Description
A comforting and flavorful Butternut Squash Gnocchi recipe featuring roasted butternut squash blended into a creamy herb sauce, paired with tender gnocchi and sautéed kale, topped with parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish brings together autumn flavors with fresh herbs and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash & Sauce
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting squash)
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups milk (of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage
- 1 medium shallot
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (divided: 1 tbsp for shallot, 1 tbsp for kale)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 2 tbsp for shallot and kale, 1 tbsp for roasting squash)
Other
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 cups kale
- More parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the butternut squash.
- Drizzle Squash With Oil: Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle it evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, tossing gently to coat.
- Roast the Squash: Roast the squash in the oven for about 25 minutes, until it becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Boil Gnocchi: While the squash is roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook them according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Shallot: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the fresh thyme and sage, sautéing for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to release their flavors.
- Blend Sauce: Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a blender. Add the sautéed shallot and herbs, 1 1/2 cups of milk, red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Add more milk if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Add Parmesan: Pour the blended sauce into a pot on the stove over medium heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Sauté Kale: Using the same skillet from the shallots, add the kale, the remaining 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté until the kale is wilted but still vibrant green.
- Combine Gnocchi, Sauce, & Kale: Add the cooked gnocchi and sautéed kale into the pot with the creamy butternut squash sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through.
- Top With Parmesan: Serve the gnocchi topped with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your warm, savory dish!
Notes
- Milk choice can be dairy or plant-based depending on preference; adjust quantity to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Make sure not to overcook the kale to retain some texture and vibrant color.
- Leftover gnocchi can be stored separately to maintain texture before combining.
- Using fresh herbs significantly enhances the flavor profile compared to dried herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian