Description
Creamy Gnocchi with Spicy Turkey Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender potato gnocchi combined with zesty spicy turkey sausage, all tossed in a rich and luscious cream sauce. Topped with melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and fresh herbs, this quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a satisfying balance of creamy, savory, and spicy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Soft potato gnocchi – 1 lb (450 g)
- Spicy turkey sausage – 12 oz (340 g), casing removed
- Heavy cream or plant-based cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3
Toppings and Garnishes
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) – 1 cup (about 100 g)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped – 2 tbsp
Seasonings
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Optional red pepper flakes – 1/4 tsp or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi, and once they float to the top, usually after 2 to 3 minutes, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain.
- Sauté the Spicy Turkey Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy turkey sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes, creating the flavor base for the sauce.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or your chosen plant-based cream, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Return the cooked gnocchi to the pan, tossing gently to coat them evenly in the creamy, spicy sausage sauce.
- Add Cheese and Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) over the top. Cover the skillet briefly until the cheese starts melting. Finish by tossing in fresh chopped parsley or basil for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi if possible for superior tender texture and quicker cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing the sausage and aromatics; cook in batches if necessary to achieve better browning and flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently at low heat to prevent curdling of the cream.
- Season as you go by tasting frequently and adjusting salt, pepper, and spice levels to your preference.
- Serve the dish immediately, as gnocchi can clump together if left sitting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: creamy gnocchi, spicy turkey sausage, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, gluten free, vegetarian options