Skip to main content

Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with rocket & amaretti crumble


There are some dishes that just feel like a hug in a bowl, and this is one of them. I still remember the first time I made it, after seeing it from Jamie Oliver, and it’s been a favourite in our kitchen ever since… especially yours.

It’s my go-to when we want something cosy but don’t want to spend hours cooking. The gnocchi turns soft and pillowy, the squash melts into the creamiest sauce, and then there’s that little sprinkle of crushed amaretti on top... sweet, crunchy, and somehow completely perfect.

I love that this is one of your favourites. I hope one day, when you make it in your own kitchen, it brings you the same comfort and warmth it’s always brought to ours and that with every bite, it reminds you of me.

Ingredients:

  • 300–350g prepared butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 3 tbsp double cream
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (just a pinch)
  • Salt & black pepper
  • 1 tsp olive oil (plus 1 tsp extra for the rocket)
  • 15g butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 500g fresh gnocchi
  • 30g grated parmesan
  • 2 amaretti biscuits, crumbled
  • A couple of handfuls of rocket leaves
  • Juice of ½ lemon


Instructions:
  1. Cook the Squash: Place the diced squash into a microwave-safe bowl with 3 tablespoons of water. Cover tightly with cling film and pierce once to release steam. Microwave on high for 12–15 minutes, or until the squash is very soft.
  2. Blend into a Sauce: Tip the cooked squash (water included!) into a blender or food processor. Add the double cream, season with salt and pepper, and grate in a little nutmeg. Blend until completely smooth and velvety.
  3. Sauté the Base Flavour: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil with the butter in a frying pan over low heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking gently until softened but not browned. This adds lovely sweetness.
  4. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, until tender and floating.
  5. Combine the Magic: Pour the squash sauce into the pan with the softened onion and garlic. Add the grated parmesan and warm gently, stirring. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of gnocchi cooking water.
  6. Mix it All Together: Drain the gnocchi, keeping back a ladleful of the cooking water just in case. Tip the gnocchi straight into the sauce and stir so each piece gets coated beautifully.
  7. Finish and Serve: Divide the gnocchi into shallow bowls. Crumble over the amaretti biscuits for a gorgeous sweet crunch. Toss the rocket with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and the lemon juice, then place a generous handful on top of each bowl.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy, preferably curled up on the sofa while watching your favourite show. Bon appétit!
💬 If you try it, let me know what you think — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to My Journey: Finding Strength Through Sharing

Hey there, and welcome to My World My Life , my little corner of the internet. After what felt like an endless process, I’ve finally moved all my old blog posts from their outdated home to this fresh new space. It wasn’t easy, balancing this with treatment, work, and family life, but with a little help from my family, I made sure every post made it over intact. No missing entries, no broken links (because let’s be honest, that totally would have happened). Now that everything is in place, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. This blog isn’t just about sharing my journey; it’s about creating a space where we can connect, support one another, and navigate life’s unexpected twists together. One of those twists came in the form of breast cancer. One moment, I was going about my usual routine, and the next, I was sitting in a doctor’s office, hearing words that didn’t feel real. In an instant, my world flipped upside down. My days became a whirlwind of appointments, treatments, and ...
2 comments
Read more

Mediterranean courgette, goat cheese & mint tart

This is one of those recipes that always makes me think of grandma and our family meals. Growing up, whenever she made stuffed courgettes (zucchini), she never let anything go to waste. After scooping out the cores, she’d turn them into something just as delicious... like this simple, flavourful tart. It always felt like a little extra treat, made with so much love. Every time I make it now, it takes me right back to those warm, comforting moments around the table. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without being fussy... perfect for a relaxed picnic on the beach, a lazy lunch in the garden, or a cosy meal at home. The courgettes turn soft and sweet, pairing beautifully with tangy goat cheese and rich black olive tapenade. And with flaky puff pastry as the base, it looks impressive but is really so easy to make. I hope that one day, when you make it yourself, it brings you the same comfort and joy it always brings me and maybe even reminds you of me. Ingredients: 2 cups of courg...
2 comments
Read more

Looking back, moving forward: My cancerversary journey

Two years ago today, my world – and my family's – was completely turned upside down with my breast cancer diagnosis . Sitting in that sterile doctor's office, hearing the words I never expected to hear, I felt the weight of fear, uncertainty, and everything in between. Cancer became part of my story that day, and I had no idea what to expect next. There are certain dates you never forget after a cancer diagnosis. This one became part of my story, a story that started with fear and uncertainty but, over time, grew into one about strength and resilience too. When you're diagnosed with cancer, it feels like everything changes. For many of us, it's a moment that shakes you to your core. You’re overwhelmed by emotions you don’t know how to express. Whether you’re recently diagnosed or have been living with it for a while, the impact on your mental and emotional health is undeniable. It’s not just physical; it’s psychological, emotional, and even spiritual. The trauma of a b...
Post a Comment
Read more