Kabocha Squash Gnocchi Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with this tender, homemade Kabocha Squash Gnocchi. Made with the natural sweetness of kabocha squash and paired with a luscious butter-sage sauce, this dish is a comforting celebration of fall flavors. While it takes a bit of effort, the results are absolutely worth it!

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi:

  • 1 small kabocha squash (about 2 lbs), roasted and mashed
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½–2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

For the Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6–8 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

Prepare the Kabocha Squash

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, or until tender.
  2. Scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Gnocchi Dough
3. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of the mashed squash, ricotta, egg, and salt. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky. Avoid overmixing.
4. Divide the dough into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about ½ inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces. If desired, roll each piece over the back of a fork to create ridges.

Cook the Gnocchi
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Make the Sauce
6. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and fry until crispy, about 1 minute. Remove the sage and set aside.
7. Add the garlic to the butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the cooked gnocchi, stirring to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve
8. Plate the gnocchi and garnish with the crispy sage leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm!

Kabocha Squash Gnocchi Pasta is a delightful way to bring the essence of autumn to your table. The delicate gnocchi and rich butter-sage sauce make every bite indulgent. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!