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To make Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi One Pan, you will need: - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish You can easily swap some ingredients based on your taste or what you have. - Use chicken sausage if you want a lighter option. - For a twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of gnocchi. - Replace mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor. - If you don't have cherry tomatoes, use diced regular tomatoes. - Spinach can be swapped for kale or arugula for a different taste. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Here’s how to pick the best: - Choose Italian sausage that feels firm and has a fresh smell. - Look for gnocchi that is plump and has a smooth texture. - Pick tomatoes that are bright and firm to the touch. - For spinach, select leaves that are crisp and vibrant green. - When buying cheese, look for packages that are sealed and cold. - Always check for any signs of spoilage or bruising. By following these tips, you ensure your Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi One Pan tastes amazing! 1. Brown the Sausage: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula. Cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This gives a nice flavor base. 2. Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for another 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. This step adds sweetness and depth to the dish. 3. Combine Gnocchi: Now, add 1 package of gnocchi to the pan. Pour in enough water to cover the gnocchi, about 2 to 3 cups. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. If you like heat, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to mix. 4. Simmer: Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The gnocchi should be soft and tender. 5. Add Spinach & Cheeses: After the gnocchi is cooked, remove the lid and fold in 1 cup of baby spinach until it wilts. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. 6. Final Touches: When the cheese is gooey and melted, taste your dish. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Then, remove from heat. 7. Garnish & Serve: Divide the cheesy gnocchi among plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. - Prep Time: This dish takes just 10 minutes to prepare. - Cook Time: The total cook time is around 30 minutes. - Serving Size: This recipe serves 4 people. Stirring is key to avoid sticking. It helps the gnocchi cook evenly. Timing is also crucial. Overcooking can make the gnocchi mushy. Follow the suggested times for the best results. Enjoy your meal! To get a creamy cheese sauce, start with the right cheeses. Use mozzarella and Parmesan, as they melt well. Add the cheeses after cooking the gnocchi. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt evenly. This keeps it smooth and gooey. Stir the cheese in gently to combine. One common mistake is adding too much water. Only add enough to cover the gnocchi. Too much water makes the dish watery, not creamy. Also, avoid cooking the spinach too long. It should just wilt in the heat. Overcooking can make it lose flavor and color. One-pan cooking is fun and easy. Start by browning the sausage well. This builds great flavor. Use a large enough pan to avoid crowding. Stir the ingredients often to prevent sticking. Covering the pan helps cook everything evenly. This keeps the flavors locked in and makes cleanup a breeze! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with some add-ins. Try adding mushrooms for extra flavor. Peppers or zucchini also work well. They add color and nutrition. You can mix in some peas or corn for a sweet touch. If you want more heat, toss in jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes. While Italian sausage shines in this recipe, other meats can fit too. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter choice. For a smoky flavor, use chorizo. If you want a richer taste, try using pancetta or bacon. Each meat brings a unique flavor, so choose what you love. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also use beans or lentils for protein. For a vegan option, replace cheese with a vegan version. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor and texture. To keep your Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Place it in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, add a splash of water to a pan. Heat it on low, stirring gently. This helps keep the gnocchi soft. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze leftovers, do it soon after cooking. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best to freeze in single servings. This makes it easy to thaw what you need. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. This meal pairs well with a simple green salad. A light Caesar salad works great too. You can add garlic bread for a crunchy side. If you want a drink, try a nice red wine. It complements the flavors well. To spice it up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy Italian sausage. For extra heat, toss in sliced jalapeños or hot sauce while cooking. Start with a little, then taste as you go. Adjust to your spice level. Yes, you can use gluten-free gnocchi. Many stores sell gluten-free options now. Make sure to check labels for gluten-free Italian sausage too. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten. This blog post walks you through making a tasty dish with cozy ingredients. We explored ingredient choices, cooking steps, and how to keep your meal creamy. You learned tips to avoid mistakes and ways to customize your cooking. We also covered how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Use these insights to create your own cheesy sausage gnocchi. Enjoy making it perfect each time!

Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi One Pan

Indulge in this Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi One Pan dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! Made with Italian sausage, gnocchi, vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella, this easy recipe combines rich flavors with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is quick and delicious. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight! #CheesyGnocchi #OnePanMeals #QuickDinner #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup baby spinach

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

    Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

      Combine Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pan. Pour in enough water to just cover the gnocchi (about 2-3 cups), add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

        Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Add Spinach & Cheeses: Once the gnocchi is cooked, remove the lid and fold in the baby spinach until wilted. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

            Final Touches: Once the cheese is gooey and melted, taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat.

              Garnish & Serve: Divide the cheesy gnocchi among plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings