Squash and Gnocchi 'Mac' and Cheese

I got the idea to make this dish after trying this recipe for Gnocchi Mac and Cheese.  It was super good, and easy to make, but I like to add vegetables to everything I can and I thought squash would be a great additive to this dish.  I also added a bit of spice in the form of paprika and cayenne and I used a smoky Gouda cheese.  It turned out so well!  The squash blended in so nicely and added some colour to the dish.  Unfortunately the lighting in my house is terrible for taking food pictures, so this pic doesn't do it justice.  But trust me, in real life...yum.

Squash and Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

1/2 a large Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed

1 tbsp olive oil (or other cooking oil)

1 pound of fresh Gnocchi

2 tbsp butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp flour

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup Smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp paprika

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400F.  Put the squash into a 9x9 pan and coat with olive oil and salt and pepper.  (I like a lot of pepper, but season to your tastes.)  Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until tender but not fully cooked.

Cook Gnocchi according to package directions, drain, and set aside.  Melt butter over medium heat, add in garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds.  Whisk in flour until it bubbles.  Add milk and whisk constantly for about 3 minutes or until it begins to thicken.  Stir in the Gouda cheese until melted.  Season with cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper.  

Mix the Gnocchi in with squash and then pour the cheese sauce over top.  Top with the Parmesan cheese.  Bake for another 20 minutes, until top is golden and cheese is bubbly.  Let sit for a few minutes before serving.  Enjoy!