Save to Pinterest A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
Ingredients
- Potato gnocchi: 500 g (1 lb), store-bought or homemade
- Heavy cream: 100 ml (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/4 cup) freshly grated
- Italian sausage: 300 g (10 oz), mild or spicy, casings removed
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Baby spinach: 100 g (3.5 oz), optional
- Fresh basil: 2 tbsp chopped plus extra for garnish
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/4 tsp, optional
- Salt and 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 to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest This creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that your family will love.
Questions & Answers About This Recipe
- → Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this dish?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works well and cooks quickly until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- → What type of sausage is best?
Italian sausage, mild or spicy, adds rich flavor. For a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage can be used.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives or increase vegetables like mushrooms or roasted peppers for added depth.
- → Is it possible to add greens to the dish?
Yes, baby spinach is a great addition stirred in near the end of cooking to wilt gently without losing color.
- → What should I serve alongside this dish?
A crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine complement the rich flavors nicely.
