Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi (Printable)

Tender gnocchi tossed with Italian sausage and a velvety tomato cream sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta & Dairy

01 - 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
02 - ½ cup heavy cream
03 - ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Meats

04 - 10 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional)
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish

→ Oils & Seasonings

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - ½ tsp dried oregano
12 - ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
03 - Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, and chili flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
05 - Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Let sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until creamy in texture.
06 - Stir in baby spinach (if using) and chopped basil, cooking until spinach wilts.
07 - Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package instructions in boiling salted water until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Drain gnocchi and add directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
09 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve immediately garnished with additional basil.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • Substitute Italian chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
03 -
  • For a vegetarian version use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage and add extra veggies.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti.
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