Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Homemade Recipe

Embrace the warmth of Italian cuisine with this butternut squash pasta recipe. It’s a homemade gnocchi dish that captures autumn’s essence. The sweetness of roasted squash meets the rustic charm of handcrafted pasta. It’s perfect for cozy nights, boosting your cooking skills while keeping it simple and satisfying.

Notably, Christine McMichael’s butternut squash gnocchi has a 4.84 out of 5 rating from 24 voters. It’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it a meal that’s sure to impress. Each serving contains 575 calories, making it ideal for a hearty dinner or a special weekend lunch.

Key Takeaways

• Prep time is just 15 minutes, with 30 minutes of cooking.
• Recipe yields 4 generous servings.
• Vegetarian-friendly and packed with nutrients.
• Features key fall ingredients like butternut squash and sage.
• Can be customized with gluten-free options.
• Offers a perfect blend of Italian tradition and autumn flavors.

Introduction to Homemade Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Homemade pasta fans, rejoice! Butternut squash gnocchi brings a new twist to Italian dumplings. This recipe turns simple ingredients into soft, flavorful pockets. Let’s explore homemade gnocchi and why it’s a favorite among pasta enthusiasts.

Making these Italian dumplings is simpler than you think. The secret is in the right mix of ingredients. For a basic gnocchi dough, you need:

• 1/2 cup butternut squash puree
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1-2 cups flour (added gradually)

To begin with, the secret to soft gnocchi is using less water and flour. Start with 1 cup of flour and add more in 1/4 cup bits until right. Remember, a little flour goes a long way!

Shape your gnocchi into half-tablespoon portions of dough. These delicate dumplings cook fast, in about 2 minutes. Cook them fresh or freeze for later.

Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

Making butternut squash gnocchi needs fresh produce, pantry staples, and special tools. Let’s look at what you need to make this tasty homemade pasta.

Fresh Butternut Squash Selection

The main ingredient is butternut squash. Pick a large, fresh squash that weighs about 3 pounds. This will give you 2 cups of cooked and drained puree, just right for your gnocchi. On the other hand don’t use frozen squash because it has too much moisture.

Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Basic Pantry Ingredients

Here are the pantry items you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Olive oil
• Nutmeg (optional)

For the sage butter sauce, you’ll need:

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons chopped sage
• Shallot
• Dry white wine
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Required Equipment

Make sure you have these tools:

With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make butternut squash gnocchi. Fresh ingredients and the right tools will make your homemade pasta perfect every time.

Preparing the Butternut Squash Gnocchi

The secret to great butternut squash gnocchi is in how you prepare the squash. Let’s explore the roasting process. We’ll learn how to get the squash just right for your homemade pasta.

Roasting Process

First, heat your oven to 400°F. Cut a 3-pound butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Put the halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet. Roast for 50-60 minutes, until a knife slides through the thickest part easily.

Achieving Perfect Texture

After roasting, scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. You want a creamy squash puree. You’ll need about 4 cups of puree for this recipe. This smoothness will make your gnocchi soft and velvety.

Moisture Control Tips

It’s important to control moisture for the right gnocchi texture. After blending, wrap the squash in a clean towel and squeeze out water. This helps prevent your dough from being too wet, which can make your gnocchi gummy.

• Use a fine-mesh strainer to drain excess liquid.
• Spread the puree on a baking sheet and let it cool, allowing moisture to evaporate.
• If the purée is too dry, add a little olive oil for smoothness.

By following these steps, you’ll get the perfect roasted butternut squash for your gnocchi. This preparation ensures your pasta will have the perfect texture and taste. It’s the start of a delicious homemade meal.

Making the Gnocchi Dough

To summarize making homemade pasta dough for butternut squash gnocchi is easier than you think. You’ll need 2 cups of butternut squash puree, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of salt. The secret to great gnocchi dough is finding the right mix of these ingredients.

Start by mixing the butternut squash puree with the beaten egg in a big bowl. Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing gently with your hands. Aim for a dough that’s well combined but not overworked. Knead for 20-30 seconds to mix everything well.

If the dough seems too wet, add a bit of flour at a time until it’s just right. Using less flour makes the gnocchi light and fluffy. After your dough is perfect, let it rest for 15 minutes before shaping your butternut squash pasta.

• Use 1.4 pounds of butternut squash for 1 1/4 cups of puree.
• Add flour gradually to control texture
• Knead minimally to prevent tough gnocchi.
• Allow dough to rest before shaping.

Follow these steps to make a tasty gnocchi dough. The butternut squash’s natural sweetness will make each bite a joy.

Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Learning to shape gnocchi is essential for making perfect butternut squash pasta. This part will teach you the key techniques for making these tasty pillows of flavor.

Shaping Techniques

Begin by splitting your dough into smaller pieces. Roll each into a rope that’s about 1/2 inch thick. Then, cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to make your gnocchi.

