Save A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something hearty and flavorful with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Potato gnocchi: 500 g (1 lb) store-bought or homemade
- Heavy cream: 100 ml (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/4 cup) freshly grated
- Italian sausage: 300 g (10 oz) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Baby spinach: 100 g (3.5 oz), optional
- Fresh basil: 2 tbsp chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/4 tsp, optional
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Boil water:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up, and cook 4&5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add onion and cook until softened about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic oregano and chili flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes add salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 2&3 minutes until creamy.
- Add greens:
- Add spinach if using and basil stirring until spinach wilts.
- Cook gnocchi:
- While sauce simmers cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float (about 2&3 minutes).
- Combine:
- Drain gnocchi add directly to sauce Toss gently to coat and heat through for 1&2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot garnished with extra basil.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table for a cozy meal and good conversation.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti to complement the rich flavors.
Variations
Use Italian chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Save 
This recipe’s creamy sauce and tender gnocchi make it a family favorite that’s quick and satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought potato gnocchi work well and cook quickly until they float to the surface.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding chili flakes during the garlic and onion sauté will give a gentle heat to the sauce.
- → Is it possible to use a different meat?
Italian chicken or turkey sausage can be substituted for a lighter flavor without sacrificing texture.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers are excellent additions to enhance flavor and texture.
- → How should I cook the gnocchi properly?
Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float, usually 2-3 minutes, then drain before combining with sauce.
- → Is spinach necessary in the sauce?
Spinach is optional but adds a fresh, vibrant element that complements the creamy sauce well.