Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender gnocchi enveloped in a creamy sauce with savory Italian sausage and vibrant spinach.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 to 5 pieces chicken sausages, sliced (Italian or Spicy Italian preferred)
- 1 piece shallot, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 pound gnocchi (or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or sub 1 cup frozen thawed peas)
- 1-2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, julienned
Instructions
Sauté the Sausage
- Begin by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Sauté until golden brown, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Cook Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, along with the diced shallots, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the shallots become tender, around 3 to 4 minutes.
Build the Sauce
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste, allowing it to cook for about a minute until the color deepens. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or coconut milk), mixing well. Don't forget to add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Add Gnocchi
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi becomes tender, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the chopped spinach. Cook the mixture until the spinach wilts, which will take just a minute or two.
Finish with Cheese
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, garnish with julienned basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Serve
- Serve your Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi hot, ideally with a side of garlic bread for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
For a polished finish, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors. You can also experiment with different protein sources; turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage works great! If you want additional heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will elevate the dish. For a creamier sauce, use more heavy cream or coconut milk. Lastly, don't hesitate to use fresh herbs other than basil, such as parsley or thyme, for an aromatic twist.