Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Tomato Sauce

Description

This Italian Sausage Gnocchi dish is a cozy, one-pan meal loaded with flavor. Soft, pillowy gnocchi is simmered in a rich tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Topped with Parmesan cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty comfort food and wholesome goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress guests.

Ingredients For Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Tomato Sauce

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

• 1 package (16 oz / 450g) potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 2 cups fresh spinach (lightly packed)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Remove excess grease if needed.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add onions and garlic to the pan; sauté until softened and fragrant (2–3 minutes).

   • Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown (5 minutes).

3. Build the Sauce:

   • Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes.

   • Season with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

   • Let simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

4. Cook the Gnocchi:

   • Stir in gnocchi directly into the sauce (no need to boil separately if using fresh/shelf-stable).

   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes until gnocchi is tender and fluffy.

5. Add Spinach & Cheese:

   • Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.

   • Mix in Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

   • Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.

• Use kale instead of spinach if you prefer a heartier green.

• Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy tomato sauce twist.

• Fresh gnocchi will cook faster than shelf-stable; adjust simmering time accordingly.

Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms—allow them to brown properly for deeper flavor.

• If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water.

• For meal prep, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.

• To make it vegetarian, omit sausage and use cannellini beans or lentils instead.

Servings

• Serves 4 people

• Serving size: ~1 ½ cups

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 7g

• Sodium: 980mg

Benefits

• Balanced meal: Protein from sausage, carbs from gnocchi, fiber and vitamins from spinach & mushrooms.

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

• Comfort food with nutrients: Satisfying and wholesome without being overly heavy.

• Customizable: Adaptable to vegetarian, spicy, or creamy versions.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook fully, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Gnocchi tends to get mushy when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.

Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A: A medium-bodied red like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot pairs beautifully.

Q: Can I use homemade gnocchi?
A: Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi adds extra freshness but may cook faster—keep an eye on it.

Q: How do I make it less heavy?
A: Use turkey sausage, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.