Description

Hey there, fellow kitchen adventurers! If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also an absolute joy to whip up, then meet our Gnocchi With Red Sauce . This delightful dish brings together soft, pillowy gnocchi, a rich and savory red sauce, and the pièce de résistance—creamy herbed ricotta. Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, all eagerly diving into this comforting bowl of happiness. Trust me; it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds)!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground Italian sausage or a meatless alternative
1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
6–8 ounces of ricotta cheese
1 small clove garlic, grated
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Minced herbs (like chives, parsley, or thyme)
Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi

Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Get a large skillet nice and hot. Add your ground Italian sausage (or meatless alternative) and break it apart as it cooks, making sure it’s well browned. When it’s beautifully golden, remove it from the pan. Pro tip: Drain any excess grease if you prefer a lighter dish.
Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat a notch and add the olive oil, minced onion, and garlic to the same pan. Sauté them for a few minutes until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Toss in your crushed tomatoes and oregano, stir everything together, and then add the browned sausage back into the mix. Let this simmer on low for about 30-45 minutes. Keep tasting and adjust with salt and red pepper flakes as you see fit.
Make the Ricotta: While your sauce is bubbling away, grab a small bowl and mix the ricotta cheese with your grated garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a bit of salt. Taste and adjust until it’s just right—it should be creamy with a touch of zing from the lemon. Mmm!
Cook the Gnocchi: Now, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once they’re all fluffy and delightful, add them to that gorgeous sauce in the pan. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi in that lush sauce and let it simmer for just a couple more minutes.
Serve It Up: Dish out this fabulous gnocchi on plates and finish it with big dollops of your herbed ricotta and a sprinkle of minced herbs. Voila! You’ve got yourself a meal that’s not only visually stunning but deliciously comforting too.

Notes

Feeling Fancy? Add some sautéed spinach or roasted veggies to the sauce for an extra veggie boost.
Herbed Wonders: Not a fan of chives? Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs—you can’t really go wrong!
Bubbling Bliss: If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t worry! That’s just a sign that it’s full of flavor!