Description
Rich Italian sausage and pillowy gnocchi mingle in a comforting skillet, creating a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal. Creamy sauce, herbs, and melted cheese bring deep flavor to you in this simple yet luxurious dinner perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a generously sized pot over medium-high temperature, introducing crumbled sausage and browning thoroughly until deep golden color develops, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer meat to a separate plate, reserving for later incorporation.
- Within the identical pot, caramelize diced onions until translucent and softened, roughly 4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional 45-60 seconds, ensuring aromatics release their fragrant essence without burning.
- Create the foundational liquid base by gradually introducing chicken broth (approximately or 16 fluid ounces), fire-roasted diced tomatoes, rich heavy cream (or 120 milliliters), aromatic Italian seasoning, and subtle red pepper flakes. Reintroduce previously browned sausage, stirring methodically to integrate flavors.
- Allow liquid mixture to reach a gentle, undulating simmer, ensuring ingredients meld harmoniously for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully drop potato gnocchi directly into the simmering liquid, cooking until they gracefully ascend and float, indicating perfect tenderness, which typically requires 3-4 minutes.
- Integrate fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to delicately wilt and soften within the warm liquid, approximately 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate overall taste profile.
- Distribute the hearty mixture into serving bowls, culminating with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, providing a final luxurious touch.
Notes
- Prep this hearty meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and quick.
- Breaking sausage into small pieces helps distribute flavor evenly and ensures consistent cooking throughout the dish.
- Use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section for the best texture and faster cooking time compared to dried varieties.
- Wilting spinach at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutritional value while adding a fresh, light element to the rich soup.
- Red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your spice preference – start with less and add more for extra heat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg