The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting meal, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate. With its creamy texture and rich flavors from roasted squash and garlic, this gnocchi is perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. Trust me, once you serve this up, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to favorites. It’s simple enough for weekday dinners but special enough to impress guests. Plus, it combines all the wonderful flavors of fall in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavor of butternut squash and the creamy mozzarella.
• Make-ahead friendly: Roast the squash ahead of time, and toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.
• Satisfying comfort food: This dish brings warmth and joy, making it ideal for chilly evenings or gatherings.
• Deliciously versatile: Feel free to tweak ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are not only wholesome but also easily accessible! They come together beautifully to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

For the Gnocchi

• 500 g butternut squash (peeled and chopped into 2.5 cm cubes)
• 3 sprigs rosemary (leaves picked and finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 yellow onion (finely sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 500 g shelf-stable gnocchi
• 50 g parmesan (grated)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 30 g walnuts (roughly chopped (2 tablespoons))
• 75 ml milk
• 50 g turkey strips or turkey slices (chopped)
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella (torn into 4-6 pieces)

Variations

One of the best things about The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: If you prefer chicken or even chickpeas, those work wonderfully as substitutes for turkey.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Change up the nuts: Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts for a different crunch.
• Try different cheeses: Feel free to experiment with feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor twist.

How to Make The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180ºC. This step is crucial because it ensures that your vegetables roast evenly, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the butternut squash cubes, sliced onion, and peeled garlic on a baking tray. Sprinkle with rosemary and drizzle everything with olive oil. This combination will infuse your veggies with amazing flavor as they roast.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye out until the onions are golden, and the squash is soft. Roasting really enhances their flavors!

Step 4: Make the Purée

Transfer your roasted goodies to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed for that perfect thick consistency. This purée will be the heart of your sauce!

Step 5: Cook the Turkey Strips

In a medium frying pan with high sides, heat just 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of olive oil over medium heat. Fry those turkey strips until crispy! This adds a wonderful texture contrast to your gnocchi.

Step 6: Prepare the Gnocchi

Spoon that luscious butternut squash purée into your frying pan along with water and milk. Stir in the shelf-stable gnocchi gently simmering uncovered for about 8-10 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Stir in parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice—this adds brightness! Taste it, and adjust seasoning if necessary before folding in half of those crispy turkey strips.

Step 8: Melt the Mozzarella

Place torn mozzarella pieces on top of your gnocchi mixture. Slide your pan under the grill until melted—about 5 minutes should do it! The gooey cheese is such an irresistible finish.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top off your dish with remaining turkey strips, cracked black pepper, walnuts, and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite!

Now that you’ve got all these steps laid out clearly, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s truly one you’ll want to keep close at hand for all occasions—happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Creating the perfect butternut squash gnocchi is easier than you might think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out absolutely delicious.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and herbs will bring out the best flavors in your dish. Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Don’t rush the roasting: Taking the time to roast your squash and garlic until they’re golden can enhance their natural sweetness and add depth of flavor to your purée.
• Adjust the texture: If your purée is too thick, add a splash of water or milk to achieve a smoother consistency. A well-blended sauce ensures every bite of gnocchi is coated perfectly.
• Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Taste your sauce before serving and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if necessary. This ensures that every element shines through.
• Experiment with cheeses: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different cheese varieties alongside or instead of parmesan, like pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, to customize the flavor profile.

How to Serve The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Serving this dish beautifully can enhance both its visual appeal and flavor experience. Here are some delightful ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds a fresh touch and brightens up the dish visually.
• Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper provides a subtle kick that complements the sweetness of the squash.
• Toasted pumpkin seeds: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top; they add both texture and nutty flavor to the dish.

Side Dishes

• Simple arugula salad: Toss together fresh arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a light and peppery counterpoint to the rich gnocchi.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These crispy sprouts seasoned with salt and balsamic vinegar offer a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy gnocchi.
• Garlic bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for those who love a bit of crunch and buttery goodness alongside their meal.
• Steamed green beans: Bright green beans lightly steamed maintain their crunchiness and provide a colorful contrast on your plate while adding nutritional value.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have an unforgettable dining experience that highlights The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This butternut squash gnocchi is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To maintain flavor and texture, consider keeping sauce separate if possible.

Freezing

• Let the cooked gnocchi cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or milk until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I make The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.

How do I store The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi leftovers?

Store your leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I substitute the turkey strips in this recipe?

Yes! You can use chicken strips, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted veggies if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

What is the best way to reheat butternut squash gnocchi?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of water or milk added until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi! This recipe brings together comforting flavors that are perfect for any cozy night at home. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a casual dinner, this dish will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your own twists on this delightful recipe!