Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi (Printable)

Pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage simmered in a velvety tomato-cream sauce topped with basil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Dairy

01 - 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
02 - ½ cup heavy cream
03 - ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Meats

04 - 10 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional)
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)

→ Oils & Seasonings

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - ½ tsp dried oregano
12 - ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
03 - Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, and chili flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
05 - Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
06 - Add spinach (if using) and chopped basil, stirring until spinach wilts.
07 - While sauce simmers, cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Drain gnocchi and add directly to sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
09 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot garnished with additional fresh basil.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in 30 minutes
  • Combines creamy sauce with savory sausage
02 -
  • Use good-quality Italian sausage for best flavor
  • Spinach is optional but adds nice freshness
03 -
  • Do not overcook gnocchi to avoid mushy texture
  • Using fresh basil enhances the aroma significantly
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