Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Skillet is a delightful dish that hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers. Picture this: tender gnocchi nestled among savory sausage, earthy kale, and sweet, nutty butternut squash, all melded together in one pan. It sings the song of fall with every bite, bringing seasonal ingredients to the forefront. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. So grab your skillet and join me in creating this vibrant dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Trust me, once you taste this meal, it will quickly become a go-to favorite!
Why This Recipe Works
This Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Skillet stands out for a few wonderful reasons. First off, the flavors work in perfect harmony. The nuttiness of the butternut squash complements the savory sausage. Plus, the earthiness of the kale adds depth, making every bite a delightful experience.
Another great aspect is the one-pan method. You can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal cleanup, which is a lifesaver on busy nights. You’ll just use one skillet, making the process straightforward and efficient.
Let’s not forget about the ingredients! Seasonal produce not only tastes better but also packs in nutrition. You’ll impress your friends and family with both the taste and the health benefits. It’s truly a win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Skillet
You’re going to love how comforting and hearty this dish is, yet it remains light enough for any occasion. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip it up without compromising on flavor. That’s right; busy weeknights don’t have to mean bland dinners!
Not to mention, the visual appeal of this Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Skillet is simply irresistible. The vibrant colors invite you to dig in, making it not just a meal, but a feast for the eyes too. Everyone around the table will enjoy not just the taste but also the beauty of this dish.
Ingredients
To make this fantastic skillet dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 links Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (1/2 inch cubes)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray it with cooking oil or just drizzle in a teaspoon. Squeeze the sausage from its casing into the skillet, breaking it up with a potato masher or wooden spoon. Cook until it’s crumbly and brown. Afterward, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any excess grease.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion along with the cubed butternut squash. Don’t forget to season with some salt and pepper. Cook the veggies over medium heat, stirring them frequently until the squash is golden and tender.
Enhance with Flavors
Once the squash softens (around 8-10 minutes), stir in the garlic, rosemary, nutmeg, and optional red pepper flakes. Let that cook for about a minute. You’ll start to smell those wonderful flavors coming together—yum!
Incorporate Broth and Gnocchi
Next, pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Add in the gnocchi and chopped kale, then cover the skillet with a lid. This step lets everything simmer together perfectly.
Simmer
Let the mixture bubble over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to become tender and soak up all that delicious broth.
Combine with Sausage
Now it’s time to bring back the sausage! Remove the lid and gently stir in the cooked sausage. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for a couple more minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Serve Immediately
Once the cheese has melted and everything is combined beautifully, it’s time to serve! Enjoy the medley of flavors and textures right away for the best experience.
Serving Suggestions
To take your meal to the next level, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The refreshing contrast balances the richness of the skillet. You could also serve it alongside some crusty bread. This way, you can soak up that delicious broth!
Tips for Success
For the best results, ensure the butternut squash is cut into uniform cubes. This helps it cook evenly. If you enjoy a spicy kick, you can always increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Variations
Feel free to switch it up! If you’re not a huge fan of kale, swap it out for spinach or Swiss chard. You can also use whole wheat gnocchi for a healthier twist. Enjoy experimenting as you discover your favorite version!
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, reheat the skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if it looks a bit dry.
Pairing Ideas
A lovely glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the dish, enhancing its rich flavors. You could also serve it with garlic bread, making your meal experience even more complete.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?
Yes! Just add frozen gnocchi directly into the skillet without thawing.
2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meatless twist.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep all the ingredients beforehand and cook it right before serving.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
5. What can I add to make it creamier?
Stir in some heavy cream or Greek yogurt right before serving for an extra creamy texture.
This Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Skillet truly brings together comfort and nourishment. With easy preparation and vibrant flavors, this recipe is one to embrace, especially during the cozy fall and winter months!
Print
Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Skillet
This hearty skillet dish combines tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and earthy kale with the sweetness of butternut squash, making it a perfect comforting meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 links Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (1/2 inch cubes)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the sausage until brown.
- Add olive oil, onions, and butternut squash. Season with salt and pepper and cook until tender.
- Stir in garlic, rosemary, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes for a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, add gnocchi and kale, and cover to simmer.
- After 5 minutes, incorporate the cooked sausage, season to taste.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover, and let it melt.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Cut the butternut squash into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 50
