If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that’s both easy and packed with flavor, Butternut Squash and Chorizo Gnocchi is the perfect choice. Creamy roasted squash, tender gnocchi, crispy halal beef chorizo, and fragrant sage come together in a rich, satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy sauce made with butternut squash and mascarpone
- Crispy halal beef chorizo adds smoky, savory flavor
- Ready in around 35 minutes
- Perfect for autumn and winter meals
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Restaurant-quality with simple ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash (about 400g prepared), peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 225g halal beef chorizo, sliced
- 20 fresh sage leaves
- 500g fresh or dried gnocchi
- 150g mascarpone
- 50g Parmesan, finely grated
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the butternut squash and cook for 10–12 minutes until tender.
- Drain and blend the squash with 150ml water until smooth to create a silky puree.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced halal beef chorizo and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly crisp and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavorful oil in the pan.
- Fry 12 whole sage leaves in the same pan for about 1 minute until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Add the gnocchi and remaining sliced sage leaves to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Lower the heat. Stir in the mascarpone until melted.
- Add the squash puree, 100ml water, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook gently for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce coats the gnocchi beautifully.
- Stir most of the crispy halal beef chorizo into the Butternut Squash and Chorizo Gnocchi, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve topped with crispy sage, reserved chorizo, and extra Parmesan.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh gnocchi becomes wonderfully crispy when pan-fried.
- Blend the squash until completely smooth for the creamiest sauce.
- Add pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Swap mascarpone for cream cheese or crème fraîche if needed.
- Toast extra sage for additional crunch and aroma.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling and Pan Frying
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-Friendly
Notes
- Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free version.
- Baby spinach can be stirred in during the last minute of cooking.
- Roasted pumpkin works well instead of butternut squash.
- Finish with cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan for the best flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
FAQ
Can I make Butternut Squash and Chorizo Gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to two days. Cook the gnocchi fresh before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
The sauce freezes well for up to three months. Freeze the gnocchi separately for the best texture.
Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?
Absolutely. Pumpkin creates a similarly creamy and slightly sweet sauce.
What can I substitute for mascarpone?
Cream cheese, ricotta, or crème fraîche all work well.
Is fresh or dried gnocchi better?
Either works, but fresh gnocchi develops a softer interior with crisp golden edges.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Butternut Squash and Chorizo Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash about 400g prepared, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 225 g halal beef chorizo sliced into rounds
- 20 fresh sage leaves 12 whole and 8 finely sliced
- 500 g fresh or dried gnocchi
- 150 g mascarpone
- 50 g Parmesan finely grated
- Extra Parmesan for serving
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the butternut squash and cook for 10–12 minutes until fork tender.
- Drain the squash and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add 150ml water and blend until completely smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced halal beef chorizo and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly crisp and golden, allowing it to release its flavorful oils.
- Remove the chorizo with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pan.
- Add the 12 whole sage leaves and fry for about 1 minute until crisp. Transfer them to paper towels.
- Add the gnocchi and the sliced sage leaves to the same pan. Cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi develops a golden, lightly crisp exterior.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mascarpone until fully melted.
- Add the smooth squash puree followed by 100ml water and the grated Parmesan.
- Stir everything together until the sauce becomes silky and creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Add small splashes of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Stir most of the crispy halal beef chorizo back into the Butternut Squash and Chorizo Gnocchi, saving a little for garnish.
- Divide into serving bowls and top with the reserved chorizo, crispy sage leaves, and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Roasted pumpkin can replace butternut squash with equally delicious results.
- Vegetarian? Omit the halal beef chorizo and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted walnuts.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese.
- Garnish with extra sage and Parmesan just before serving for the best presentation.
- Serve with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Butternut Squash and Chorizo Gnocchi combines creamy squash, crispy halal beef chorizo, pillowy gnocchi, and aromatic sage into one unforgettable comfort meal. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or preparing an easy family dinner, this recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal effort and is sure to become a seasonal favorite.