What is my go-to meal on a weeknight? What is the best gnocchi sausage recipe? I always get asked if I can make my own gnocchi, but honestly, who has time for that on a Tuesday? Is it easier to make spaghetti and meatballs? Imagine pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce, all coming together in one bowl. What is the best way to spend 30 Is it like a lasagna? Is this a staple food?
What is a gnocchi sausage recipe?
Think of it as the ultimate comfort food remix. Gnocchi, those little potato dumplings of deliciousness, meet Italian sausage in a luscious, creamy, sour dough. The sauce clings perfectly to the gnocchi, and the sausage adds this incredible depth of flavor. Is this a pasta dish? I call it “Gnocchi Sausage Dream” because that first bite always feels like you’re dreaming of an animal. What is a good meal? Is it hearty, flavorful, and ready in a flash? How does sausage render out its fat so the sauce is so delicious and savory?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What’s not to love? What I love most about this is how easy it is to throw together after a long day. What are some ways to make pre-crumbled sausage? How do you cook a pan of soup? What is the cost-efficiency? Gnocchi and sausage are both pretty affordable, and you probably already have most of the other stuff. What are the ingredients in your pantry? Is it incredibly versatile? Can you substitute turkey or sausage for spinach? What is the best sauce to use? What is the best Italian sausage sauce? Is it worth it to make a chicken pot pie? What does it mean for kids to eat every last bit of food?
How do I make gnocchi sausage?
Quick Overview
How do you brown sausage, add garlic and seasonings, stir in a can of crushed tomatoes? And some cream, and then toss in the gnocchi. Let it simmer until the gnocchi are tender, and boom! Dinner is served. Is it easy? What is the best way to cook gnocchi? Should I wear a mushy t-shirt? I find that I can get this on the table faster than I could get pizza delivered.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (I prefer sweet Italian, but spicy works too!)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version – I’ve even used almond milk in this recipe). What is your favorite pinch of lemon and it’s surprisingly delicious
* 1 (16 ounce) package gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated both work)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
What are the Step-
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
How do you heat olive oil in a Dutch oven? Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. What is the best way to do this? What are some good crispy bits?
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spices
Add the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. 30 seconds, until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? I always watch it really closely because burned garlic can ruin the whole dish.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. What is the best way to cook a chicken for 10 minutes? How do you make a sauce?
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Gnocchi
Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Gently stir to combine, making sure the gnocchi are coated in the sauce. I make sure not to be too rough stirring in the gnocchi so to not break them. I use a wide wooden spoon and stir gently.
Step 5: Simmer Until Gnocchi is Tender
Cover and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. How long do you cook a gnocchi? They’re done when they float to the surface and are soft to touch.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always taste it at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes it needs a little more salt, sometimes he needs more pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil (if using) and extra Parmesan cheese. What is a good touch of red pepper flakes?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good gnocchi sausage recipe? Is it healthy to serve a salad with it?
For a light meal:What is a good salad to serve with vinaigrette? The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of sauce.
What is a hearty meal?Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. What are some good recipes for garlic bread?
For a Special Occasion:Pair it with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot. What are some good ways to serve Caprese salad as an appetizer?
For the Kids:Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans. My kids love dipping their veggies in the sauce!
Honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight out of the bowl with a spoon. No shame!
How do I make a perfect gnocchi sausage recipe?
What are some tricks to make this dish even better? What are some tips for gnocchi sausage making?
Sausage Selection: SaUse good quality Italian sausage. What is the flavor of a sausage? I prefer spicy Italian sausage, but I like a sweet one too. If you’re on a low sodium diet, turkey sausage works well too. I just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to make it taste like Italian sausage.
Gnocchi Choice: You can use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi. I’ve used both and they both work well. If you’re using shelf-stable gnocchi, you don’t need to boil them beforehand. Just toss them straight into the sauce. If using frozen gnocchi make sure to thaw them out. It makes the process of simmering much faster.
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: This is the most important tip! Overcooked gnocchi will be mushy and unpleasant. Cook them just until they’re tender and float to the surface. Usually 5-7 minutes. Make sure to taste them for doneness!
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Or, use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet. My husband loves it when I add a little extra heat.
Add Veggies: This is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers all work well. Just add them to the skillet when you sauté the garlic.
Cheese, Please: Don’t be shy with the Parmesan cheese! It adds a salty, savory flavor that really complements the sauce and sausage.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is the perfect garnish for this dish. It adds a pop of freshness and flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but it won’t be quite the same. I use fresh parsley if I don’t have basil, and I find the flavor is very similar.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Gnocchi Sausage Recipe is even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch! If you have leftovers, store them properly, and you can enjoy them for days.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover gnocchi sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Place the gnocchi sausage in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. Or, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth.
Reheating Frozen Gnocchi Sausage: To reheat frozen gnocchi sausage, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, follow the reheating instructions above. It may take a little longer to heat through.
One thing to remember: if you intend to freeze it, don’t add the Parmesan cheese until after you reheat it. The cheese can sometimes get a weird texture when frozen and thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi Sausage Recipe is more than just a quick and easy dinner – it’s a hug in a bowl! The combination of pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and creamy tomato sauce is simply irresistible. And the best part is that it’s so versatile and customizable. Once you try it, I guarantee you’ll be making it again and again. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes. I have a few that are equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you make. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Happy cooking!
Gnocchi Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add gnocchi and heavy cream to the skillet. Simmer until heated through.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and cooked sausage. Serve immediately.
