Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine and the comforting warmth of seasonal ingredients. This Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Gnocchi is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine tender, pillowy gnocchi nestled with spicy Italian sausage, sweet roasted butternut squash, and vibrant spinach, all brought together with a sprinkle of rich Parmesan cheese. One bite, and you'll be transported to a cozy trattoria in the heart of Italy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 package gnocchi
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- While the gnocchi is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the butternut squash is tender, add the spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the sausage, butternut squash, and spinach. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve the Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Gnocchi warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Ingredient Preparation is Key: Make sure to cut your butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcook the Gnocchi: Watch carefully when boiling – gnocchi are done as soon as they float to the surface, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes.
- Use a Large Skillet: Give your ingredients plenty of room to cook and caramelize, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook to build layers of flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for extra heat or swap spinach with kale for a different nutritional profile.Pro Chef Tip: Let the sausage develop a nice golden-brown crust before adding other ingredients – this will add depth and richness to your final dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 638kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
