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Millionaire Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

Millionaire Gnocchi is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a rich, savory sausage and tomato sauce, finished with a bright and creamy lemon-herb ricotta topping. This hearty meal combines the satisfying textures of browned Italian sausage and soft gnocchi with vibrant flavors from fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s both indulgent and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Sauce

  • 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

Ricotta Mixture

  • 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

Other

  • Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is well-browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pan. You may drain off excess grease if desired, but keeping it can add extra flavor.
  2. Simmer the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low so the garlic does not burn. Add olive oil, minced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Return the browned sausage to the pan, then simmer gently on low heat (a “lazy” simmer) for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes.
  3. Make the ricotta: While the sauce is simmering, combine ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and minced herbs in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning to your liking.
  4. Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually by boiling briefly until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the skillet with the simmered sauce. Heat gently to marry the gnocchi with the sauce, allowing them to simmer together until the gnocchi are well-coated and warmed through.
  5. Serve: Plate the hot gnocchi and sauce, then top each serving with a dollop of the herbed lemon ricotta. Finish with a generous sprinkling of golden crispies from the skillet (from the browned sausage or bits in the pan) for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground Italian sausage with a meatless alternative to make this dish vegetarian.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Allowing the sauce to simmer longer enhances the depth of flavor.
  • For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce before adding the gnocchi.
  • The lemon-herb ricotta adds a bright, fresh contrast that balances the hearty sauce.

Keywords: Millionaire Gnocchi, Italian sausage, ricotta, gnocchi recipe, easy Italian dinner, sausage tomato sauce, lemon ricotta, stovetop meal

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/millionaire-gnocchi-recipe/