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