Chicken Sausage Gnocchi with Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce Bangers Gnocchi Mashup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Your New Weeknight Hero?
Fancy a bit of Italy but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? I hear you! Have you ever tried chicken sausage gnocchi ? Honestly, it's a total game changer.
It's proper comfort food, quick, and packed with flavour.
This recipe is a cheeky take on the Italian chicken sausage gnocchi classic. Forget slaving over a hot stove all night, this easy chicken sausage gnocchi comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy tomato basil gnocchi sauce is just divine. It serves about 4 hungry people.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
This isn't just another pasta dish. This Sausage gnocchi skillet is packed with protein and provides a satisfying meal without being overly heavy.
Serve it up for a cozy night in, or even as a crowd pleaser at your next casual get-together. What makes this recipe special is that it is a Quick gnocchi dinner idea that tastes gourmet, and you don't have to tell anyone how easy it was.
The Sausage Secret: Flavours That Pop!
The star of the show? The chicken sausage! Seriously, choose one with fennel for a real burst of flavour. I always find that a good quality sausage makes all the difference.
And hey, if you fancy a bit of heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Ready to gather your ingredients for the Weeknight gnocchi recipe ? Let's get to it!
Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to make this Chicken Sausage Gnocchi masterpiece! Seriously, this is the perfect weeknight gnocchi recipe when you want something proper tasty but haven't got all day.
Think comfort food meets Italian flair sorted!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks! This creamy tomato basil gnocchi isn't rocket science, but having your bits and bobs ready makes all the difference, innit?
Main Ingredients
- Gnocchi: 500g (about 1.1 lbs ) pre-made potato gnocchi. Top tip: The fresher the better. Good quality gnocchi will be pillowy and soft. No one wants rubbery gnocchi!
- Chicken Sausage: 450g (about 1 lb ) chicken sausage, removed from casings. I usually go for Italian style chicken sausage gnocchi with fennel the flavour is amazing!
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 400g (14 oz) can.
- Heavy Cream: 120ml ( ½ cup ) heavy cream (double cream).
- Chicken Broth: 120ml ( ½ cup ) chicken broth (stock).
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp + 1 tbsp
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ tsp (optional, for a bit of a kick).
- Fresh Basil: A handful, roughly chopped.
- Parmesan: Grated, for serving (optional, but come on !).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
My Grandma always said, "Good ingredients, good grub!" She was right, of course. A proper Italian chicken sausage gnocchi needs good quality sausages and tomatoes.
Seasoning Notes
Alright, let's talk flavor! Oregano is a must; it's the heart of this dish. Red pepper flakes add a sneaky warmth.
Try smoked paprika for extra flavor! If you're short on fresh basil, a pinch of dried basil works. But honestly, fresh basil makes this chicken sausage gnocchi recipe sing!
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors. For a shortcut, add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning mix to the sauce! That's what I do when I'm knackered after work.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan. A deep one is ideal for the sausage gnocchi skillet .
- Large pot (for cooking gnocchi).
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
- Colander.
Nothing too fancy, right? A good skillet is essential. I love using my cast iron. If you haven't got a colander, a large sieve will do.
This easy chicken sausage gnocchi is all about making life easier, remember! It's great as a gnocchi bake with chicken sausage , too, if you have the time.
Right then, let's talk cooking method for this killer chicken sausage gnocchi recipe ! Honestly, it’s way easier than you think.
I've been making variations of this for years. It's always a winner. We are making a Quick gnocchi dinner ideas
Prep Like a Pro
Essential Mise en Place
Get everything chopped and measured before you start. Seriously! Dice your onion. Mince your garlic. Have that can of tomatoes ready to rock and roll.
Oh my gosh, this really saves time. Trust me on this one. Get that Italian chicken sausage gnocchi ready to go
Time Saving Organization Tips
I like to crumble my chicken sausage before I even turn on the heat. Less mess later. You know? Also, keep a bin nearby for veggie scraps.
Makes clean-up a breeze. I wish I was that organized all of the time!
Safety First, Always!
Watch out for that oil splattering when you brown the sausage. Use a splatter screen if you've got one. Don’t burn yourself! Seriously, oven burns are the worst.
step-by-step: Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Showdown!
- Cook the Gnocchi: Chuck your gnocchi into a big pot of boiling, salted water. Cook until they float. Usually about 2- 3 minutes . Don't overcook! You want them pillowy, not mushy.
- Sausage Time: Brown your crumbled chicken sausage in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Get it nice and crispy. Remember: internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C .
- Aromatics Up: Add your diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened. Around 5 minutes .
