If you love bold flavors that warm you up and comfort your soul, you are going to adore this Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe. This dish brings together tender potato gnocchi with spicy, savory Italian sausage, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce speckled with fragrant basil and a kick of Calabrian chili heat. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, rustic and refined, making it a show-stopping meal for any night of the week. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up whenever you want a hearty, satisfying dinner that feels both special and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays an essential role in building the intense flavors and velvety textures that make the Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe so irresistible. From the spicy sausage adding depth, to the creamy sauce that coats each bite just right, every element shines through.
- Italian sausages (10.6 ounces): Use high-quality sausages for rich, authentic flavor and just the right amount of spice.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that balances the heat.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic punch and depth to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle tang that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- DeLallo Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers (1 tablespoon or to taste): The star for authentic spicy kick with smoky, fruity notes.
- Chicken broth (1.5 cups): Builds a savory base for the sauce and helps cook the gnocchi.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and coats every noodle beautifully.
- DeLallo Potato Gnocchi (1 pound, uncooked): Soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up the sauce, creating pure comfort food heaven.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup freshly grated plus extra): Adds salty richness and a sharp finish to the dish.
- Fresh basil (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens the bold flavors with a fresh herbal note.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to elevate and balance every ingredient.
How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Begin by removing the sausage from its casings and crumbling it into a deep skillet along with the chopped onion. Sauté this mixture over medium heat for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is where the magic starts — as the sausage browns, it releases incredible flavor and fat that will infuse the whole dish. Be sure the sausage has a nice, golden-brown color for that lovely depth of flavor!
Step 2: Add the Garlic, Mustard, and Chili Peppers
Once your sausage and onion are beautifully browned, stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and the chopped Calabrian chili peppers. Let these cook together for 30 seconds to a minute, just long enough for the garlic to soften and the mustard and chili to mingle with the sausage. This step is crucial because it layers in the spicy heat and tangy complexity that give the dish its signature kick.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Cream
Next, add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom — those bits are flavor gold! This combination will start to form the luscious sauce that brings everything together. Let the liquid come to a gentle simmer as it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce
Add the raw potato gnocchi directly into the skillet—there is no need to pre-boil them. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the gnocchi will cook through perfectly, absorbing the spicy, creamy sauce. Keep an eye on the sauce thickening; it should generously coat each gnocchi, making every bite silky and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
Once the gnocchi are tender and the sauce is deliciously thick, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding a nutty richness, while the basil lifts the whole dish with a fresh herbaceous note. Serve immediately and don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for that perfect finishing touch!
How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish beautifully. If you like more heat, a few red chili flakes on top will amp up the spice and make it visually vibrant, too. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a luxurious gloss.
Side Dishes
This rich and flavorful recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh greens. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is great for sopping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to miss a single drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe family-style in a large rustic skillet right at the table. This encourages sharing and adds a cozy, communal feel to mealtime. Alternatively, you can plate it in deep bowls with a drizzle of chili oil for extra flair and a fresh basil sprig on top for elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop a bit further after sitting, but the gnocchi can absorb some sauce and become softer, so enjoy within that time for the best experience.
Freezing
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the cream sauce and gnocchi texture can suffer when thawed. If you want to freeze, separate the gnocchi from the sauce or freeze only the sausage mixture before combining it all fresh, to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it feels thick or dry. Microwave reheating works, but be sure to stir occasionally to heat evenly and prevent the gnocchi from overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of Calabrian chili peppers or omit them altogether if you prefer milder flavors. You can also balance the heat with a little extra cream or cheese.
What can I substitute for potato gnocchi?
If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, small pasta shapes like cavatappi or orecchiette work well as a substitute, though the texture will be different. Just cook the pasta separately before adding to the sauce.
Can I use ground meat instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, ground pork or ground turkey can be used, but the sausage has a unique blend of spices that really define the dish. If using ground meat, consider adding Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to mimic that flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for spicy vegetarian crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth. Adjust spices to keep the dish vibrant and full of flavor.
How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?
The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface and have a tender, pillowy texture. Cooking them directly in the skillet with the sauce helps them soak up flavor while cooking through in about 8-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves a meal with bold spice, creamy indulgence, and comforting satisfaction all in one bowl. It’s simple enough to make on a weekday yet impressive enough to serve to friends. I am confident once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation, guaranteed to brighten any evening with layers of lively, rich flavors. So grab those ingredients and get ready to fall in love with gnocchi all over again!
Print
Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring spicy Italian sausage cooked with tender potato gnocchi in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce flavored with Calabrian chili peppers and fresh basil. This easy one-pan meal comes together quickly, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 10.6 ounces Italian sausages (casings removed)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon DeLallo Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers (or to taste)
Liquid & Gnocchi
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (or 50/50 chicken broth and dry white wine)
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 pound DeLallo Potato Gnocchi (uncooked)
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and sauté onion: Remove the sausage meat from casings and crumble into a deep skillet along with the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is well browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic, mustard, and chili peppers: Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Calabrian chili peppers. Cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add liquids and deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, incorporating all the flavor into the sauce.
- Cook the gnocchi in the sauce: Stir in the uncooked potato gnocchi. Continue cooking uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with cheese, basil, and seasoning: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra parmesan sprinkled on top if desired.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- If Calabrian chili peppers are unavailable, substitute with crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Cooking the gnocchi directly in the sauce eliminates the need to boil separately, simplifying cleanup.
- For a wine flavor, use half chicken broth and half dry white wine as indicated.
