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Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi

Rich Italian sausage mingles with tender pillowy gnocchi in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach - a family-friendly comfort dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package directions until they float to the surface (2-3 minutes for fresh gnocchi). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later if needed.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until golden brown and no longer pink.
  3. Push sausage to one side of the pan and add diced onion to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring everything together. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble softly for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the cooked gnocchi, tossing gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Add fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, folding everything together until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Notes

Perfect for busy school nights. Cook gnocchi while browning sausage to save time. Don't overcook gnocchi or they'll become mushy. Avoid low-fat cream as it may curdle. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with splash of cream or broth. Sauce can be prepared ahead and gnocchi added when ready to serve.