Butternut Squash Gnocchi is a delightful twist on the classic potato version. This recipe highlights the sweet, creamy flavor of butternut squash, combining it with ricotta cheese to create a pillowy texture. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this comforting dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Its warm, inviting aroma as it bakes in the oven makes it a go-to recipe for the fall season, but truly, it’s a hit year-round!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Why Make This Butternut Squash Gnocchi
There are countless reasons to love this Butternut Squash Gnocchi. Firstly, it offers a perfect balance of flavors—sweet, nutty squash combined with creamy ricotta creates a rich, satisfying dish. Secondly, homemade gnocchi is a fun and rewarding cooking project that brings friends and family together in the kitchen. Plus, butternut squash is packed with vitamins, making this dish not only tasty but nutritious as well. With every bite, you savor not just the meal, but the joy of creation.
How to Make Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Step 1: Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and roast it for about 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and tender. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the perfect mood for your culinary adventure.
Step 2: Mixing
Once the squash has cooled enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a bowl. Mash the squash until it’s smooth, and then add the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until creamy and well-combined. The mixture should be luscious and easy to blend, with that lovely butternut squash orange hue.
Step 3: Forming the Dough
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to your mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. Make sure not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky. Lightly flour your workspace and divide the dough into smaller sections. Roll each section into long rods, about ½-inch thick, and then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Cooking
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently drop in the gnocchi and watch closely; they are ready when they float to the surface, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water. At this stage, you can serve them plain or toss them in your favorite sauce—whether it’s a simple sage butter or a rich marinara.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Gnocchi
This gnocchi is incredibly versatile! Serve it simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick meal, or elevate it with a sage brown butter sauce for a gourmet touch. Pair it with a fresh salad and your favorite white wine for a delightful dinner. Friends gathering? Make a large batch to share and watch it disappear!
How to Store Butternut Squash Gnocchi
If you have leftovers or want to prepare them ahead of time, simply refrigerate the gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Place the uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them into a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. No need to thaw before cooking; just drop them directly into boiling water!
Expert Tips for Perfect Butternut Squash Gnocchi
- Choose the Right Squash: A medium butternut squash is perfect, but choose one that feels heavy for its size.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently to keep your gnocchi light and fluffy.
- Flour Sparingly: Too much flour can make gnocchi dense. Add just enough for the dough to come together.
- Experiment with Flavors: A dash of nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Feel free to explore herbs and spices that inspire you!
- Serve Immediately: Gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh. If preparing in batches, keep them warm in a covered dish until serving.
Delicious Variations
- Herbed Gnocchi: Mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Cheesy Gnocchi: Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano directly into the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Whole Wheat Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Pumpkin Gnocchi: Substitute pumpkin puree for butternut squash for a different taste profile.
- Saucy Gnocchi: Serve with creamy Alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for delectable contrasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing. - How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?
Gnocchi are ready when they float to the top of the boiling water. This signifies that they are cooked through. - Can I make gnocchi in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gnocchi and store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for later use. - What sauces pair well with gnocchi?
Many sauces complement butternut squash gnocchi. Try brown butter and sage, Alfredo, or a simple garlic and olive oil sauce for delicious results. - Is this a gluten-free recipe?
This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
Butternut Squash Gnocchi is a wonderful dish that not only pleases the palate but also brings joy in its creation. With its comforting texture and vibrant flavors, this recipe is an excellent choice for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings. We hope you find joy in making this dish as much as enjoying it. Share it with loved ones, and relish in the delightful flavors! Happy cooking!
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Butternut Squash Gnocchi
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic gnocchi, this Butternut Squash Gnocchi combines sweet butternut squash with creamy ricotta for a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and roast cut side down for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Once cooled, scoop out the squash and mash until smooth. Mix with ricotta, egg, and salt until creamy.
- Gradually add flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Roll into rods and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil salted water and drop in gnocchi, cooking until they float (about 2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and serve.
Notes
Store gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. No need to thaw before cooking frozen gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
