Baked Gnocchi with Sausage

There’s something utterly comforting about a dish that combines the hearty flavors of Italian sausage with the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi, all baked to perfection with a golden cheese topping. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that ticks all those boxes and more: Baked Gnocchi with Sausage. This dish is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal comfort food for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of a warm, satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

To make this comforting baked gnocchi dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ¾ lb Italian sausage (380 g): The star of the dish, providing rich and savory flavors.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a layer of sweetness and texture.
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (about 3 cloves): For that essential aromatic kick.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: To infuse the dish with classic Italian herbs.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust according to your taste and the sausage’s seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough for a bit of spice.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce without making it too salty.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Brings a luxurious creaminess to the dish.
• 1 lb gnocchi (500g): The delightful dumplings that make this dish so special.
• 2 cups chopped spinach: Adds color, texture, and a nutritional boost.
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella: For that gooey, melty cheese layer.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice, sharp finish to the dish.

Directions

Preparing this baked gnocchi with sausage is straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that the oven is ready by the time your gnocchi mixture is prepared.
2. Brown the sausage and onion. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion until the sausage is nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a deep, savory flavor base.
3. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir in the chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Thicken with flour. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sausage mixture, stirring until no white flour remains. This step is key for a thick and hearty sauce.
5. Create the sauce. Slowly stir in the low sodium chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine gnocchi and spinach. Add the uncooked gnocchi and chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring to ensure they’re well-coated with the sauce.
7. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the gnocchi mixture. The cheese will melt into a deliciously golden layer as it bakes.
8. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Cover the skillet with foil or a lid and bake at 350 degrees F. This allows the gnocchi to cook through and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
9. Broil for a golden finish. If you like a crispy, golden top, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.
10. Cool before serving. Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest period allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly, making it even more delicious.

Nutritional Information

For those interested in the nutritional aspect, this dish serves about 5, with each serving containing approximately 631 kcal. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds.

Conclusion

This Baked Gnocchi with Sausage recipe is a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients with a touch of culinary care to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re serving it up as a cozy family dinner or enjoying it as a solo treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!

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