Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi

Oh, let me tell you about cheesy sausage gnocchi—it’s this amazing, cozy dish that just wraps you in warmth, like a big, fuzzy blanket on a chilly night. The way the creamy sauce clings to the tender gnocchi, and the savory sausage just… makes everything pop. I mean, it’s comfort food at its finest, right? Seriously, once you try this, you might just want to add it to your regular rotation. It’s perfect for a gathering or just a quiet dinner at home when you really want something delicious without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super creamy and cheesy—who can resist that?
• Comfort food that’s actually easy to whip up in about 30 minutes
• Versatile! You can switch out ingredients if you’re feeling adventurous
• Hearty enough to satisfy any hunger pangs, trust me
• Your family’s going to beg for seconds… or even thirds

The first time I made this, my family devoured it so fast, I barely had a chance to sit down!

What You’ll Need

• Italian sausage: 1 pound, casings removed—get something with a nice spice to it, mm-mmm!
• Gnocchi: 1 package (about 16 ounces) of store-bought gnocchi, they’re so pillowy
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced—adds that nice sweetness
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced—the more, the merrier!
• Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream, oh la la, so rich
• Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese—because, cheese
• Parmesan: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese—just for that extra kick
• Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach, packed in—gotta have some greens
• Salt: to taste, don’t forget this!
• Pepper: to taste, a bit of spice is nice
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons to get things started right

Easy How-To

Cook the Sausage

Okay, so, first things first—you want to heat up a large skillet over medium heat and toss in that sausage. Break it up with a spatula and cook it up until it’s all browned and cooked through. You’ll get some nice, aromatic goodness happening here!

Add the Vegetables

Next, let’s add in those onions and garlic… erm, well, onions and peppers. Sauté them until they’re soft, which takes about 5 minutes or so. Just keep stirring… let those flavors mingle together. Mmm, it smells so good!

Incorporate Garlic

Then, stir in your minced garlic—oh, just wait a minute or so until it gets fragrant. You really don’t want to burn it; it can get bitter, y’know?

Add Gnocchi

Time to toss in the gnocchi! Stir well to coat them in all the sausage-veggie goodness… feels like a party in that skillet!

Pour in the Cream and Cheese

Now, pour in that glorious heavy cream, and let’s talk cheese. Add in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring it all until it’s beautifully melted and creamy. It’s okay if it looks like it’s bubbling, it just means it’s getting cozy!

Bake the Dish

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), and then… transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top ’cause—why not? Bake it for about 15 to 20 minutes until it’s all bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Finally, take it out and let it cool just a tad before you dig in. You’ll want to enjoy that warm cheesy goodness without burning your tongue!

Good to Know

• If you want to lighten it up, turkey or chicken sausage works great!
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days—if there are any left!
• You can totally freeze it before baking—just thaw overnight when you’re ready!

Serving Ideas

• Try it with a fresh side salad, that crunchy combo really balances everything out!

Top Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes when you’re cooking the sausage—gives it a nice kick!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Oh, for sure! Feel free to switch that out for chicken or turkey sausage. It’ll still taste fantastic.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just ditch the sausage and load up on more veggies or even a meat substitute if you prefer.

How long can leftovers be stored?

You can keep them in an airtight container for about 3 days, and don’t forget to reheat before enjoying!

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

For sure! Store-bought gnocchi makes this whole process quicker and easier—and they’re still delicious!

What type of cheese works best?

A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan really hits the sweet spot for flavor and meltiness, but seriously, go wild with whatever you like!

Conclusion

So there you have it, cheesy sausage gnocchi is really this delightful dish that combines rich cheese with savory sausage, and it’s just what you need after a long day. It’s quick to whip up and brings family and friends together—trust me, they won’t be able to resist going back for more!

More recipe suggestions and combinations

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Enjoy a refreshing pasta salad with ripe tomatoes and basil for a perfect warm-weather side.