Impress dinner guests with this oozy squash and spinach gnocchi dish. Guests will never know you made it in just 30 minutes with the help of a microwave
Prep:15 mins
Serves 2 – 3
600g butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into small chunks (450g prepared weight)1 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle (for optional air-frying)2 garlic cloves, crushed160g baby leaf spinach250g mascarponegrating of nutmeg30g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated500g gnocchi3 tbsp fresh or dried breadcrumbs
STEP 1Put the squash in a heatproof bowl with a splash of water and pinch of seasoning, then cover and microwave on high for 5 mins. Or, toss the squash in a drizzle of oil and some seasoning, and cook for 12 mins at 200C in an air fryer until soft and caramelised. It can also be roasted in the oven for 25 mins.STEP 2Meanwhile, heat 2 tsp of the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over a medium heat and fry the garlic for 30 seconds until sizzling but not coloured. Add the spinach, season and cook until wilted.STEP 3When the squash is tender, roughly mash half of it using a fork. Stir the mashed squash and the mascarpone into the spinach, then add 150ml water and stir until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Grate in a generous amount of nutmeg and add half the parmesan. Gently stir in the gnocchi and squash chunks to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 mins until everything is heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce is very thick. Scatter over the breadcrumbs and remaining parmesan.STEP 4Heat the grill to medium-high, then slide the gnocchi under for a few minutes until golden and bubbling at the edges.
