Rich Italian Gnocchi Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Red Sauce
01 -
1 pound ground Italian sausage or meatless alternative
02 -
1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, minced
04 -
2 large cloves garlic, minced
05 -
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 -
Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
→ Herbed Ricotta
08 -
6-8 ounces of ricotta cheese
09 -
1 small clove garlic, grated
10 -
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
11 -
Salt to taste
12 -
Minced herbs to taste (chives, parsley, and/or thyme)
→ Gnocchi
13 -
Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi
→ For Serving
14 -
Golden crispies (breadcrumbs)
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and break it apart until well-browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage from the pan. If desired, drain off excess grease from the pan (though keeping it adds extra flavor).
02 -
Turn the heat down to prevent burning the garlic. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic; sauté for a few minutes over medium-low heat until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and oregano. Return the sausage to the pan and simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes. Taste and season with salt and red pepper flakes.
03 -
While the sauce is simmering, mix all the ricotta ingredients in a small dish. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
04 -
Cook gnocchi according to package directions (usually this involves a short boil). Add cooked gnocchi to the pan with the sauce. Bring to a low simmer to get the gnocchi and sauce bubbling and well-coated.
05 -
Serve hot gnocchi topped with a dollop of herbed ricotta and a generous sprinkling of golden crispies.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish combines the comfort of gnocchi with the richness of a homemade sauce and the freshness of herbed ricotta.
02 -
The sauce can be made ahead of time for quicker weeknight preparation.