Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It brings together the richness of a creamy Tuscan sauce, the heartiness of Italian sausage, and the softness of pillowy gnocchi. This dish is a flavorful fusion of creaminess, savory meat, and herby, garlicky goodness, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish will certainly impress with its incredible flavors and ease of preparation.

This recipe will walk you through the steps of making a delicious creamy Tuscan sauce, incorporating sausage, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices to complement the gnocchi. We will also cover tips for making your sauce richer, the best type of sausage to use, and options for dietary substitutions. Get ready to embark on a flavorful cooking journey!

Why Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi?

There are several reasons why this dish is worth making:

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor: The creamy Tuscan sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach adds a wonderful depth of flavor that is both savory and indulgent.
2. Sausage Pairing: The richness of Italian sausage, whether spicy or mild, brings a savory touch that balances the creaminess of the sauce. It’s the perfect protein for this dish.
3. Pillowy Gnocchi: Gnocchi, small potato dumplings that are soft and light, make an excellent base for this sauce. Their texture complements the richness of the cream sauce perfectly.
4. Quick and Easy: Despite the complex flavors, this dish comes together in just about 30-40 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.
5. Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian option.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want to use enough water so that the gnocchi have room to float freely. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi to the pot.
2. Cook Gnocchi: Follow the instructions on the package for cooking times. Typically, gnocchi will cook in about 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove them from the pot and transfer them to a plate or bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing (if necessary) and break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Add the sausage to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until browned and fully cooked through. Ensure the sausage is broken up into small crumbles for even distribution in the sauce.
3. Remove Excess Fat: Once the sausage is fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. If there is excess fat in the pan, you can drain some of it off.

Step 3: Make the Tuscan Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, with the leftover sausage drippings, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them into the garlic, allowing them to soften and release their flavor. This will take another minute or so.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage. This adds flavor to the sauce.
4. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Add Spinach and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped spinach, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down.
6. Reintroduce the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
7. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

1. Add Gnocchi to the Sauce: Once the gnocchi is cooked and the sauce is ready, gently add the gnocchi into the skillet with the Tuscan sausage sauce. Toss the gnocchi in the sauce using tongs or a wooden spoon, ensuring they’re coated with the creamy sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Allow the gnocchi to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, soaking up the flavors and ensuring they’re heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Dish: Plate the creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi by spooning the gnocchi and sauce onto individual serving plates.
2. Garnish: Finish by garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Dish:

1. Choosing the Right Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Italian sausage. You can choose between mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. If you prefer leaner meat, go for turkey sausage or chicken sausage.
2. Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce the richness, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream. However, keep in mind this may alter the texture and richness of the sauce.
3. Cooking Gnocchi: Be sure not to overcook the gnocchi. Once they float to the surface, they are ready to be removed from the water. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
4. Add Vegetables: If you’d like to add extra veggies to the dish, consider adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce along with the spinach.
5. Make It Ahead: If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time, prepare the sauce and cook the gnocchi separately. Store them in airtight containers and reheat together before serving.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Version: You can easily make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the sausage and using plant-based sausage or a mixture of vegetables (such as mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers) to mimic the savory umami flavor of sausage.
2. Low-Carb Version: Swap out the gnocchi for zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option.
3. Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream substitute, and opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.

Conclusion:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi is a dish that’s as indulgent as it is flavorful. The creamy sauce, coupled with the savory sausage and delicate gnocchi, makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that will please both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts alike. By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to recreate this dish perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this creamy dish is sure to impress.

Enjoy your journey through the rich flavors of Italy right from the comfort of your home!

Yield: 4

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It brings together the richness of a creamy Tuscan sauce, the heartiness of Italian sausage, and the softness of pillowy gnocchi. This dish is a flavorful fusion of creaminess, savory meat, and herby, garlicky goodness, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish will certainly impress with its incredible flavors and ease of preparation.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Gnocchi:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top). Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Sausage:
   While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove any excess grease from the skillet if needed.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
   Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
   
4. Add Spinach and Parmesan:
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted (about 1-2 minutes). Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
   
5. Combine with Gnocchi:
   Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. Allow the dish to simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve the creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Sausage Variations: Use sweet, mild, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference. You can also substitute with chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can replace them with roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes.
• Spinach Substitutes: Fresh spinach is ideal for this dish, but you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to drain any excess water if using frozen.
• Broth Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well.