Irresistible Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about creamy Italian sausage gnocchi that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine sinking your fork into pillowy gnocchi drenched in a velvety sauce, bursting with savory flavors that sing to your soul. savory Cioppino recipe The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug, instantly transporting you to an Italian trattoria where every bite feels like a celebration. creamy Swedish meatballs.

I remember the first time I made creamy Italian sausage gnocchi for my family. Their eyes widened as they took their first bites, and the table erupted in delighted murmurs. It was one of those rare moments where food became the centerpiece of love and laughter. traditional Italian manicotti Perfect for cozy family dinners or an impressive date night, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite!

I still chuckle remembering how my dog, Bella, managed to snag a piece of gnocchi off my plate when I turned my back. Let’s just say she was very pleased with my cooking that day!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Italian Sausage: I prefer using spicy Italian sausage for that extra kick, but sweet sausage works wonders too.
• Gnocchi: Fresh or frozen gnocchi can be used; both provide delightful pillowy goodness.
• Heavy Cream: Choose full-fat heavy cream for the richest, most luxurious sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch; use minced cloves for maximum flavor impact. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce; it’s a nutritious touch without compromising taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also thickens the sauce beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for sautéing; it adds depth and richness to your dish.
• Onion: Sweet onion complements the savory sausage perfectly; it caramelizes beautifully in the pan.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all flavors; never skip these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen.

Add the Sausage: Crumble in the Italian sausage next. Cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. You want those little bits of deliciousness to develop a nice crust—about 5-7 minutes will do.

Incorporate Garlic and Spinach : Toss in minced garlic and fresh spinach once the sausage is ready. Sauté until fragrant and spinach wilts down—this takes about 2 minutes. Your kitchen should smell divine right now!

Create the Creamy Sauce : Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently to combine with all those tasty drippings from the sausage. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly over about 3-5 minutes.

Add Gnocchi and Cheese : Gently fold in cooked gnocchi along with grated Parmesan cheese into your creamy sauce. Stir until everything is well coated—this is where magic happens!

Season and Serve : Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot topped with extra Parmesan and perhaps some red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous!

With just these simple steps, you’ve whipped up creamy Italian sausage gnocchi that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in! Enjoy every cheesy bite knowing you’ve created something truly special from scratch! creamy chicken with herbs.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the sausage in a pan, then cook the gnocchi while you prepare the cream sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding spinach or kale for extra nutrition, or substitute the sausage with mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Customize to your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

My friends once raved about this dish at a dinner party, claiming it tasted like a hug from Italy. Their smiles made all the chopping worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly; just follow cooking instructions on the package.

What type of sausage is best for creamy Italian sausage gnocchi?

Italian sausage adds authentic flavor; choose sweet or spicy based on your preference.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for flavor.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Italian sausage gnocchi is a comforting and indulgent dish that will transport you straight to Italy with every bite. This recipe features pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a rich sauce made with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a touch of garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it promises to delight your family and friends with its luxurious flavor profile.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft (3-4 minutes).
2. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
3. Add minced garlic and fresh spinach; sauté until fragrant and spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with sausage drippings. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Fold in cooked gnocchi and grated Parmesan cheese until well-coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg