If you are looking for a comforting, show-stopping meal that elevates a humble classic, look no further than the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe. This dish combines pillowy gnocchi pan-fried to golden perfection, a rich and tangy red sauce simmered with Italian sausage, and a luscious, creamy herbed ricotta that brings a fresh brightness. The finishing touch is a crunchy, golden crumb topping that adds texture and a delightful pop of savory crunch. It’s a layered celebration of flavors and textures that feels indulgent but is remarkably approachable for any home cook ready to impress family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet carefully selected ingredients is the first step to making this recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory depth of the sausage in the red sauce to the fresh zing of lemon in the ricotta, and the crispy breadcrumbs that crown the dish with a satisfying crunch.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds robust, meaty flavor and a bit of spice—choose meatless alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1–2 tbsp): For sautéing ingredients and crisping the gnocchi to golden perfection.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, minced): Builds the flavorful base of the red sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2 large minced + 1 small grated): Imparts aromatic warmth and pungency, used both in the sauce and ricotta.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Forms the luscious red sauce that balances acidity and sweetness.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Offers a classic Italian herbal note that complements the sausage and tomatoes.
- Salt and red pepper flakes (to taste): Essential seasonings to brighten and add a gentle kick to the sauce.
- Ricotta cheese (6–8 oz): Creates the creamy herbed ricotta topping, softening the bold flavors with richness.
- Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Introduces a fresh, vibrant contrast in the ricotta.
- Minced fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme): A fragrant mix to elevate the ricotta’s flavor profile.
- Pre-cooked gnocchi (two 16-oz packages): The tender potato dumplings that crisp up beautifully and soak in the sauce.
- Your favorite golden breadcrumbs: For creating the irresistible golden crispies on top.
How to Make Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Red Sauce
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced onion until it turns soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Add the ground Italian sausage and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up into small pieces for even cooking. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, just about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sprinkle dried oregano, add salt, and red pepper flakes according to your taste. Let this simmer gently so all the layers meld together into a rich, aromatic sauce, about 20 minutes. This will be the heart and soul of your dish.
Step 2: Make the Herbed Ricotta
While the sauce simmers, mix the ricotta cheese with the grated garlic clove, lemon zest and juice, and your choice of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt to taste. This creamy and tangy blend will add brightness and a refreshing contrast to the savory sauce and crispy gnocchi.
Step 3: Crisp the Gnocchi
In a large nonstick skillet, warm some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pre-cooked gnocchi in a single layer and let them cook without stirring until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp. Flip and repeat on the other side. This step transforms the normally soft gnocchi into delightful pillows with a crunchy exterior, creating a wonderful textural juxtaposition in the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Once the sauce is thickened and the gnocchi are perfectly golden, gently toss the gnocchi in the red sauce to coat every piece with that savory, hearty flavor. Transfer everything to a serving dish and dollop generously with the herbed ricotta. Finally, sprinkle your favorite golden breadcrumbs over the top for that signature golden crispies texture that makes this recipe truly special.
How to Serve Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. For an extra touch of indulgence, finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil or a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These simple garnishes brighten the plate and complement the hearty, creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also make excellent partners by adding earthiness and crunch. A crusty piece of rustic bread is perfect to scoop up any leftover sauce and ricotta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase all the layers and textures. Or create individual portions in cute ramekins topped with golden crispies as a formal appetizer. For a fun family-style setting, bring the whole skillet to the table so everyone can serve themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gnocchi with sauce and ricotta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the golden crispies crunchy, store the breadcrumbs separately and add them just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the red sauce alone in portioned containers for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze gnocchi fresh and cook them after thawing rather than freezing cooked gnocchi with sauce, which can become mushy upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. To revive the crispiness of the gnocchi, pop them under a broiler for a minute or two, or briefly sauté in a hot pan with a little olive oil.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or sauté mushrooms to add a meaty texture. The flavorful red sauce and herbed ricotta ensure the dish remains delicious and satisfying.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Pre-cooked potato gnocchi are perfect for this recipe as they crisp well when pan-fried. If you want to make your own gnocchi from scratch, keep them firm so they hold up during frying.
How do I get the golden crispies perfect?
Use a nonstick skillet and make sure your oil is hot before adding the gnocchi. Allow them to cook undisturbed until they develop a deep golden crust before turning. Patience is key here for maximum crunch.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, make the red sauce and herbed ricotta ahead of time. You can reheat the sauce gently when ready and toss freshly crisped gnocchi into it just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What herbs work best in the ricotta?
The combination of chives, parsley, and thyme works beautifully to add freshness and delicate herbal notes. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand or prefer—basil or tarragon can also be lovely swaps.
Final Thoughts
This Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe is one of those dishes that turns a simple dinner into something extraordinary. It’s full of layers that surprise and satisfy, offering comfort and elegance in every bite. Give it a try the next time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that feels both luxurious and welcoming. You might just find it becoming a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Millionaire Gnocchi recipe features pillowy pre-cooked gnocchi sautéed to golden crispiness and topped with a rich, flavorful red sauce made from Italian sausage and crushed tomatoes. A zesty herbed ricotta adds creamy freshness, while golden breadcrumbs provide an irresistible crunchy topping. Perfect for an elevated weeknight dinner that balances textures and bright flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
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 Crispies
- Two 16-oz packages of pre-cooked gnocchi
- Your favorite golden breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned through. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Make the Herbed Ricotta: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste. Fold in the minced herbs until evenly distributed. Set aside to let flavors meld while you prepare the gnocchi.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter if desired. Add the pre-cooked gnocchi in a single layer, cooking without stirring for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Flip and cook on the other side until golden crispies form. Remove from heat once both sides are crispy and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the warm red sauce onto serving plates. Arrange the golden crispy gnocchi on top. Dollop generous spoonfuls of the herbed ricotta over the gnocchi. Sprinkle with your favorite golden breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired. Enjoy this luxurious, comforting meal that delivers bold flavors and delightful textures in every bite.
Notes
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Pre-cooked gnocchi makes this recipe quick and easy, but you may also pan-fry fresh gnocchi if preferred.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Use fresh herbs in the ricotta for the best flavor; dried herbs will not have the same brightness.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free or omit them entirely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
