Introduction
Cheesy sausage gnocchi is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the delightful taste of gnocchi with savory sausage and rich cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, offering a satisfying meal that is sure to please the entire family. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, cheesy sausage gnocchi is a dish that you can enjoy time and time again.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Sausage: 1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed
Gnocchi: 1 package (about 16 ounces) of store-bought gnocchi
Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream
Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach, packed
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Prep Time
The preparation time for cheesy sausage gnocchi is approximately 10 minutes. This includes chopping the onion and garlic, measuring the ingredients, and getting everything ready for cooking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time is around 20 minutes. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes. This recipe serves about 4 people, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Incorporate Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage and vegetables.
Step 5: Pour in Marinara Sauce
Pour marinara sauce over the gnocchi mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Add heavy cream and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle additional cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
Substitutions
You can use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage for a lighter option.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding extra time if needed.
Storage Recommendations
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing Instructions
The dish can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen, increasing the cooking time.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to mix and match types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda, for different flavor profiles.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, it is used to cook the sausage until browned and flavorful.
Boiling
Boiling is the process of cooking food in water or broth at a high temperature. Gnocchi is boiled until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
Baking
Baking is a technique where food is cooked by surrounding it with dry heat in an oven. For this dish, baking helps meld the flavors and create a bubbly, cheesy top.
Mixing
Mixing involves combining ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. In this recipe, the gnocchi, sausage, and cheese need to be well mixed before baking.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the act of adding a decorative touch to a dish, often enhancing its visual appeal. Fresh parsley is used in this recipe as a garnish for added freshness and color.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with any other type of your choice, such as chicken or turkey sausage.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetables or a meat substitute.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi can be a great time-saver for this recipe.
What type of cheese works best?
For the best flavor and melt, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan is recommended, but you can use any cheese that melts well.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi is a delightful dish that perfectly combines the richness of cheese with the savory flavors of sausage. This comforting meal is both easy to prepare and satisfying, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
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