Welcome to a culinary journey where convenience meets exquisite flavor! If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a dinner that’s not only incredibly tasty but also quick to prepare and easy on the cleanup. That’s precisely what you’ll find with this delightful Smoked Sausage Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach. This recipe is a true weeknight champion, promising a satisfying meal on your table in under 20 minutes, with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. It’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Smoked Sausage Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Your New Go-To Dinner
Imagine this: a hearty, flavorful dinner that requires just two pots and leaves you with hardly any dishes to wash. For anyone who dreads the aftermath of cooking, this feature alone makes the Smoked Sausage Gnocchi a standout. The less time spent scrubbing pots and pans, the more time you have to relax and enjoy your evening. This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about smart cooking that prioritizes both taste and practicality. It’s a joyful return to simple, honest food that nourishes the body and soul without complicating your life.
The Magic of Gnocchi: A Pasta Alternative
While often mistaken for pasta, gnocchi are actually small, soft dumplings typically made from potato, flour, and egg. Their pillowy texture and ability to absorb flavors make them an excellent canvas for robust sauces and ingredients. In this dish, the gnocchi provides a delightful chewiness that beautifully complements the other components, offering a more substantial and comforting bite than traditional pasta. Plus, they cook incredibly fast, which is a major time-saver for any quick meal.
Smoked Sausage: The Heart of the Flavor
The smoked sausage is arguably the star of this dish, bringing a profound depth of savory, smoky flavor that elevates the entire meal. Whether you opt for a classic Kielbasa, an spicy Andouille, or a mild chicken apple sausage, the pre-cooked nature of smoked sausage means less cooking time for you. As it browns, it releases delicious oils and crispy edges, contributing immensely to the overall taste and texture. It’s a versatile ingredient that can adapt to your preference, allowing you to customize the dish with your favorite type of sausage.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach: A Dynamic Duo
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach adds vibrant color, fresh flavors, and a touch of healthy goodness. Sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, offer an intense, concentrated sweetness and tanginess that cuts through the richness of the sausage. Their chewy texture is a pleasant contrast. Baby spinach, on the other hand, provides a fresh, earthy counterpoint and wilts beautifully into the dish, adding vital nutrients and a lovely green hue. These two ingredients not only enhance the flavor profile but also make the meal visually appealing.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
One of the beauties of this Smoked Sausage Gnocchi recipe is its reliance on a few high-quality, readily available ingredients. You don’t need exotic items or a specialized pantry to create this delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few notes to help you select the best:
- Gnocchi (1 pound): Look for shelf-stable potato gnocchi for convenience, or fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section for an even softer texture.
- Smoked Sausage (1 pound): Kielbasa is a classic choice, offering a mild, smoky flavor that’s universally loved. However, feel free to experiment with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or a spicier pork sausage to suit your taste. Ensure it’s fully cooked, as most smoked sausages are.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil (¼ cup): These come packed in olive oil, which adds extra flavor. Drain them slightly, but don’t worry about getting every last drop of oil out, as it contributes to the dish’s richness. Chop them if they are too large.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum aromatic impact. It adds a pungent, savory foundation to the dish.
- Baby Spinach (4 cups): This might seem like a lot, but spinach wilts down significantly. Choose fresh, vibrant green leaves.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Freshly shaved or shredded Parmesan melts beautifully and provides a salty, umami finish. Pre-grated Parmesan works too, but fresh offers a superior flavor and texture.
Essential Recipe Tips for Perfect Smoked Sausage Gnocchi
Achieving a perfectly balanced and flavorful Smoked Sausage Gnocchi is straightforward, especially with these helpful tips:
- Spinach Power: Don’t be alarmed by the volume of baby spinach. Once it hits the warm pan, it will quickly reduce in size, becoming tender and incorporating seamlessly into the dish. Stir it gently to ensure even wilting.
- Strategic Timing: Efficiency is key for a quick dinner. Start cooking your gnocchi in one pot simultaneously as you brown your sausage in another. This way, the gnocchi will be hot, tender, and ready to be tossed directly into the flavorful sausage, sun-dried tomato, and spinach mixture, ensuring everything is warm and cohesive.
- Sausage Selection: While Kielbasa is a family favorite and my go-to for its balanced flavor, feel free to personalize this dish. Experiment with different types of smoked sausages like spicy Andouille for a kick, Italian sausage for herbaceous notes, or even a leaner chicken or turkey smoked sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s pre-cooked.
- Parmesan Perfection: The type of Parmesan cheese you use can make a difference. Shaved Parmesan offers a beautiful presentation and a more pronounced texture when mixed in, while shredded Parmesan melts more quickly and blends smoothly. I often serve a small bowl of extra Parmesan on the side, allowing everyone to customize their serving with an additional sprinkle of cheesy goodness.
- Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. Once they float to the surface, they are usually ready. Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep a close eye on them.
Customization and Variations for Every Palate
This Smoked Sausage Gnocchi recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tweak according to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding other quick-cooking vegetables. Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) can be sautéed with the sausage for added sweetness and crunch. Sliced mushrooms or diced onions also make excellent additions.
- Herbaceous Touches: Fresh herbs can brighten the flavors significantly. A sprinkle of fresh basil, oregano, or parsley at the end can add a lovely aromatic finish.
- Creamy Indulgence: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the very end, just before serving. This will create a luscious coating for the gnocchi and other ingredients.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or choose a spicy smoked sausage variety.
- Cheese Alternatives: While Parmesan is classic, Pecorino Romano or even a creamy mozzarella could be interesting alternatives or additions.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is robust enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast. A basket of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices left in the pan. For a truly comforting meal, consider a simple glass of red wine.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this Smoked Sausage Gnocchi are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too dry, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch.
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Smoked Sausage Gnocchi
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Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1 Smoked Sausage cut into ½-inch slices
- ¼ cup Sun Dried Tomatoes drained and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Baby spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shaved or shredded, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes) until they float to the surface. Drain well and keep warm.
- While the gnocchi cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage, minced garlic, and drained sun-dried tomatoes (with a little of their oil). Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is lightly browned and slightly crispy.
- Add the baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which will happen fairly quickly (1-2 minutes). Stir in the warm, cooked gnocchi, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and heated through. Sprinkle with ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and toss gently. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 81
Recipe originally shared on October 16, 2013. Updated October 2020 for enhanced clarity and additional recipe tips.