Millionaire Gnocchi

Pillowy gnocchi bathed in a rich tomato sauce with Italian sausage creates the foundation of this indulgent dish. The melty herbed ricotta adds creamy pockets of flavor while golden breadcrumbs deliver the perfect textural contrast with each bite. This is comfort food elevated to an art form – simple ingredients transformed into a meal that feels truly special.

I first made this for a small dinner gathering and watched as conversation stopped completely when everyone took their first bite. My husband now requests this dish at least twice a month, claiming it's better than what he's had at our favorite Italian restaurant.

Ingredients With Purpose

• Italian sausage: provides rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the sauce; choose a quality brand with visible herbs and spices
• Whole peeled tomatoes: their natural sweetness and acidity create the perfect sauce base; San Marzano tomatoes offer exceptional flavor if available
• Pre-packaged gnocchi: saves time without sacrificing quality; look for packages with minimal ingredients for the most authentic taste
• Ricotta cheese: creates pockets of creamy goodness; select whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor and smoothest texture
• Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage): infuse bright, aromatic notes; choose vibrant, unwilted herbs for maximum flavor
• Panko breadcrumbs: provide the perfect light, airy crunch; their larger flake size creates better texture than regular breadcrumbs
• Crispy fried onions: add unexpected savory depth to the crispies; their natural sweetness balances the dish beautifully

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your sauce base:

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns, creating small, bite-sized pieces that will distribute throughout the sauce. Cook until no pink remains and the edges develop a golden crust, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.

2. Reduce heat to medium and add finely diced onion:

Cook until translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage. Add minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The aroma will tell you when they're ready.

3. Pour in the can of whole peeled tomatoes:

Use your spoon to gently crush the tomatoes in the pan, creating a chunky sauce with varying textures. Return the cooked sausage to the pan, stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally as the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.

4. While the sauce simmers, prepare the herbed ricotta:

Combine 1 cup of whole milk ricotta with 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped chives and parsley, 1 teaspoon each of thyme, rosemary, and sage, plus the zest of half a lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir until well combined. Let this mixture rest at room temperature to allow the flavors to develop.

5. For the golden crispies:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs and stir constantly until they begin to turn golden, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of salt, continuing to stir until evenly golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Once cooled slightly, mix in 1/2 cup of pre-packaged crispy fried onions, breaking them up slightly with your fingers.

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The Perfect Gnocchi Experience

The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to feel both familiar and special at the same time. The sauce develops a depth of flavor that belies how quickly it comes together. Each component plays an important role – the sauce provides a savory base, the ricotta adds richness, and the crispies deliver that satisfying textural contrast.

When serving this to guests, I've found that presenting it family-style in a large, shallow bowl creates an impressive centerpiece. The dollops of white ricotta against the red sauce with the golden crispies scattered on top creates a visual feast before anyone takes their first bite.

This dish also reheats beautifully the next day, though you'll want to store any remaining crispies separately to maintain their crunch. Simply warm the gnocchi and sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave, then add fresh dollops of ricotta and crispies before serving.

I've discovered that the herbed ricotta has become a staple in my refrigerator. My daughter loves it spread on cucumber slices for an after-school snack, and my husband has been known to sneak spoonfuls straight from the container when he thinks no one is looking.

The first time I made this dish, I accidentally added too much lemon zest to the ricotta. What seemed like a mistake turned into a happy accident – the bright citrus note cut through the richness perfectly. Now I always add a generous amount of zest for that perfect balance of flavors.

This Millionaire Gnocchi truly lives up to its name, delivering a wealth of flavor in every bite. The beauty is in how these simple ingredients transform into something that feels truly special. Whether for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, this dish proves that sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones that combine comfort with a touch of luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use vegetarian sausage for this recipe?

Yes, the recipe specifically mentions you can use a meatless alternative instead of Italian sausage for a vegetarian version.

→ How long does this recipe take to make?

The total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with most of that being simmering time for the sauce.

→ What are golden crispies mentioned in the recipe?

Golden crispies are breadcrumbs that add a crunchy texture contrast to the soft gnocchi and creamy sauce.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just cook the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.

→ What herbs work best for the ricotta mixture?

The recipe suggests chives, parsley, and/or thyme for the herbed ricotta, but you can adjust to your preference.