Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Introduction
Gnocchi, small Italian dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, offer a comforting and versatile base for various dishes. Paired with a creamy sausage sauce, they create a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the tender texture of gnocchi with a rich, savory sausage sauce, making it a delightful dinner option. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy family meal, this creamy sausage gnocchi will surely impress.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Creamy Sausage Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gnocchi:
- If using store-bought gnocchi, follow the package instructions for cooking. Typically, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the gnocchi, and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- If making homemade gnocchi, ensure they are ready before starting the sauce.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the sausage from its casing, if necessary, and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the Gnocchi:
- Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sausage cream sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Once the gnocchi is heated through and well-coated with the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Homemade Gnocchi: If you have the time and inclination, homemade gnocchi can elevate this dish. Boil 2 pounds of potatoes until tender, then mash and mix with 1 cup of flour and an egg to form a dough. Roll into logs, cut into pieces, and boil until they float.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables such as spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers to the sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage and modifying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago, Romano, or a blend for a unique flavor profile.
Conclusion
This creamy sausage gnocchi recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors. Its rich, creamy sauce complements the tender gnocchi perfectly, creating a meal that’s sure to please. Whether enjoyed on a weeknight or served at a special gathering, this dish is bound to become a favorite. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and a luscious cream sauce makes it a standout recipe that’s easy to prepare and always delicious. Buon appetito!
Source: juliasalbum.com
Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Gnocchi, small Italian dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, offer a comforting and versatile base for various dishes. Paired with a creamy sausage sauce, they create a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the tender texture of gnocchi with a rich, savory sausage sauce, making it a delightful dinner option. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy family meal, this creamy sausage gnocchi will surely impress.
- 15 oz Italian sausage spicy (crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
- 13 oz tomato sauce such as tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 5 oz spinach fresh
- salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat in a large, high-sided skillet.
- Add crumbled sausage and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, crumbling it.
- To the same skillet with sausage, add uncooked potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil on medium heat and stir everything well. Cover with lid, and allow the gnocchi to cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, while the sauce boils.
- Add tomato pasta sauce and stir it well. Add fresh spinach, and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until the spinach wilts to your liking. Cook longer if you would like a thicker sauce.
- Mix everything well. Remove from heat.
- Season with salt, freshly ground coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you like.
- Tip: use your best judgment about the salt. If the sausage is salty enough, you might not need to add any extra salt.
- Chicken broth is used in this recipe. However, you can also use white wine, red wine, or water instead! Frankly, I've used water in this recipe, too, and there was no loss of flavor!
- Tomato sauce. It can be a store-bought pasta sauce or marinara sauce. Any flavor will work: traditional, tomato basil, arrabbiata, or garlic tomato sauce.
- Sausage. I used crumbled spicy Italian sausage. Italian sausage links can be used, too, with casings removed and sausage links sliced. You can also use sweet or mild Italian sausage (add some spice in this case!)
- Italian seasoning of Herbs from Provence. The mix that I used contained dried rosemary, thyme, parsley, tarragon, marjoram, basil, and sage.
- Cook gnocchi right in the same pan! Gnocchi releases the starch, which actually helps to thicken the sauce without adding any cheese or cornstarch. This also minimizes a clean-up since you're using only one pan for the whole recipe!
- Heavy cream or half-and-half – either can be used!