Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary symphony of flavors—a meal that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul! This Butternut Squash Sausage and Kale Gnocchi is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that combines the rustic charm of Italian comfort food with the vibrant nutrition of seasonal vegetables. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and dice the butternut squash into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
- While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Add the chopped kale to the sausage skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the kale begins to wilt.
- Drain the gnocchi and add them to the skillet with the sausage and kale. Add the roasted butternut squash and gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and stir to incorporate. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Butternut Squash Sausage and Kale Gnocchi!
Tips
- Roasting Technique: For the most flavorful butternut squash, cut cubes uniformly and don't overcrowd the baking sheet. This ensures caramelization and prevents steaming.
- Sausage Selection: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage with good seasoning. Spicy or mild, the choice is yours—each will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Kale Preparation: Remove the tough stems before chopping to ensure tender, easy-to-eat greens. Massaging the kale briefly can also help soften its texture.
- Gnocchi Cooking Hack: Add gnocchi to boiling water only when they're ready to be served. They cook quickly and are best when fresh and hot.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can roast the squash and cook the sausage in advance, making final assembly quick and easy on busy nights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
