Keto Butternut Squash Gnocchi
A hearty autumn pasta dish combining tender butternut squash gnocchi with savory chicken apple sausage, sweet caramelized apples, and wilted spinach. Finished with nutty brown butter sage sauce and melted fontina and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for cool weather dinners when you want something comforting yet sophisticated. The combination of sweet apples and savory sausage creates a balanced flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the earthy gnocchi.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken apple sausage, sliced into coinsItalian sausage1:1dietary
use sweet Italian for similar flavor profile
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 apples, chopped into cubes
- ½ pound fresh spinach
- ½ pound butternut squash gnocchipotato gnocchi1:1availabilitydairy-free
traditional option works well
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 handful sage leaves
- ½ cup fontina cheese, gratedgruyere cheese1:1availability
similar melting properties and nutty flavor
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Slice chicken sausages into coins and chop onion and apples
- 2
Bring large pot of salted water to boil, add gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes after they float, then drain
- 3
Heat oil and butter in large frying pan, add onions, apples and sausage coins, cook on medium high until sausages brown
- 4
Flip sausages and continue cooking, add spinach when almost done and stir until wilted
- 5
Remove sausage mixture from pan and set aside
- 6
Add butter to pan, melt, then add drained gnocchi and fry on medium high until browned and crispy
- 7
Remove gnocchi and add remaining butter to pan, cook until browned and bubbling
- 8
Add sage leaves and cook until crispy, pour sage sauce into bowl
- 9
Return sausage mixture and gnocchi to hot pan, drizzle with brown butter sauce and sprinkle with cheeses
- 10
Cover pan until cheeses melt, then garnish with fried sage leaves
Tips
Don't overcook the gnocchi in the initial boiling stage as they will continue cooking when fried
Make sure to get good browning on the gnocchi for texture contrast against the tender vegetables
Watch the brown butter carefully as it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soften when reheated.
Can prep vegetables and cook sausage up to 1 day ahead. Cook gnocchi and assemble just before serving.
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and gnocchi are crispy.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning the gnocchi to avoid mushy texture
Don't let brown butter burn to avoid bitter flavor
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
traditional option works well
General Alternatives
similar melting properties and nutty flavor
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Add an extra minute or two to the cooking time and make sure they're fully heated through before frying.
What if I can't find chicken apple sausage?
Regular chicken sausage works fine, or try turkey sausage. You'll lose the apple sweetness but the dish will still be delicious.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Store covered for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soften when reheated, but the flavors remain good.