Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi (Printable)

Tender gnocchi tossed in a rich tomato-cream sauce with Italian sausage and fresh basil.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta & Dairy

01 - 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
02 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 - 1/4 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 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
03 - Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, dried oregano, and chili flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes to integrate flavors.
05 - Stir in heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce is creamy. Incorporate spinach (if using) and fresh basil until spinach wilts.
06 - Meanwhile, cook gnocchi in the boiling salted water until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Drain gnocchi and immediately add to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot garnished with additional basil.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Pillowy gnocchi soaked in creamy tomato sauce
  • Easy to prepare in 30 minutes
02 -
  • Use fresh gnocchi for best texture
  • Spinach is optional but adds color and nutrients
03 -
  • Do not overcook gnocchi or they will become mushy
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
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