Save to Pinterest A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Dairy: 500 g (1 lb) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade), 100 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 40 g (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- Oils & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage breaking it up with a spoon and cook for 4 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic oregano and chili flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes add salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6:
- Add the spinach (if using) and basil stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Step 7:
- While the sauce simmers cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 1 2 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot garnished with extra basil.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?
Gnocchi is done when it floats to the water surface, usually after 2-3 minutes of boiling. Remove promptly to avoid overcooking.
- → Can I use a different sausage type?
Yes, substituting with chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage works well and adjusts the flavor and fat content accordingly.
- → What adds creaminess to the sauce?
The heavy cream combined with grated Parmesan cheese creates a velvety texture and rich mouthfeel in the tomato sauce.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or spinach increases nutrition and flavor complexity without overwhelming the core profile.
- → How should I season the sauce for best flavor?
Use garlic, onion, oregano, chili flakes for warmth, and fresh basil near the end to brighten the sauce, balanced with salt and pepper to taste.