Okay, so, hear me out: it’s officially that time of year, right? When all you want is something seriously cozy. For me, that *always* means pasta. But not just any pasta – I’m talking creamy, dreamy, fall-flavored goodness. And that, my friends, is where this butternut mascarpone gnocchi comes in.

Seriously, this stuff is like a warm hug in a bowl. The first time I tried butternut and mascarpone together? Total game-changer. I was at this tiny little place in Italy (okay, okay, it was my mate’s mum’s kitchen, but still!), and she whipped up this sauce… I swear, I nearly licked the plate clean.

So, of course, I had to recreate it. And what better way than with pillowy soft gnocchi? This butternut mascarpone gnocchi recipe is my take on that magical flavour combo, and trust me, you’re gonna want to make it. Like, tonight. I’m Oliver Hargrove, by the way! I’ve been cooking for years and I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite recipes with you.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Seriously, what’s not to love? This butternut mascarpone gnocchi is just… *chef’s kiss*. But if you need convincing, here’s the lowdown:

Quick to make: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at, like, 30 minutes tops. Perfect for a weeknight!
Incredibly creamy: That mascarpone cheese? It’s like velvet. Need I say more?
Bursting with fall flavors: Butternut squash + sage = autumn on a plate. Enough said.
Vegetarian comfort food: Meat-free but *totally* satisfying. Even your carnivore mates will love it.
Restaurant-quality at home: Forget fancy restaurants, this is honestly better! And way cheaper, obvs.

Ingredients for Your Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing butternut mascarpone gnocchi. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward:

1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
1 cup butternut squash puree (canned or homemade, whatever’s easiest!)
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (make sure it’s at room temperature, trust me!)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste (freshly ground is *always* better, if you ask me!)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Now, a few little things to keep in mind. Don’t stress too much – we’re just aiming for delicious, yeah?

Gnocchi Options

Okay, so you can totally use store-bought gnocchi for this – that’s what I usually do, tbh! But if you’re feeling fancy (or just have a lot of time on your hands), homemade gnocchi is amazing. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as homemade might need a bit longer. Oh, and if you’re gluten-free, there are some great gluten-free gnocchi options out there now!

Mascarpone Cheese

Seriously, room temperature mascarpone is key! It blends into the sauce so much better. If you forget to take it out of the fridge (oops, we’ve all been there!), you can try microwaving it for like, 5 seconds. But if you absolutely can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese will work in a pinch. It just won’t be *quite* as creamy.

Butternut Squash

Canned butternut squash puree is your best friend when you’re short on time. But if you wanna go the extra mile, roasting your own butternut squash is super easy! Just chop it up, toss it with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 200C for about 30-40 minutes, until it’s nice and soft. Then just mash it up! Boom!

How to Make Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This is the fun part! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate of creamy, dreamy butternut mascarpone gnocchi in no time. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!

Cooking the Gnocchi

First things first, get your gnocchi cooking! Just follow the package directions – usually, it involves boiling some water and chucking them in. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top. That usually takes like, 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get all mushy!

Making the Sage Butter Sauce for Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

While the gnocchi’s doing its thing, let’s make that gorgeous sage butter sauce. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped sage. Cook it for a minute or two, until it smells amazing and the butter’s just starting to get a little nutty. Careful not to burn it, though!

Creating the Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi Sauce

Now for the magic! Stir in the butternut squash puree and mascarpone cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix until everything’s smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you need to – maybe a little extra salt, or a pinch of black pepper? It’s all up to you!

Combining Gnocchi and Sauce for Your Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Drain the cooked gnocchi and add it straight to the skillet with the sauce. Toss it all together until the gnocchi is evenly coated in that creamy, butternut goodness. Make sure every little pillow is covered!

Serving the Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Alright, time to eat! Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a little extra fresh sage. And that’s it! Seriously, how easy was that?

Tips for Perfect Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few little tips to take your butternut mascarpone gnocchi from good to *amazing*!

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi

Seriously, this is key! You want the gnocchi to be tender, but not mushy. When you bite into it, it should have a slight chewiness. If it’s falling apart, you’ve gone too far! Start tasting it after a couple of minutes, and pull it out as soon as it’s ready.

Use Fresh Sage

I know, I know, dried sage is easier. But trust me on this one: fresh sage makes a *huge* difference. It has this bright, peppery flavor that just sings with the butternut squash. Dried sage can be a bit… well, dusty. If you absolutely have to use dried, use about half the amount, and maybe add a pinch of nutmeg to brighten it up.

Brown Butter Option for Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Want to take things to the next level? Make brown butter! It’s super easy – just keep cooking the butter in the skillet until it turns a nutty brown color and smells incredible. It adds this amazing depth of flavor that’s just… wow. Just be careful not to burn it! Keep a close eye on it and stir it constantly.

Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi Variations

Okay, so the basic recipe is amazing, right? But if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are tons of ways to mix things up and make this butternut mascarpone gnocchi your own!

Add Protein to Your Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Want to make it a bit more substantial? Chuck in some cooked chicken, sausage (Italian sausage would be *amazing*!), or even some crispy pancetta. Trust me, it works!

Spice It Up!

If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Not too much, or you’ll overpower the other flavors. Just a little something to warm you up from the inside out!

Vegetable Additions for Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Need to sneak in some extra greens? Wilt some spinach or kale into the sauce at the end. Or, sauté some mushrooms and add them in for an earthy flavor. So good!

Serving Suggestions for Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

This butternut mascarpone gnocchi is pretty amazing on its own, but if you wanna make it a full-on meal, here are a few ideas:

Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Something to cut through all that richness, you know?

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus would be *amazing* with this. Just toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until they’re tender and slightly crispy. Yum!

Crusty Bread

Gotta have crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce! I mean, seriously, don’t let a drop go to waste!

Storing and Reheating Your Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They’ll keep for, like, 3 days. To reheat, just microwave them (easy peasy!) or warm them up in a skillet over low heat. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce a bit.

Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask about this butternut mascarpone gnocchi recipe. Hopefully, this clears everything up!

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi recipe?

Yep, totally! Just keep in mind that frozen gnocchi might take a little longer to cook. Just keep an eye on it and make sure it’s cooked through before you drain it. It should still float to the top when it’s ready!

Can I make this Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi ahead of time?

You sure can! You can totally make the butternut gnocchi sauce a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, cook the gnocchi and toss it with the sauce. You can even make the whole dish ahead of time, but the gnocchi might get a little soft if it sits in the sauce for too long. Still tasty, though!

How do I prevent the Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi sauce from being too thick?

If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out. You can also add a little bit of the pasta water – that starchy water is like magic! It helps to bind the sauce and the gnocchi together, plus it thins it out a bit.

Is Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi suitable for freezing?

Honestly? It’s not *ideal*. The gnocchi can get a little mushy when you freeze and thaw it. But if you really want to, go for it! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it completely before reheating. You might need to add a little extra milk or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Nutritional Information for Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi

Okay, so, just a heads-up: the nutritional information for this butternut mascarpone gnocchi is just an estimate, alright? It can vary *loads* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you’re using. So, don’t take it as gospel, yeah? Just a rough guide!

Ready to Enjoy Your Butternut Mascarpone Gnocchi?

Alright, there you have it! My take on the most comforting, fall-flavored pasta dish *ever*. Give this butternut mascarpone gnocchi a go, and then let me know what you think, yeah? Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share a pic on Insta! I wanna see your creations!