Save A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
This dish quickly became a favorite in my household for its simple preparation and incredible flavor combination.
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 Pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage breaking it up with a spoon and cook for 45 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic oregano and chili flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes add salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 23 minutes until sauce is creamy.
- Step 6:
- Add spinach if using and basil stirring until spinach wilts.
- Step 7:
- While sauce simmers cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float to surface about 23 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Drain gnocchi and add directly to sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 12 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot garnished with extra basil.
Pin it This recipe brings my family together every week for a cozy comforting meal full of flavor and warmth.
Notes
Substitute Italian chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor. 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.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, colander, chefs knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gnocchi), Milk (cream Parmesan) and may contain Egg depending on gnocchi brand. Sausage may contain additional allergens please check labels. Always double-check ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Pin it 
This creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi is the perfect quick comfort meal that impresses every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage, with casings removed, provides the best balance of flavor and texture.
- → Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade gnocchi can be used and will enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.
- → How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
Gnocchi is ready once it floats to the surface of boiling water, usually after 2-3 minutes.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, baby spinach is optional and wilts quickly in the sauce for added freshness.
- → What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
Full-fat coconut milk or a creamy dairy alternative can be used for a slightly different richness.
- → How should I adjust seasoning for personal taste?
Salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes can be modified to increase heat or herbaceous notes as desired.