Craving a comforting Italian dish that’s both hearty and quick to prepare? Look no further than our delectable Gnocchi with Sausage and Spinach! This mouthwatering recipe brings together pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach, all tossed in a luscious garlic-infused olive oil. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish can be whipped up in just 30 minutes! Get ready to impress your family and friends with a plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and break into small pieces.
- Add sausage to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
- Mince garlic cloves finely and add to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Bring a separate large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
- Drain the gnocchi and immediately add them to the skillet with the sausage. Gently toss to combine and coat the gnocchi with the sausage drippings.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until the spinach wilts, approximately 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve hot, enjoying the combination of crispy sausage, tender gnocchi, and wilted spinach.
Tips
- Sauté the Sausage Well: Ensure you break the sausage into small pieces while cooking; this allows for better flavor distribution and a delightful texture throughout the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Keep a close eye on the gnocchi as they cook. They’re done when they float to the surface, which usually takes just 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a burst of color and nutrition. If you have baby spinach on hand, it’s even more tender and cooks quickly.
- Add a Splash of Pasta Water: If the dish seems dry after combining the gnocchi and sausage, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to create a silkier sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan: Don’t skimp on the freshly grated Parmesan cheese! It adds a rich, savory finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also use spicy sausage for a kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 416kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
