Yields: 4-5 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (preferably Italian-style)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half & half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- 5 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Brown the Sausage and Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream (or half & half), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Carefully add the gnocchi to the sauce.
- Continue simmering for 8-10 minutes or until the gnocchi are cooked through and tender. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out slightly.
Wilt the Spinach:
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Get Cheesy:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Broil for Perfection (Optional):
- For a golden, bubbly finish, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Be sure to watch carefully!
Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!
Tips:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free meal.
- Fresh Spinach: Substitute fresh spinach for frozen; cook as directed on the package before adding to the pan.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the sauce and sausage mixture in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat before adding gnocchi and spinach.
