gnocchi with italian sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
gnocchi with italian sausage recipe
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The Best gnocchi with italian sausage recipe

I’ve been making this gnocchi with Italian sausage recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. The dish originates from Italy, where it’s known as ‘gnocchi alla salsiccia.’ Gnocchi are small, dumpling-like pasta made from potato, flour, and egg.

They’re typically pan-fried until golden brown, then served with a rich and savory sauce. In this recipe, I use Italian sausage to add flavor and texture to the sauce. The sausage is cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes to create a hearty and aromatic sauce.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids love it when I serve the gnocchi with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. It’s also a great way to get some extra vegetables into their diet – just add some steamed broccoli or spinach on the side.

As for me, I love how easy this recipe is to make. The ingredients are simple, and the preparation time is minimal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover Italian sausage in the fridge.

My family and I have enjoyed this recipe countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress. The combination of flavors and textures is just right – not too heavy or rich, but still satisfying and filling. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it with a variety of sides – pasta salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. The possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget about the health benefits of this recipe – it’s relatively low in calories and fat compared to other pasta dishes.

Gnocchi with Italian Sausage

Gnocchi with Italian Sausage

4.7 from 1858 votes

This hearty dish combines pillowy potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage in a rich tomato sauce. It is a satisfying one-pan meal that comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste

For the Sauce

1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, typically 2 to 3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
3Drain the gnocchi in a colander and set aside.
4While the water heats, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
6Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
8Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
9Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with the wooden spoon.
11Let the liquid simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
12Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using, and stir to combine.
13Return the cooked sausage to the pan and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
14Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
15Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
16Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and gently fold them into the sauce until evenly coated.
17Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat until the gnocchi are heated through.
18Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Large pot for boiling gnocchi
Colander
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use chicken broth instead of wine. You can also add a handful of fresh spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra greens.

Watch Video Of How Gnocchi with Italian Sausage Works

This gnocchi with Italian sausage recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something delicious for your family dinner night in. Reheating leftovers is easy: simply place them in a pan over low heat until warmed through.

Add some grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor! You can also serve it with some steamed vegetables on the side – my kids love broccoli florets sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Gnocchi with Italian Sausage

Q: What type of Italian sausage should I use?

In this recipe, you can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage. If you prefer milder flavors, go with sweet sausage; if you like a little heat, use hot sausage.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

No, this recipe requires Italian sausage for flavor and texture.

Q: How do I store leftover gnocchi?

You can store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time by cooking them according to package instructions and then refrigerating them until ready to assemble the dish.

Q: What if I don’t have any fresh tomatoes on hand?

No problem! You can use canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute in this recipe.

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