Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi

$- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cloves garlic - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 2 cups baby spinach - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil, chopped For this creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi, start with the main ingredients. The potato gnocchi is the star. It is soft and pillowy, making it a perfect match for the rich sauce. Use a pound for a hearty meal. The Italian sausage adds flavor. You can choose spicy or mild based on your taste. Use one pound for the best results. Next is the heavy cream. One cup creates a luscious sauce that coats the gnocchi well. It balances the spice from the sausage. Now, let’s look at the additional ingredients. Garlic is key. Three cloves give the dish a warm, aromatic base. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Halve one cup and toss them in for flavor and color. Baby spinach brings in greens. Two cups wilt down nicely in the sauce, adding texture and nutrients. Lastly, don’t forget the spices and garnishes. Salt and pepper enhance every bite. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch. Chop some for a bright finish on top. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish a comforting, flavorful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Cooking the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions. You know they are done when they float to the top. This usually takes just a few minutes. - Draining and setting aside: After cooking, carefully drain the gnocchi in a colander. Shake off the excess water, then set them aside. This step ensures they remain fluffy and light. - Browning the Italian sausage: In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into bits with a wooden spoon. Cook until it turns brown and is fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. - Adding garlic and cherry tomatoes: Now, stir in three cloves of minced garlic and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté this mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, adding flavor to the dish. - Incorporating spinach and heavy cream: After the tomatoes soften, add two cups of baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Then, lower the heat and pour in one cup of heavy cream. Mix it well with the sausage and veggies. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. - Mixing in Parmesan cheese and seasoning: Gradually stir in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until it melts and makes the sauce creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors blend well. Now, it’s time to bring it all together with the gnocchi! Cooking gnocchi is easy. Boil water and add salt. When the gnocchi floats, it’s done. Drain it gently. Look for brands like De Cecco or Rana. They make soft, pillowy gnocchi that cooks well. Add more herbs for depth. Fresh thyme or oregano works great. You can also try red pepper flakes for heat. For protein, swap Italian sausage with chicken, turkey, or plant-based options like Beyond Meat. To make the dish creamier, add more heavy cream. You can also use cream cheese for a thicker texture. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add richness without dairy. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can mix spicy and mild for a balanced taste. Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi until they float to the top in boiling water; this indicates they are perfectly done and should be drained immediately. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes enhances the dish's flavor and nutritional value significantly. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish; it adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation to your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the sausage for plant-based options. Try using lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. For veggies, add bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. These veggies add great flavor and color. They also pair well with the creamy sauce. You can sauté them just like the original recipe. If you want to try other pasta, use penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just cook them according to package instructions. Keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary from gnocchi. Drain and mix them into the sauce like you would with gnocchi. The creamy sauce will cling to any pasta type you choose. For a spicy twist, use spicy sausage instead of mild. This will add a nice kick to your dish. You can also add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can always add more heat if you want! This variation keeps the comfort of the meal while giving it extra flavor. To store your creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi in the fridge, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to reheat it well before eating. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to let it cool down completely. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, move it to the fridge overnight. For faster reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. Heat it gently to avoid overcooking. To keep the sauce smooth, do not freeze the gnocchi mixed with sauce. The sauce may separate when thawing. Instead, freeze the sauce and gnocchi separately. When you reheat, add a splash of cream to restore its creaminess. Stir well as it heats up to maintain that perfect texture. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi is a great option for quick meals. It cooks faster and is easy to store. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. Fresh gnocchi may taste slightly better, but frozen works well in this dish. The sauce will still cling to the gnocchi, making it delicious! To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Both options keep the dish creamy and tasty. Make sure to check labels for dairy in other ingredients. You can still enjoy a rich meal without dairy! This dish pairs well with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. You can also serve garlic bread for extra comfort. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are great too. These sides balance the meal and add color to your plate! This blog post guides you through making a delicious creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for perfecting the dish. I shared variations for specific diets and even storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking is about making it your own. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and spices to match your taste. With these insights, you’ll create a meal that not only satisfies but impresses. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, mixing well to combine with the sausage and vegetables. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Heat through for another minute.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil on top.

Notes

Use spicy or mild sausage based on preference.

Keyword creamy, gnocchi, Italian, sausage