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
Scale
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
