If you’re craving a comforting, soul-warming dish that bursts with rich flavors and creamy textures, this Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is your new best friend. Tender potato gnocchi bathed in a velvety sauce made from Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy heavy cream, and a heavenly mix of cheeses makes every bite absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings a perfect balance of rustic Italian charm and indulgent satisfaction right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple but powerful ingredients. Each one plays a key role, contributing layers of flavor, creamy texture, or fresh bursts of color that make this dish so special.
- Mild Italian sausage: Brings savory, meaty depth and a great base for the sauce.
- Shallot (diced): Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with concentrated, tangy sweetness that balances the creaminess.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with an irresistible aromatic warmth.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the richness and body of the sauce with intense tomato flavor.
- Dried oregano: Offers fragrant herbal notes essential to Tuscan cooking.
- Paprika and garlic powder: Add subtle smoky and savory undertones.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Perfectly season and elevate every ingredient.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while enhancing depth.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Provide fresh sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds salty sharpness and contributes to the creamy texture.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a healthy green pop and subtle earthiness.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that finishes the dish perfectly.
- Parsley (chopped): Bright, fresh garnish that lifts the flavors.
How to Make Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. This sets the perfect temperature to melt the mozzarella topping and finish the dish with a golden bubbling crust after everything is combined.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the mild Italian sausage until it loses all its pink color, about 5 to 8 minutes. This step releases all the flavorful oils that create the savory base for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the diced shallots and softened, chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the shallots become tender and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute to amplify the aromatic essence.
Step 4: Build the Sauce’s Flavor
Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. These spices bring warm, earthy, and slightly smoky layers of flavor that are absolutely essential to a fantastic Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe.
Step 5: Add Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. The cream makes the sauce irresistibly rich, while the broth balances it out for a smooth, silky texture.
Step 6: Mix in Tomatoes and Cheese
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat until the parmesan melts and blends beautifully with the sauce.
Step 7: Incorporate Gnocchi and Spinach
Add the uncooked potato gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir carefully to ensure every gnocchi is coated with the flavorful sauce, and watch the spinach wilt into a tender green flourish.
Step 8: Add Mozzarella and Bake
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. Pop the whole pan into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. When it’s done, the cheese will be melted, golden, and bubbling, adding the perfect finishing touch.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant, herbaceous note that brightens the rich, creamy gnocchi dish.
How to Serve Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding just the right amount of color and subtle freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, you can also offer a little grated parmesan on the side for guests who crave more cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This hearty Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Think crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Light garlic bread also makes a fantastic companion, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the gnocchi in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with mozzarella before baking. Alternatively, a rustic wooden board adorned with small bowls of fresh herbs, olives, and a glass of bold red wine creates a convivial, Tuscan-inspired dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe, simply cool the leftovers to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, the dish freezes nicely. Place the cooled gnocchi into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the creamy sauce smooth and the gnocchi tender, not rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Substituting spicy sausage will add a delightful kick to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile. Just keep in mind the heat level so it complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
Is it necessary to use fresh parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and provides a richer, more vibrant flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. For the best taste and texture in this Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe, fresh parmesan is highly recommended.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular potato gnocchi for a gluten-free variety, which is widely available in most stores. Ensure all other ingredients like chicken broth and sausage are labeled gluten-free to keep the dish safe for sensitive eaters.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them altogether. The dish will still be delicious but the unique sweet-tart depth from sun-dried tomatoes is worth seeking out if possible.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add extra spinach or other vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian while still capturing the creamy and savory essence.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is pure comfort food perfection that’s surprisingly easy to make and endlessly satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try whenever you crave something rich, cozy, and full of those authentic Tuscan flavors. Trust me, once you do, it might just become your go-to dish for special weeknight dinners and casual gatherings alike!
Print
Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi cooked in a flavorful sauce of mild Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, all topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 medium shallot, diced (about ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, softened in hot water and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 ½ cups (357 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (240 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Gnocchi
- 2 cups (298 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 packages (16 ounces each) potato gnocchi, uncooked
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the mild Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté Shallots and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the diced shallots and softened, chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the shallots are softened, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release the aroma.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Combine all ingredients thoroughly to develop the base sauce flavors.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth. Stir well to incorporate the liquid base smoothly with the sausage and seasonings.
- Add Tomatoes and Parmesan: Mix in the halved cherry tomatoes and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together carefully so the gnocchi are evenly coated and the spinach begins to wilt.
- Top with Mozzarella: Remove the skillet from heat. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the gnocchi mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the oven-safe skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until the mozzarella melts, turns golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding mozzarella and baking.
- For a spicy kick, substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage.
- Gnocchi can be homemade or store-bought; no need to pre-cook before adding to the sauce.
- If you don’t have fresh spinach, baby kale can be used as a substitute.
- Make sure to soften sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for easier chopping and better texture.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
