There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty meal on a chilly winter evening, and this Baked Gnocchi with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food. With soft gnocchi, flavorful sausage, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with someone special. Let me show you how to make this delightful dinner!
Method
Prep the Sausage
Start by removing the skins from the sausages, which ensures the texture is smooth and the meat blends seamlessly into the dish. Once skinned, cut the sausages into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the sausage pieces. Cook them until they begin to brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The browning process enhances the flavors, creating a savory base for the dish.
Sauté the Veggies
After the sausage has started to brown, add the sliced onion, crushed garlic, and leek to the pan. These aromatic ingredients infuse the dish with depth and a comforting flavor profile. Stir the vegetables frequently, allowing them to soften and slightly caramelize. Once softened, stir in the reduced-fat red pesto, ensuring it evenly coats the sausage and vegetable mixture. The pesto adds a rich, tangy layer of flavor that elevates the dish.
Make the Sauce
Pour the chicken stock into the pan, mixing it thoroughly with the sausage and vegetable base. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, giving the flavors time to meld together. If you find the sauce is too runny, prepare a cornflour slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornflour with 2 teaspoons of water. Gradually add this slurry to the sauce while stirring continuously until it reaches the desired creamy consistency. Take care not to over-thicken; the sauce should remain smooth and velvety to coat the gnocchi perfectly.
Add the Greens and Gnocchi
Next, incorporate your chosen greens into the pan. For this recipe, curly kale works wonderfully as it wilts easily and adds a vibrant, nutrient-packed component to the dish. Stir the greens gently, allowing them to soften slightly in the warm sauce. After the greens have wilted, mix in the fat-free crème fraîche for a creamy finish. Finally, add the uncooked gnocchi to the pan, ensuring every piece is well coated in the luscious sauce.
Assemble and Bake
Transfer the entire mixture from the pan into an ovenproof baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the top for a nutty, savory flavor. Follow with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring the surface is evenly covered. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish as it bakes, removing it once the cheese has melted into a gooey layer and turned golden brown.
Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Scoop the baked gnocchi with sausage into bowls or plates and pair it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors of this dish are sure to provide comfort and satisfaction.
Baked Gnocchi with Sausage
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Ovenproof baking dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater
Ingredients
- For the Dish:
- 1 pack of gnocchi about 500g
- 4 reduced-fat sausages de-skinned and cut into smaller pieces
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp reduced-fat red pesto
- 200 ml chicken stock
- 100 g mushrooms sliced
- 20 g Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fat-free crème fraîche
- 30 g mozzarella cheese shredded
- Mixed greens e.g., 1 leek and a handful of curly kale
- Optional: Cornflour slurry 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tsp water, if needed to thicken the sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Sausage.
- Remove the sausage skins and cut the sausages into smaller pieces. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the sausage pieces until they start to brown.
- Step 2: Sauté the Veggies.
- Add the sliced onion, garlic, and leek to the pan. Sauté until softened, then stir in the red pesto to coat everything evenly.
- Step 3: Make the Sauce.
- Pour in the chicken stock and stir. If the sauce feels too runny, thicken it with a cornflour slurry.
- Step 4: Add the Greens and Gnocchi.
- Add the curly kale (or your chosen greens) to the pan and let it wilt slightly. Stir in the crème fraîche and uncooked gnocchi, making sure everything is well combined.
- Step 5: Assemble and Bake.
- Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella over the top. Bake in the oven at 190°C (375°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Step 6: Serve.
- Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook Sausages Thoroughly: Ensure the sausage pieces are fully cooked before combining them with the other ingredients.
- Monitor Sauce Thickness: Adjust the consistency with cornflour if needed, but don’t over-thicken—it should remain creamy.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the gnocchi in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top for added flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know gnocchi has been a staple in Italian cuisine since the Roman times? While today it’s mostly made with potatoes, earlier versions used semolina or flour, proving its versatility over the centuries!
Conclusion
This Baked Gnocchi with Sausage is the perfect winter warmer—creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels indulgent yet comforting, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy date night. Try this recipe and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking! 🧀🥬✨