Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi
A comforting dish featuring golden brown chicken sausage, tender gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Divided for a rich, nutty flavor.
- 4-5 Chicken Sausages Sliced for a savory addition.
- 1 Shallot Diced to add sweetness and depth.
- 6 cloves Garlic Minced for a robust aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Or dried oregano to enhance the Italian flair.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Divided for taste.
- 1/4 cup Tomato Paste To enrich the sauce.
- 1 3/4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth For a flavorful base.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or Full Fat Coconut Milk) For creaminess.
- 1 pound Gnocchi Serves as the dish's heart.
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach Chopped for freshness and color.
- 1-2 ounces Parmesan Cheese Grated for a finishing touch.
- 1/4 cup Basil Leaves Julienned for a burst of freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add in the chicken sausage slices and sauté until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer the sausage to a large plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, shallots, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook until the shallot is tender, about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste deepens in color, which will enhance the overall taste.
- Gradually stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or coconut milk), along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the gnocchi and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, add the spinach, and cook until the spinach wilts. Then stir in the Parmesan cheese for added creaminess and flavor.
- Finally, garnish with julienned basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve with garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
Notes
For best results, utilize high-quality chicken sausages that are seasoned well for maximum flavor. You can customize this dish by adding sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for a more robust taste. For a lighter touch, consider using half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like cashew cream.