- Sauce It Up: Stir in your crushed tomatoes, cream, chicken broth, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10- 15 minutes .
- Gnocchi Meets Sausage: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir to coat. Cook for 2- 3 minutes more.
Pro Tips from Yours Truly
Expert Techniques
Brown the sausage really well. That's where the flavour is. Want that extra bit of love: make homemade gnocchi with chicken sausage
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the sausage! It will steam instead of brown. Bleurgh! That is the worst, and this can ruin your Creamy tomato basil gnocchi
make-ahead Magic
You can totally make the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days .
Then just cook the gnocchi and combine when you’re ready to eat. It makes this a perfect weeknight gnocchi recipe .
This chicken sausage gnocchi is a real crowd pleaser. So get cooking and let me know what you think! I hope you love this easy chicken sausage gnocchi as much as I do! Alternatively, you can turn this into a Gnocchi bake with chicken sausage , which is also wonderful
Alright mate, let's talk about some Recipe Notes for this cracking chicken sausage gnocchi recipe . Honestly, it's proper easy but a few pointers never hurt, eh?
Serving Suggestions
Fancy it up a bit? For plating, think rustic. Big bowl, generous scoop of creamy tomato basil gnocchi , a scattering of fresh basil leaves, and a good grating of Parmesan.
Makes it look like you've slaved away all day!
For sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness. And a nice glass of Pinot Grigio? Chef's kiss. Maybe some garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
This Italian chicken sausage gnocchi is also lovely with a dry white wine.
Storage Tips
Right, so leftovers. You'll likely have some as this easy chicken sausage gnocchi is quite filling. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. Should be good for about 3 days.
Freezing? I wouldn't bother, the gnocchi can get a bit mushy. But, if you must, make sure it's completely cooled first.
Reheating is easy - microwave or in a pan with a splash of water or stock. A good tip is to try making a sausage gnocchi skillet.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Want some gnocchi with sausage and cream sauce , a bit different?
How about a veggie version? Swap the chicken sausage for some roasted mushrooms. Lush! dairy-free? Use a plant based cream instead of double cream.
Still banging, I promise. And if you're looking for Quick gnocchi dinner ideas you can make a Gnocchi bake with chicken sausage adding some mozzarella and baking until bubbly.
Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly a health food. But it's not terrible either. You get protein from the sausage, some vitamins from the tomatoes, and carbs for energy from the gnocchi.
Each serving is roughly 450 calories, but remember that's just an estimate. Homemade gnocchi with chicken sausage has good nutrients, and is a great weeknight gnocchi recipe.
Remember, portion control is your friend. Plus, those tomatoes are good for you!
So there you have it! Some handy hints for making this chicken sausage gnocchi the best it can be. Now go on, get cooking and enjoy! I know you'll nail it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken sausage gnocchi ahead of time?
You certainly can, which is handy if you are short on time during the week! Cook the gnocchi and sausage separately, then combine with the sauce when ready to serve. Store the components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
What's the best way to store leftover chicken sausage gnocchi?
Pop any leftover chicken sausage gnocchi into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days. When reheating, I find it's best to use a pan on the hob rather than the microwave, to avoid the gnocchi getting too rubbery. A gentle heat with a dash of milk or stock works wonders!
My chicken sausage gnocchi sauce is too thick, how do I fix it?
No worries, it happens to the best of us! If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little extra chicken broth or even some of the pasta water (starchy water is your friend!) to thin it out. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Give it a good stir and you'll be sorted in no time, like magic!
I don't have heavy cream, can I substitute something else in this chicken sausage gnocchi recipe?
Absolutely! You can use half and-half for a slightly lighter version. For a really creamy sauce, full fat crème fraîche would also work a treat. If you're after something lower in fat, a splash of milk will do the job, but just be aware that the sauce won't be quite as rich.
Is there a vegetarian alternative I could use instead of the chicken sausage in this gnocchi dish?
Yes, of course! Using a vegetarian Italian style sausage, chopped mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini would all be delicious substitutions. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are tender and the vegetarian sausage is heated through.
You could also add some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
How can I make this chicken sausage gnocchi recipe healthier?
There are a few tweaks you can make. Firstly, opt for leaner chicken sausage varieties or even turkey sausage. Swapping heavy cream for half and-half or a lighter cream alternative will also reduce the fat content.
Loading up on extra vegetables is a great way to add nutrients and fiber without significantly increasing the calories - think spinach, kale, or extra tomatoes!
Chicken Sausage Gnocchi With Creamy Tomato Basil
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |