Description
Baked gnocchi with sausage emerges as a comforting Italian-inspired dish that brings hearty flavors to your dinner table. Melted cheese, tender potato dumplings, and spicy sausage create a rich, satisfying meal that welcomes you home with warmth and deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500g) gnocchi
- 0.75 lb (380g) Italian sausage
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon (3 cloves) chopped garlic
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Add finely chopped onions to the sausage and cook until the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Mince the garlic and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Dust the meat and vegetable mixture with all-purpose flour, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce that begins to thicken.
- Gently fold in the uncooked potato gnocchi and fresh spinach leaves, ensuring they are fully coated with the sauce.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface of the dish.
- Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- Allow the baked gnocchi to rest and set for 5-7 minutes before serving to enhance the sauce’s consistency.
Notes
- Swap traditional pasta for pillowy potato gnocchi that absorbs rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
- Create a one-pan wonder with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor punch from Italian sausage and aromatic herbs.
- Freezer-friendly meal that transforms leftovers into a delectable dinner without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Customize cheese blend by mixing different varieties like sharp provolone or tangy fontina for personalized depth.
- Perfect weeknight solution that requires just 30 minutes from start to golden, bubbling finish.
- Gluten-sensitive friends can easily substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free alternatives without compromising dish integrity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg