Save A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for busy weeknights because it combines simplicity and creamy deliciousness in one pot.
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 4 5 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 2 3 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 2 3 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 1 2 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with extra basil.
Save This dish always brings us together around the table and fills our home with warm, inviting aromas.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 530, Total Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 19 g (per serving)
Save
Enjoy this creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi as a hearty meal any night of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should gnocchi be cooked for best texture?
Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface, typically 2-3 minutes, then drain gently to maintain their pillowy texture.
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, Italian chicken or turkey sausage can be used for a lighter variant. Plant-based sausage also works for a vegetarian adaptation.
- → What adds creaminess to the sauce?
Heavy cream combined with Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and sausage beautifully.
- → Is spinach necessary in this dish?
Spinach is optional but adds a fresh, vibrant element that balances the richness of the sauce.
- → How can I customize the flavor profile?
Adding chili flakes imparts a gentle heat, and incorporating herbs like oregano and basil enhances the Italian-inspired aroma.