For a rustic look, press each piece with a fork. This creates ridges that help sauce stick to your pasta, making every bite more flavorful.

Traditional Rolling Methods

Gnocchi rolling is a classic method. Use a gnocchi board or the back of a fork to get authentic ridges. These grooves are great for holding onto sauce, boosting flavor in each bite.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade pasta later. Place your shaped gnocchi on a floured baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Cook them right away or freeze them for later.

With these tips, you’ll make restaurant-quality butternut squash gnocchi at home. Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get at shaping gnocchi. Enjoy the journey and relish your homemade pasta creations!

Sage Butter Sauce Recipe

Elevate your butternut squash gnocchi with a classic Italian pasta sauce. This sage butter sauce recipe perfectly complements the sweet, nutty flavors of the gnocchi.

Sauce Ingredients

To create this delicious gnocchi sauce, you’ll need:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup fresh sage leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Butternut Squash Gnocchi: Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect sage butter sauce:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sage leaves and cook until crispy.
3. Continue cooking until the butter turns a toasty-brown color with a nutty aroma.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Seasoning Balance

The key to a great sage butter sauce lies in its seasoning balance. The rich butter complements the earthy sage, while lemon juice adds brightness. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, ensuring the sauce enhances the gnocchi without overpowering it.

Cooking Perfect Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Learning to cook gnocchi is essential for enjoying this homemade pasta. It’s simple, but timing is everything for the right texture.

First, boil a large pot of salted water. This step is vital for cooking gnocchi right. When the water is boiling, add your homemade butternut squash gnocchi in small batches. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking.

Monitor the gnocchi during their cooking process. They’ll float to the top in 1-2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to take them out quickly. Overcooking can make them mushy, so timing is critical.

To enhance flavor, put the cooked gnocchi in your sage butter sauce. The pasta water helps the sauce stick to the gnocchi. Toss gently to coat each piece well.

• Boil water in a large pot.
• Cook gnocchi in small batches.
• Remove when they float (1-2 minutes).
• Transfer directly to sauce

Fresh homemade pasta cooks faster than store-bought. This quick cooking keeps the butternut squash gnocchi’s flavor fresh. It makes for a dish you’ll remember.

Storage and Freezing Methods

Learning how to store gnocchi is key to enjoying your homemade butternut squash pasta whenever you want. Whether you plan to eat it soon or later, storing it right is essential. This keeps its flavor and texture perfect.

Fresh Storage Guidelines

Store your fresh gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you’re ready, reheat them gently to keep their softness.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing your homemade pasta is a smart move to keep it longer. Lay out the gnocchi on a floured baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Then, put them in freezer bags. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Thawing Recommendations

Freezing gnocchi makes it easy to cook without thawing. Just toss the frozen pieces into boiling water. They might take an extra minute or two to cook, but they’ll taste fresh.

With these tips, you can enjoy your butternut squash gnocchi whenever you want. Remember, you don’t need to thaw them. Cooking them straight from the freezer keeps their texture and taste great.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your butternut squash gnocchi even better with great pairings. It’s perfect as a main dish or starter. It brings together amazing flavors and textures.

Wine Recommendations

Choose light, crisp whites for wine with pasta. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are great. They cut through the gnocchi’s creamy feel.

Side Dish Options

Pair your gnocchi with Italian sides for a full meal. Garlic green beans add a nice crunch. A winter kale salad brings a fresh bitterness. These sides make the meal healthier and tastier.

Garnishing Ideas

Elevate your gnocchi with creative garnishes. For example, add more Parmigiano Reggiano for a salty taste. Alternatively, crush amaretti cookies for a sweet crunch. Additionally, fried sage leaves add a crispy, aromatic touch. Finally, finish with extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious sheen and flavor.

Above all, these ideas are just the start. Feel free to try different pairings to find your favorite. After all, butternut squash gnocchi offers endless culinary adventures.

Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C—learn more about its health benefits here.

Conclusion

Making homemade gnocchi is a fun cooking journey. In fact, it turns butternut squash into a tasty Italian dish. Notably, our recipe makes 4 servings, each with 9g of protein and 7g of fiber.

Moreover, it’s a balanced meal with 61g of carbs and only 7g of fat. After testing it thoroughly, we’ve perfected this recipe through 5 tests. As a result, you can now make restaurant-quality gnocchi at home.

It only takes 30 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook. You’ll get 3 portions, great for a cozy dinner or meal prep. Remember, boil the gnocchi for 1-2 minutes until they float. Then, fry them with aioli for about 5 minutes.

This gnocchi recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Butternut squash adds fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Gnocchi are perfect for creamy sauces, making them a great choice for autumn flavors in your kitchen.

Butternut Squash Gnocchi: FAQs