Description
Classic Italian Comfort Baked Gnocchi with Sausage blends robust flavors and hearty ingredients into a satisfying one-pan meal. Creamy cheese, spicy sausage, and pillowy potato dumplings create a perfect dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (500g) gnocchi
- 0.75 lb (380g) Italian sausage
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 2 tbsps (3 cloves) chopped garlic
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack centered, ensuring optimal cooking environment.
- Sausage Foundation: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown Italian sausage into delicate crumbles, releasing rich, meaty flavors.
- Aromatic Layering: Incorporate finely chopped onions, cooking until translucent and caramelized, then introduce minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Sauce Development: Dust the mixture with all-purpose flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a velvety, robust sauce that thickens and transforms the dish’s character.
- Gnocchi Integration: Fold uncooked potato gnocchi and fresh spinach leaves into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete sauce coverage and promising a harmonious blend of textures.
- Cheese Crowning: Lavishly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, preparing for a golden, crispy finish.
- Baking Sequence: Cover skillet with aluminum foil, bake for 25 minutes until gnocchi becomes tender and sauce bubbles with intensity, then remove foil and broil 2-3 minutes for a perfectly crisp cheese topping.
- Resting Phase: Allow the baked gnocchi to rest 5-7 minutes, permitting sauce to settle and flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive and satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
- Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with good fat content for deeper flavor and richer sauce.
- Prevent Gummy Gnocchi: Pat potato gnocchi dry before adding to prevent excess moisture and ensure perfect texture.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and more even coating across the dish.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Let the baked gnocchi sit for 5-7 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg