Creamy Gnocchi with Italian Sausage
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
664 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Gnocchi with Italian Sausage
Description
This recipe cooks gnocchi according to package directions, then tosses them with a sauce made by browning spicy Italian sausage with shallots and garlic. A roux is created by melting butter and whisking in flour, then gradually incorporating milk and heavy cream to form a smooth, thickened sauce. Fresh sage adds a distinctive herbal layer, while Parmesan cheese enriches the sauce with savory umami and creaminess.
The sauce thickens both on the stove and further when combined with the gnocchi, coating each pillow with a velvety texture. The Italian sausage provides a hearty, spicy protein component with crumbled texture that contrasts with the soft gnocchi.
This dish is best served immediately for optimal sauce consistency and warm texture. The combination's mild heat, creamy sauce, and tender gnocchi make it suitable for a comforting dinner. The fresh sage is essential to balance richness and add brightness.
For substitutions, turkey sausage or ground turkey can be used, and chili flakes allow extra spice if desired. Warm-room-temperature dairy ingredients prevent sauce clumping. When reheating leftovers, adding cream or broth helps maintain desired sauce texture.
Ingredients
- 1, oz. pkg. gnocchi
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 shallot minced
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 lb. Italian sausage hot
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream room temperature
- 1/2 tsp. salt plus more to taste
- 2 Tbsp. sage fresh, chopped
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain, drizzle with olive oil so they don't stick together and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add in Italian sausage and cook, crumbling it up, until browned. About 5-7 minutes.
- Add butter to pan and allow it to melt. Whisk in flour and stir all together with the sausage.
- Slowly and gradually whisk in milk and cream. Stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to boil and thicken. Sauce may appear thin, but it will thicken as it cooks, and thicken further when gnocchi is added in.
- Season with salt & pepper. Stir in sage and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir in gnocchi and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Let milk and heavy cream come to room temperature before adding to the roux to prevent sauce clumping.
- Turkey sausage or ground turkey can be substituted for Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
- Add chili flakes if additional heat is preferred.
- The sauce thickens as it cools; when reheating, add cream or broth to loosen it.
- Use fresh sage for the best aromatic flavor in the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 664 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 664kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 57g | 88% |
| Saturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Potassium | 459mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 695IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 301mg | 30% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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