Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi

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.

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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.