Description
Millionaire Gnocchi is a luxurious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi served with a flavorful red sausage sauce, creamy herbed ricotta, and crispy golden breadcrumbs for added texture and richness. This comforting meal combines savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and tangy lemon-infused ricotta to create a harmonious blend of flavors perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Red Sausage Sauce
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or meatless alternative)
- 1–2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste
Herbed Ricotta
- 6–8 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Minced herbs (chives, parsley, thyme), to taste
Gnocchi and Toppings
- Two 16-oz packages of pre-cooked gnocchi
- Your favorite golden breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Sausage Sauce: Heat 1–2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or meatless alternative) and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the minced onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-25 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Herbed Ricotta: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir in minced fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, and thyme to provide fresh, aromatic flavors. Adjust the seasoning as needed and set aside.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pre-cooked gnocchi packages and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi thoroughly.
- Prepare the Golden Crispies: In a separate small skillet, toast your favorite golden breadcrumbs over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained gnocchi to the sausage red sauce and gently toss to coat evenly and warm through. Serve the gnocchi topped with dollops of the herbed ricotta and sprinkled generously with the golden breadcrumbs for texture and added richness. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can use a meatless Italian sausage alternative to make this dish vegetarian.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried can be used but reduce the quantity as they are more concentrated.
- Pre-cooked gnocchi saves time; however, fresh gnocchi can be used if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- The breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, but they can be omitted if you prefer a softer texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance for a mild or spicy kick.
