Save to Pinterest A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
This recipe quickly became a household favorite for busy evenings when comfort food is a must.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Dairy: 500 g (1 lb) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade), 100 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 40 g (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- Oils & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 45 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and chili flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 23 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6:
- Add the spinach (if using) and basil, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Step 7:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface (about 23 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 12 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with extra basil.
Save to Pinterest Cooking this dish always reminds me of cozy family dinners around the table on chilly evenings.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Wooden spoon or spatula, Colander, Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gnocchi) Milk (cream Parmesan) and may contain Egg depending on gnocchi brand Sausage may contain additional allergens please check labels Always double-check ingredient labels for specific allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 530 Total Fat 29 g Carbohydrates 49 g Protein 19 g
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This creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi is sure to become a favorite with its perfect blend of flavors and hearty ingredients.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I cook gnocchi properly?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, usually 2-3 minutes. Drain carefully to maintain their delicate texture.
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausage can be used for a lighter option, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian variation.
- → How do I make the sauce creamy?
After simmering tomatoes with herbs and sausage, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese off the heat to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, baby spinach is optional, and sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- → What herbs work best in this dish?
Fresh basil complements the sauce beautifully, balanced with dried oregano and optional chili flakes for a subtle kick.
- → How should I adjust seasoning for best flavor?
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting after adding cream and cheese for balanced flavor.