Save to Pinterest A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
This dish quickly became my family's favorite for busy evenings when we crave something warm and satisfying without hours in the kitchen.
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
- Onion: 1 medium yellow 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 freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet add sausage breaking it up and cook 4 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Add chopped onion cook about 3 minutes until softened then stir in garlic oregano and chili flakes cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes add salt and pepper simmer 5 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Stir in heavy cream reduce heat to low simmer gently 2 3 minutes until sauce is creamy.
- Step 6:
- Add spinach if using and basil stir until spinach wilts.
- Step 7:
- Cook gnocchi according to package until they float about 2 3 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Drain gnocchi add to sauce toss gently to coat heat through 1 2 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese adjust seasoning serve hot garnished with extra basil.
Save to Pinterest My family enjoys gathering around the table to share this flavorful meal especially during hectic weeknights when comfort food is a must.
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 always double-check ingredient labels
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories 530 Total Fat 29 g Carbohydrates 49 g Protein 19 g
Save to Pinterest This creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi is the perfect blend of flavors for a quick comforting dinner.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, substituting Italian chicken or turkey sausage works well for a lighter version without losing flavor.
- → How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?
Gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of boiling water, usually after 2 to 3 minutes.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers make great additions for extra depth.
- → Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Replace sausage with plant-based options or skip it altogether and boost the dish with additional veggies.
- → What cheese enhances the flavor best?
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty richness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- → How should I season the sauce?
Use salt, pepper, oregano, and optional chili flakes for a balanced and aromatic flavor profile.