Save to Pinterest A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
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.
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Save to Pinterest Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works well and cooks quickly until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- → What sausage can I substitute?
Italian chicken or turkey sausage are lighter alternatives, while plant-based sausage suits vegetarian diets.
- → How do I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in heavy cream gently over low heat and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers can add depth, and baby spinach can be stirred in for freshness.
- → How should I season the dish?
Use salt, black pepper, oregano, and optional chili flakes to enhance flavor, adjusting to personal taste.
- → What cheese complements this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding rich, savory notes.