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Savory Squash & Spinach Gnocchi: Comfort in Every Bite Recipe

4.5 from 77 reviews

Enjoy a comforting and hearty dish with this Savory Squash & Spinach Gnocchi recipe, perfect for autumn cravings. Creamy butternut squash blended into a luscious sauce pairs beautifully with tender spinach and soft gnocchi, creating a flavorful Italian-inspired meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sauce

  • 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 500 grams frozen butternut squash chunks
  • 150 milliliters vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons single cream
  • 40 grams Italian vegetarian hard cheese, grated

For the Gnocchi

  • 235 grams ready-washed spinach
  • 500 grams gnocchi di patate

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, frying for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, forming the flavor base of the sauce.
  2. Cook Squash: Add the frozen butternut squash chunks to the pan and fry for another 5 minutes until they start to soften, integrating the sweetness and creamy texture into the dish.
  3. Simmer with Stock: Pour in 150 milliliters of vegetable stock, cover the pan, and cook for 10 minutes until the squash is tender and ready to blend, ensuring the sauce is well-infused with flavor.
  4. Blend Sauce: Transfer the cooked squash mixture to a blender, add 2 tablespoons of single cream and two-thirds of the grated cheese, then blend until the sauce is thick and smooth, creating a creamy base for the gnocchi.
  5. Sauté Spinach: In the same sauté pan, heat the remaining olive oil and cook the 235 grams of spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted, adding vibrant color and nutrients to the dish.
  6. Combine Sauce and Spinach: Stir the creamy squash sauce and wilted spinach together in the pan to create a harmonious filling sauce.
  7. Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the 500 grams of gnocchi for about 2 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
  8. Coat Gnocchi in Sauce: Drain the gnocchi thoroughly and gently stir them into the squash and spinach sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  9. Serve: Plate the gnocchi, garnish with the remaining grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper for a perfect finishing touch, and serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • For optimal freshness, store gnocchi and sauce separately if freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added herbal note and vibrant presentation.
  • Use vegetable stock to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.

Keywords: savory squash gnocchi, spinach gnocchi recipe, autumn comfort food, Italian gnocchi dish, creamy butternut squash sauce, vegetarian pasta