Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Published: November 16, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet butternut squash pairs beautifully with the nutty brown butter and aromatic sage.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile Dish: Suitable for any meal—serve it as a main course or a side dish.
Impressive Presentation: The gnocchi look and taste gourmet, making them perfect for entertaining guests.
Seasonal Delight: Utilize fresh butternut squash in fall and winter for maximum flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Preparation is key to creating the best Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce. Gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Pot for boiling
Baking sheet
Potato masher
Skillet

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly when making the gnocchi dough.
Pot for boiling: Necessary for cooking the gnocchi quickly while retaining their shape.
Skillet: Ideal for making the brown butter sauce, allowing you to control heat effectively.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

1 cup butternut squash puree
1 large egg
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

½ cup unsalted butter
8-10 fresh sage leaves
¼ cup pecans, chopped

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Begin by roasting the butternut squash.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half, scoop out seeds, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for about 30-40 minutes until tender. Let cool before scooping out the flesh.

Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough

Combine ingredients to form a dough.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine butternut squash puree, egg, salt, and half of the flour.
2. Mix until combined, then gradually add remaining flour until you have a soft dough.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

Form your gnocchi shapes.
1. Lightly flour your work surface. Divide dough into four portions.
2. Roll each portion into long ropes about ¾ inch thick.
3. Cut into 1-inch pieces and use a fork to create ridges on each piece.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Boil them to perfection.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add gnocchi in batches; they are done when they float (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Create a rich sauce to elevate your dish.
1. In a skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
2. Add sage leaves, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Stir in chopped pecans, cooking until toasted.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Bring everything together!
1. Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet with sauce; toss gently to coat.
2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Serving Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce is all about enhancing its rich flavors and textures. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your guests.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery contrast.
Spinach and Feta: Combine baby spinach with crumbled feta and walnuts for added crunch.

Add Grated Cheese

Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory touch that complements the sauce.
Ricotta: Dollops of ricotta can bring creaminess to each bite, balancing the nutty flavors.

Serve in a Bowl

Rustic Presentation: Use deep bowls for a cozy, rustic look, making it easy to enjoy every last bit of sauce.
Garnish with Sage: Top with crispy sage leaves for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Perfecting your Butternut Squash Gnocchi involves attention to detail in both texture and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure success.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash yields a sweeter, more flavorful gnocchi.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough gnocchi; just combine until smooth.
Test for Doneness: Cook a small piece first; it should float when ready.
Brown the Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely as it browns to avoid burning while achieving that nutty flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Complementing your Butternut Squash Gnocchi with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Consider these delicious options to serve alongside.

Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread serves as a perfect accompaniment, ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots bring color and nutrition to your plate.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and tanginess, balancing the richness of the gnocchi.
Mushroom Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs beautifully, offering a comforting side that’s equally flavorful.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus provides a fresh contrast and vibrant color.
Quinoa Pilaf: A quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs adds texture and enhances the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Overcooking the gnocchi: This can lead to mushy dumplings. Cook them just until they float in boiling water for the best texture.
Not using enough flour: If your dough is too sticky, it can be difficult to shape. Add flour gradually until you achieve a workable consistency.
Ignoring the sage: Fresh sage adds depth to the sauce. Don’t skip this ingredient or substitute it with dried sage, as the flavor will be different.
Skipping the brown butter technique: Brown butter enhances the flavor of your sauce. Be patient when browning it; watch closely to avoid burning.
Forgetting to toast the pecans: Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and adds crunch. Always toast your pecans before adding them to the dish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Freeze gnocchi separately from the sauce for best results.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
Consume within 2-3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread gnocchi and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place gnocchi and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, combine gnocchi and sauce. Stir gently until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the gnocchi and freeze them before cooking. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

How do I know if my gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi is ready when it floats to the surface of boiling water. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or hazelnuts can be great alternatives if you prefer different flavors or have nut allergies.

What should I serve with Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce?

This dish pairs well with simple salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe contains butter; however, you can substitute vegan butter for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Pecan Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins according to your preference. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions—try making it at home today!

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