Name: Millionaire Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage or meatless alternative; 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, minced; 2 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste; 6-8 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 small clove garlic, grated; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; Minced herbs (chives, parsley, and/or thyme), to taste; Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi

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Introduction

Millionaire Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a savory Italian sausage tomato sauce. Topped with a bright herbed ricotta, it’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable for home cooks.

A deep white bowl filled with soft gnocchi covered in thick red tomato sauce mixed with crumbled browned sausage pieces. On top of the gnocchi sits a dollop of creamy white ricotta cheese melting slightly into the sauce. Golden brown crispy breadcrumbs are sprinkled generously over the dish, giving it a textured look. A gold fork is placed inside the bowl on the right side, with some gnocchi pierced by its tines. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground sausage and break it apart, cooking until well-browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pan. Optionally, drain excess grease or keep it for added flavor.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add olive oil, minced onion, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Return sausage to the pan and simmer gently over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and minced herbs in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually by boiling briefly. Drain well.
Step 6: Add the cooked gnocchi to the tomato sausage sauce. Stir gently and warm over low heat until the gnocchi is coated and heated through.
Step 7: Serve the gnocchi hot with a dollop of the herbed ricotta on top. Optionally, sprinkle with crispy bits or additional herbs for garnish.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based sausage alternative or sauté mushrooms instead of meat.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for a subtle warm note.
If you like your sauce spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes gradually.
Freshly grated Parmesan pairs beautifully with this dish as an optional topping.

Storage

Store leftover Millionaire Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish shows soft orange gnocchi at the bottom layer, covered by a thick layer of chunky, reddish-brown meat sauce with small bits of herbs. On top of the meat sauce, a dollop of creamy white ricotta cheese is placed slightly off-center, sprinkled with a golden-brown crumb mixture that has a rough texture and small green flecks. A gold-colored spoon is resting inside the bowl, mixing some of the layers. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface, with parts of another bowl and a glass bowl filled with the crumb mixture visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and ricotta topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked gnocchi when ready to serve.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the ricotta?

Fresh herbs add brightness and flavor, but if you don’t have them on hand, dried herbs can be used sparingly. Adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the ricotta.