Tasty Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

Italian Sausage Gnocchi is a comforting, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings together two beloved elements of Italian cuisine: gnocchi and Italian sausage. The soft, pillowy gnocchi is combined with a savory, spiced sausage and enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe is the perfect balance of rich flavors from the sausage, the mild and tender gnocchi, and the creamy sauce, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, it is sure to impress.

While many think of gnocchi as a side dish, it makes a fantastic main course, especially when paired with protein-rich sausage and a rich sauce. Over the course of this recipe, we will dive deep into making each element of this dish shine, offering expert tips, variations, and ideas to make the dish your own.

The History of Gnocchi and Sausage

Before we jump into the specifics of the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the origins of the two main ingredients: gnocchi and Italian sausage.

The Story of Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a type of pasta that is typically made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. The word “gnocchi” is derived from the Italian word for a knot or lump, which perfectly describes their small, pillow-like shape. Gnocchi has its roots in ancient Italy, with variations seen in many parts of the country. Some versions are made with ricotta, semolina, or even chestnut flour, depending on the region.

Potato gnocchi, which is most commonly found in the United States, is particularly popular in Northern Italy, where potatoes were introduced in the 18th century. The dough for gnocchi is simple yet versatile, allowing it to absorb a wide range of flavors, from rich sauces to fresh herbs and cheese.

The Legacy of Italian Sausage

Italian sausage has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. With its roots in regional Italian cooking, sausage comes in many varieties, each reflecting the unique flavor profiles of its respective area. The two most popular types of Italian sausage are sweet sausage (which is mildly spiced) and hot sausage (which contains red pepper flakes for heat).

Sausage has been a part of Italian food culture for hundreds of years, often served with pasta, in stews, or as a topping for pizzas. Its robust flavor makes it a perfect complement to gnocchi, and the savory, slightly spicy character of the sausage enhances the creamy sauce and tender gnocchi.

Preparation of Gnocchi (Homemade Version)

If you’re making homemade gnocchi, it’s best to start by preparing the gnocchi dough before moving on to the sausage and sauce. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Begin by boiling the potatoes in their skins in a large pot of salted water. Boil for about 15-20 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce through the potatoes.

2. Peel the Potatoes: Allow the potatoes to cool just slightly so that you can handle them, then peel the skins off while they are still warm. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or pass them through a potato ricer for a smooth texture.

Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough

1. Combine the Ingredients: Spread the mashed potatoes onto a clean surface and sprinkle with 1½ cups of flour, the beaten egg, and a pinch of salt. Begin mixing the ingredients together to form a dough. Gradually add more flour, if necessary, until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not too sticky.

2. Shape the Gnocchi: Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into long ropes, about 1-inch thick. Cut the ropes into small 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi. If you prefer, you can use a fork to lightly press the gnocchi to give them the traditional ridged appearance.

3. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches. Once they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes), they are ready. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Preparing the Italian Sausage

While the gnocchi is cooking or once it’s set aside, it’s time to work on the sausage and the sauce.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Cook the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté Garlic and Onion: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened.

2. Add Herbs: Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let the herbs release their aroma, about 1 minute.

Making the Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Cream and Broth

1. Add Liquids: To the vegetables, add the chicken broth, tomato paste, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, making sure the tomato paste dissolves into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Add the Sausage

1. Combine Sausage and Sauce: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir the sausage into the sauce and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

1. Stir in Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired.

Combining Gnocchi with Sausage and Sauce

Now that both the gnocchi and the sausage sauce are ready, it’s time to bring them together:

1. Add Gnocchi to Sauce: Gently add the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss the gnocchi in the sauce until it’s evenly coated and heated through.

2. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve the dish hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.

Expert Tips for Success

To ensure your Tasty Italian Sausage Gnocchi is absolutely perfect, here are some expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi only need to be cooked until they float to the surface of the boiling water. Overcooking can cause them to become mushy.

• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh herbs will elevate the dish and provide a more vibrant flavor.

• Balance the Sauce: If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or even a splash of pasta water.

• Customize the Sausage: Feel free to use different varieties of sausage to match your taste. For example, spicy sausage adds a wonderful kick, while a milder sausage will allow the creamy sauce to shine.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is fantastic as it is, here are some variations and ideas for making it your own:

1. Add Vegetables

• You can add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers for best results.

2. Use a Different Pasta

• While gnocchi is a classic choice, you can swap it out for other types of pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, or fusilli, if you prefer.

3. Make it Spicy

• For an extra kick, add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce to infuse some heat.

4. Substitute the Meat

• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables for a lighter, veggie-packed dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage sauce and gnocchi separately ahead of time. To reheat, gently warm the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked gnocchi.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook them according to the package instructions, and proceed with the sauce as usual.