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Creamy Marry Me Gnocchi with Sausage (Easy 20-Min Meal)

Creamy Marry Me Gnocchi with Sausage - featured image

This creamy, saucy gnocchi with sausage and sun-dried tomatoes comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, with a velvety sauce and pillowy gnocchi that soak up all the flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought, preferably refrigerated)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed if using links)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until they float. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the water boils, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (remove casings if using links) and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.
  6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained gnocchi and gently toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  8. Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a slightly crispy exterior on the gnocchi, pan-fry them in a little butter or oil before adding to the sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, sausage, creamy, sun-dried tomatoes, quick dinner, 20-minute meal, Italian, comfort food