Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, there’s something truly special about gnocchi. It’s soft, pillowy, and wonderfully satisfying. But when you take that gnocchi and pair it with a savory red sauce, creamy herbed ricotta, and a delightful crunch from golden crispies, you enter the realm of true indulgence. This Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies is a dish that my family absolutely adores. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious but doesn’t require a lot of fuss or time. The rich, flavorful sauce made with Italian sausage pairs beautifully with the gnocchi, while the herbed ricotta adds a fresh creaminess. And those crispy breadcrumbs? They bring the whole dish together with just the right amount of texture. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Red 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:

• Two 16-oz packages of pre-cooked gnocchi

Golden Crispies (Breadcrumbs):

• Your favorite golden breadcrumbs (about 1/2 cup or more for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or meatless alternative) and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Simmer the Sauce:

2. Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the olive oil, minced onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.

Make the Herbed Ricotta:

4. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the herbed ricotta. In a small dish, combine the ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and minced herbs. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you like it more zesty, add a little more lemon juice or zest.

Cook the Gnocchi:

5. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. This usually involves bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding the gnocchi, and cooking them for about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Once cooked, remove the gnocchi and drain well.

Assemble and Serve:

6. Add the cooked gnocchi to the simmering red sauce. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi with the sauce and let it cook for a few minutes until the gnocchi are heated through and well-covered with the sauce.
7. Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with a dollop of herbed ricotta and a generous sprinkling of golden crispy breadcrumbs. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

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How to Serve

• Main Course: Serve as the centerpiece of your meal, as this dish is hearty and filling on its own.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the gnocchi.
• With Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread for extra crunch and flavor, perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.
• Garnished with Extra Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and color.

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Additional Tips

1. Adjust the Sausage: If you’re using a meatless sausage alternative, consider adding a splash of olive oil to enhance flavor. You can also experiment with plant-based sausages that crumble well, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Sausage.
2. Golden Crispies: For an even more decadent topping, toast the breadcrumbs in a small skillet with a bit of butter and garlic. The golden crispies will add a luxurious crunch to the creamy gnocchi.
3. Make the Sauce Ahead: You can make the red sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. This makes the dish even easier for weeknight dinners.
4. Use Fresh Ricotta: If you can find fresh ricotta at your local market, go for it! Fresh ricotta has a slightly sweeter and creamier texture that will elevate the dish.
5. Customize the Herbs: While chives, parsley, and thyme work wonderfully in the ricotta, feel free to mix and match herbs based on what you have on hand. Fresh rosemary or basil can also make for delicious variations.

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Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: To make the dish vegetarian, substitute the ground Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
• Spicy Variation: If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage to turn up the heat.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the ricotta with mascarpone for an ultra-creamy finish, or try adding crumbled feta cheese to the herbed ricotta for an extra layer of flavor.
• Gnocchi Alternatives: If you want to switch things up, use a different type of pasta, such as orecchiette or rigatoni. Just be sure to cook it al dente before adding it to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb alternative, which pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce and herbed ricotta.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Bottle of Wine: A glass of dry Italian red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, will complement the savory flavors of the sauce and sausage.
• Top with More Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese right before serving can add an extra salty, nutty finish.
• For a More Filling Meal: Add a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for more flavor and texture.

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Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the red sauce and gnocchi separately for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop. If you freeze the sauce with the gnocchi, the texture may change slightly after thawing.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works great! Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and make sure to drain them well before adding them to the sauce.

2. Can I make this dish without meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or simply use mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian alternative.

3. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of the regular variety for an extra kick.

4. Can I make the red sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the red sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

5. What other herbs can I use in the ricotta?
Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or tarragon in place of the thyme, parsley, or chives.

6. Is ricotta necessary for this dish?
While ricotta adds creaminess, you can substitute it with

mascarpone, cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

7. Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will work wonderfully with this sauce and add an extra special touch to the dish.

8. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi (many stores carry gluten-free varieties), and ensure that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well.

9. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or orecchiette would work as a delicious substitute for gnocchi.

10. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs instead of fresh. For every tablespoon of fresh herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.

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Conclusion

This Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies is the epitome of comfort food, with rich, hearty flavors and the perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress. The creamy ricotta, savory sausage, and crispy breadcrumbs come together in a way that makes every bite feel like a little luxury. Don’t wait—make this dish tonight and savor every indulgent moment!

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