Hey y'all! If you're searching for a dish that's rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs is sure to hit the spot. With pillowy gnocchi tossed in a luscious butternut squash sauce and fragrant herbs, it's a cozy comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave something hearty yet fresh. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
- The creamy, savory sauce clings perfectly to each gnocchi bite for ultimate comfort.
- Ideal for quick weeknight meals—ready in under 40 minutes.
- Easy to customize with your favorite fresh herbs or even a sprinkle of cheese.
- Vegetarian-friendly and packed with fall-inspired flavor.
- Impresses guests but is simple enough for beginner cooks!
Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
- 1 (12 oz) package potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 small squash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Directions: Step-by-Step Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the squash is fork-tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- While the squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic, thyme, and sage; cook for another 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce
- Add roasted squash and vegetable broth to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then transfer mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and silky.
- Return the sauce to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer over low heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 2–3 minutes. Drain well.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy butternut squash sauce. Gently toss to coat every piece.
- Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes: Tips for Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
- For ultra-smooth sauce, use a high-speed blender (more on blending techniques).
- Try store-bought pre-cubed butternut squash to save prep time.
- Substitute half-and-half for cream if you want a lighter sauce.
Variations: Make It Your Own
- Vegan Version: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan (see tips at Bon Appétit).
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken sausage or chickpeas.
- Green & Fresh: Add a handful of baby spinach or kale before serving.
Required Equipment for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- High-powered or immersion blender
- Large pot for boiling gnocchi
- Strainer
- Chef's knife & cutting board
Storage Instructions: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate and gnocchi can become mushy. For more on food safety, check FoodSafety.gov.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or focaccia.
- Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
- Pair with a glass of dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Pro Tips for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
- Don't overcook gnocchi—they're done as soon as they float!
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability (see cheese grating tips).
- Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy touch.
FAQ: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
- Can I use frozen butternut squash?
- Yes! Thaw and drain well before roasting to avoid extra moisture.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi—double check labels!
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Absolutely, prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before tossing with fresh gnocchi.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the butternut squash cubes and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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3Add the cooked butternut squash to the skillet. Mash gently with a spoon. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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4Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh sage, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
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5Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain well.
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6Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy butternut squash sauce. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs and Parmesan if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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