Chicken Sausage Gnocchi: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Chicken sausage gnocchi: prepare to be transported to a cozy Italian trattoria with every single bite! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, quick to prepare yet tastes like it simmered for hours? Well, look no further!

Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, have a rich history rooted in Northern Italy, dating back to Roman times. Traditionally, they were a peasant dish, a way to make the most of simple ingredients. Over the centuries, gnocchi evolved, incorporating different flours and flavorings, but their essence remained the same: a celebration of humble goodness. Today, we’re elevating this classic with the savory goodness of chicken sausage.

What makes chicken sausage gnocchi so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures: the pillowy softness of the gnocchi, the slight chew of the sausage, and the creamy, flavorful sauce that binds it all together. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the sauce with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and cheeses. Plus, it’s a fantastic weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families. Get ready to experience a culinary masterpiece that’s both easy to make and utterly unforgettable!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1 pound chicken sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our sausage and veggies. This is where the flavor foundation of our gnocchi dish really begins.

1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage (removed from the casings, remember?) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to get some nice browning on the sausage; that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from! Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t drain the grease – we’ll use that to cook the veggies!
2. Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet (if needed, add a touch more). Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, and the bell pepper is slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes. We want them to be soft, but not mushy.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Creating the Tomato Sauce:

Now it’s time to build our delicious tomato sauce. This is where we’ll layer in the flavors that will complement the gnocchi and sausage perfectly.

1. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is a great time to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Does it need more salt? A pinch of sugar to balance the acidity? Now’s the time to experiment!
3. Add the Sausage Back In: Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the sausage to infuse its flavor into the sauce.

Cooking the Gnocchi:

Next up, the star of the show: the gnocchi! There are a couple of ways to cook gnocchi, and I’ll walk you through both. The traditional boiling method and a skillet method that gives them a nice, slightly crispy exterior.

1. Boiling Method (Traditional): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, plus an additional minute. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they’re done! Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi directly to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Skillet Method (Crispy Gnocchi): Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet with the sauce. Add the chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure the gnocchi is submerged in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This method gives the gnocchi a slightly crispy exterior, which I personally love!

Finishing Touches and Serving:

Almost there! Now for the final touches that will elevate this dish to the next level.

1. Add the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. The cream adds richness and the Parmesan adds a salty, savory note.
2. Taste and Adjust: Give the dish one final taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Does it need more salt? Pepper? A little more Parmesan? Now’s your chance to make it perfect!
3. Serve: Serve the chicken sausage gnocchi immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves (if using) and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread is also a great addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few ideas to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone cheese on top and broil for a few minutes until melted and bubbly.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with this dish.
• Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked gnocchi when ready to serve.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Chicken Sausage Gnocchi recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and relatively easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Sausage Gnocchi recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The combination of savory chicken sausage, pillowy soft gnocchi, and a vibrant, customizable sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s quick enough for a busy evening but impressive enough to serve to guests. What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Think of it: the slightly spicy kick from the sausage mingling with the creamy sauce, all nestled around those delightful little gnocchi dumplings. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. But beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is a winner because it’s so darn easy! We’re talking minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques, making it perfect for even the most novice cooks. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up a restaurant-quality meal.

Why is this Chicken Sausage Gnocchi a must-try? Because it’s:

* Incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
* Quick and easy to prepare.
* Highly customizable to your liking.
* A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
* Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the gnocchi. Or, for a heartier meal, add some roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil before serving elevates the dish even further.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Swap out the chicken sausage for Italian sausage or even chorizo for a spicier kick. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. The possibilities are endless! You could even try a pesto cream sauce instead of a tomato-based one for a completely different flavor profile. For a lighter version, use whole wheat gnocchi and turkey sausage.

I truly believe that this Chicken Sausage Gnocchi recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a dish that you’ll turn to time and time again, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or something special to impress your friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do try it, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or simply tell a friend. Let’s spread the gnocchi love! I can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces you create. Happy cooking!