Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’re craving a warm, creamy, and savory dish, then this Creamy Tomato and Sausage Gnocchi is calling your name! Imagine perfectly cooked gnocchi combined with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and hearty sausage. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy dinner, and it comes together in no time! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it.
Method
Cook the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions. Typically, this will take around 2-3 minutes, and you’ll notice the gnocchi will float to the surface once they are done. As soon as they rise, drain the gnocchi and set them aside.
Prepare the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, crumble it into the pan, and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Make sure it gets nice and crispy for extra flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables
Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. This will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
Make the Sauce
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to cook down and the flavors to meld. Then, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can always add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce
Now, gently stir the cooked gnocchi into the skillet, making sure to coat each piece with the creamy tomato sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the gnocchi absorb the sauce and become nice and flavorful.
Serve
Once everything is mixed and cooked through, serve the gnocchi in bowls. Top with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Finish with a few cracks of black pepper for that perfect, savory finish!
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pot for boiling gnocchi
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
Creamy Tomato and Sausage Gnocchi A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food!
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
500g Gnocchi
2 sausages (I prefer Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 can of diced tomatoes (400g)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Olive oil for cooking
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Gnocchi Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes. Once they float to the surface, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sausage In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté the Vegetables Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Make the Sauce Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce Gently stir in the cooked gnocchi, mixing well to coat them with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to loosen it up. Let everything cook together for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Serve Serve the gnocchi in bowls, topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A few cracks of black pepper on top will give it that perfect finishing touch!
Notes
- When cooking the sausage, make sure to crumble it well so that it cooks evenly and doesn’t form large clumps.
- Keep an eye on the sauce while simmering, as the heavy cream can thicken quickly. If it gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit of pasta water.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi once they float to the surface, they’re ready! Overcooking them can result in mushy gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad on the side to balance out the richness of the dish.
- For a little extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top.
- A side of crispy garlic bread makes for an irresistible addition!
Fun Fact
Did you know gnocchi is often called “little dumplings” in Italian? They’re made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, and have been a favorite comfort food for centuries! This recipe brings the tradition of gnocchi into a modern twist with creamy, savory flavors.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato and Sausage Gnocchi is a perfect dinner for those cozy nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. The creamy sauce, flavorful sausage, and tender gnocchi come together so beautifully. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious comfort food as much as I do. Happy cooking!
