Instead of just melting the butter, cook it a little longer until it turns brown and nutty. Just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn! Brown butter adds a richness and depth of flavor that’s seriously addictive. Trust me on this one!

Use Different Herbs

Sage is classic, but don’t be afraid to mix it up! Rosemary or thyme would also be delicious in this dish. Or even a little fresh parsley for a brighter flavor! Just use whatever you have on hand. My favorite part is experimenting with different herbs.

Add Crispy Pancetta

Okay, this isn’t vegetarian anymore, but it’s SO good! Fry up some crispy pancetta and sprinkle it over the gnocchi. The salty, savory flavor is the perfect contrast to the sweet butternut squash. It’s like a little party in your mouth!

Serving Suggestions for Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi ready to go… Now what? Well, you could totally just eat it straight from the pan (no judgement!), but if you wanna make it a *meal*, here are a couple of my favorite ways to serve it. Let’s make it fancy, shall we?

Serve with a Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the gnocchi. Think peppery arugula, some crunchy walnuts, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Yum!

Pair with Roasted Vegetables

Since you’ve already got the oven on for the squash, why not roast some other veggies? Brussels sprouts or carrots would be *amazing* with this dish. Just toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. So good! Check out these Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries for inspiration.

How to Store and Reheat Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this amazing Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi, and you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious so you can enjoy it again later. Because let’s be real, leftover gnocchi is a *gift*.

Storing Leftovers

Just let the gnocchi cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

Okay, so you’re ready for round two! You can reheat the gnocchi in a pan over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil. Just toss it around until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it. Just add a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Either way, it’s gonna be delicious!

Nutritional Information for Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info. But, heads up! Just remember that the nutritional information can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients you use (brands and all that), so I’m not gonna give you exact numbers. It’s just an estimate, okay?

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this amazing Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi. Don’t be shy, ask away if you have more!

Can I use store-bought butternut squash puree?

Sure, you *can* use store-bought puree, but honestly, roasting your own squash is SO much better! The flavor is way more intense. But if you’re short on time, go for it! Just make sure it’s 100% butternut squash puree, and not sweetened or anything. Also, store-bought puree can be a little wetter, so you might need to add a bit more flour to your dough to get the right consistency. Just add it a tablespoon at a time until it feels right!

Can I freeze Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi?

YES! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can freeze the Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, just spread the uncooked gnocchi out on a baking sheet and freeze them until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. To freeze after cooking, let the gnocchi cool completely, then freeze them the same way. When you’re ready to cook them, just toss them straight into boiling water – no need to thaw!

What if my dough is too sticky?

Ah, the dreaded sticky dough! Don’t panic! Just add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together into a smooth, slightly tacky dough. Be careful not to add too much, or your gnocchi will be tough! You’re looking for a dough that’s easy to handle, but not so sticky that it clings to everything. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but you’ll get the hang of it!

Enjoy Your Homemade Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi!

Alright, you’ve got everything you need! Now get in that kitchen and whip up some amazing Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi! Let me know how it turns out – rate the recipe or leave a comment! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

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