One of my go-to meals for a quick and delicious dinner is sausage gnocchi! This dish is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of meat-free sausages, creamy sauce, and tender gnocchi creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! I love serving it with a side of broccoli for a complete and colorful plate.
Method
Cook the Sausages
To start, I heat a large frying pan over medium heat and spray it lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is warm, I add the sliced meat-free sausages. Using a wooden spoon, I break the sausages into smaller pieces as they begin to cook. This helps them brown evenly and allows for better integration into the dish. I cook the sausages for several minutes until they develop a golden-brown color, which enhances their flavor.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Once the sausages are nicely browned, I toss in the crushed garlic along with the oregano and a pinch of chili flakes. Cooking these aromatics for about a minute allows their flavors to release and fill the kitchen with a delightful aroma. This step is essential for building the flavor profile of the dish and adds depth to the overall taste.
Prepare the Sauce
Next, I stir in the vegetable or chicken stock, followed by the light Philadelphia cream cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. I mix everything together until the cheeses are well combined with the stock, creating a creamy sauce. This mixture brings richness to the dish and will coat the gnocchi beautifully once added. I keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
Cook the Gnocchi
Once the sauce is ready, I add the gnocchi directly to the pan. It’s important to ensure the sauce is simmering gently as I add the gnocchi, allowing it to absorb the flavors. I let the gnocchi cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and cooked through. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes, and I keep an eye on the gnocchi to ensure they don’t overcook.
Add Vegetables
After the gnocchi is cooked to perfection, I stir in the diced sun-dried tomatoes and a generous handful of spinach. The tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a slight sweetness, while the spinach provides a fresh touch and vibrant color to the dish. I give everything a good stir, allowing the spinach to wilt down, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. This final addition not only enhances the dish’s nutritional value but also makes it visually appealing.
Serve the Dish
With everything well combined and heated through, I’m ready to serve the sausage gnocchi. I ladle generous portions into bowls, making sure to include the creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and colorful vegetables. I love to enjoy it alongside steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Sausage Gnocchi:
- 1 pack 500g gnocchi
- 6 meat-free sausages sliced
- 60 g diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 150 ml vegetable or chicken stock
- 80 g lightest Philadelphia cream cheese
- 20 g Parmesan cheese grated
- A handful of spinach
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- First, I heat a large frying pan over medium heat and spray it with a little oil. I add the sliced meat-free sausages and use a spoon to break them up into smaller pieces. Once they start to brown, I toss in the crushed garlic, oregano, and chili flakes, frying them for about a minute until fragrant.
- Next, I stir in the stock, Philadelphia cream cheese, and grated Parmesan, mixing everything until it’s well combined. Then, I add the gnocchi to the pan and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. I let it cook for a few minutes until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Once the gnocchi is ready, I add the diced sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of spinach, giving everything a good stir. I let it cook for just a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts down.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
I love serving my sausage gnocchi in bowls, and it’s delicious alongside steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad. You could also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor!
Fun Fact
Did you know that gnocchi is a type of pasta that originated in Italy? Traditionally, gnocchi is made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, giving it a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with sauces!
Conclusion
This sausage gnocchi recipe is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s creamy, flavorful, and full of goodness. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do, and that it brings a smile to your dinner table!