Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This gnocchi with roasted squash and burst cherry tomatoes recipe is the perfect answer. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s bursting with autumnal goodness and is sure to become a new weeknight favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and is a great example of quick dinner ideas. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it for larger gatherings!
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. For even cooking, make sure the squash cubes are relatively uniform in size.
Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes: In the last 10 minutes of the squash roasting time, add the cherry tomatoes to the baking sheet. They'll burst beautifully in the oven and add a sweet and tangy element to the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi: While the squash and tomatoes are roasting, cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Usually, this involves boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface. Drain well.
Step 4: Combine and Serve: Once the squash and tomatoes are roasted and the gnocchi is cooked, gently combine everything in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and aroma.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the squash and tomatoes for a little heat.
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp.
- Different squash: Feel free to experiment with other winter squashes like acorn squash or delicata squash.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or crème fraîche for a richer, creamier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 10-12 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
This gnocchi with roasted squash and burst cherry tomatoes recipe is a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s also a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking. Enjoy!