Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe with you because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor – the kind of dish that instantly feels special but doesn t take all day to make. Trust me, when you re short on time but still want to impress your family or friends, this recipe totally delivers.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients came together to create something so comforting and – dare I say – romantic. The sausage adds just the right amount of hearty spice, while the sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce balance it beautifully. You ll find that this Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe quickly becomes a go-to weeknight winner that also works perfectly for date night or anytime you want to treat yourself.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe come together beautifully – you ve got savory sausage, creamy half-and-half, and that little hit of tang from sun-dried tomatoes. These flavors complement the soft pillowy gnocchi perfectly, making for a luxurious yet easy-to-prepare meal.

• Olive oil or sun-dried tomato oil: Sun-dried tomato oil adds subtle extra flavor if you can find it.
• Italian sausage links: Remove the casings for a juicy, crumbly texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that aromatic punch.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that warms the dish with familiar Italian flair.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives a gentle spicy kick.
• Tomato paste: Adds depth and richness that carries through the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for tangy, slightly chewy bites throughout the dish.
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Half and half: Creamy and lighter than heavy cream, making the sauce silky smooth.
• Potato gnocchi: Shelf stable makes it easy to keep on hand, but fresh works too.
• Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and fresh flavor without overpowering.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled in for that umami cheesy goodness.
• Basil leaves: Chopped last for a fresh and fragrant finish.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe flexible depending on what s in my fridge or who I m cooking for. Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to your liking – it s a forgiving dish that welcomes your creativity.

• Meat Swap: For a lighter version, I ve made this with ground turkey or chicken sausage, and the flavor still shines.
• Cheese Variations: Sometimes I sprinkle mozzarella or even goat cheese instead of parmesan for a creamier texture.
• Greens Upgrade: I ve added kale or arugula when fresh spinach was not available-both taste fantastic!
• Spicy Twist: If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce at the end.

How to Make Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan using a wooden spoon – this makes it cook evenly and get beautifully browned. You want to cook it for about 4-5 minutes until it s nicely caramelized; this step is key because those browned bits add incredible depth to the sauce later. I like to stir occasionally, breaking up the sausage into smaller chunks.

Step 2: Build the Flavor with Garlic and Spices

Once the sausage looks perfect, toss in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté everything together for about 1 minute – just enough to wake up the spices and soften the garlic without burning it. This step fills your kitchen with a fantastic aroma that tells you the magic is just beginning.

Step 3: Toast the Tomato Paste and Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet. Stir and let it toast for a minute; this brings out a richer, sweeter tomato flavor that you won’t get just by adding it straight in. Then, mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes – these deliver bursts of tangy, sweet chewiness that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce to come.

Step 4: Simmer in Chicken Broth and Half and Half

Pour in the chicken broth and half and half, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Use your spoon to scrape up those tasty brown bits stuck to the pan – they re flavor gold! This is when the sauce starts to come together, creamy and luscious. It s important to be patient here and let it simmer so the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi Right in the Sauce

Add the potato gnocchi directly into the skillet, trying to submerge as many as possible in the sauce. Cover the pan and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. You ll want to stir once or twice gently to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the pan or clumping. This method lets the gnocchi soak in those flavors while cooking perfectly tender without boiling separately – such a time saver.

Step 6: Finish with Greens, Cheese, and Fresh Basil

Lastly, stir in fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil leaves. Cook just until the spinach wilts – this only takes a minute or so. The result is a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Give everything a final stir, and your Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe is ready to serve.

How to Serve Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for that salty touch and a few more fresh basil leaves to brighten things up. If I m feeling fancy, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper make it just perfect. These simple garnishes lift the dish without overshadowing the flavors you worked so hard to build.

Side Dishes

Since the Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe is quite rich, I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add contrasting textures. Garlic bread or a warm rustic loaf is also a wonderful side that helps soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I ve served this recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a colorful basil sprig for a rustic look. You could also layer it in casserole dishes and bake with extra cheese on top for a bubbly finish. It s a dish that feels both casual and special, perfect for showing a bit of love in the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – it keeps well for about 2 to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld even more.

Freezing

Freezing works okay if you re careful, though I recommend slightly undercooking the gnocchi if you plan to freeze. That way, when you reheat, it won’t get too mushy. Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it s too thick. Microwaving works in a pinch but stirring halfway through helps keep the texture smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it manages to feel indulgent and approachable at the same time. Whether you re after a quick weeknight meal or something a little more intimate for a date night, it ticks all the boxes. I encourage you to try it out – once you ve made it, you might just find it becoming one of your favorite comfort-food secrets too.

Marry Me Sausage and Gnocchi Recipe

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• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy tomato sauce, finished with fresh spinach, parmesan, and basil for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or sun dried tomato oil
• 3 Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 lb shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 2 cups spinach
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 6 basil leaves, chopped

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, crumbling it with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Toast Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and toast it while stirring continuously for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
4. Simmer Sauce: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and half and half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Cook Gnocchi: Submerge the gnocchi as much as possible in the sauce. Cover the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
6. Add Greens and Cheese: Stir in the spinach, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Cook just until the spinach has wilted, then remove from heat.

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Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Use sun-dried tomato oil for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Fresh gnocchi may require less cooking time; adjust accordingly.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Serve with extra parmesan and basil for garnish if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/3 of recipe)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg