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Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi with Pesto Cream Sauce

This delightful dish combines the tender, pillowy texture of gnocchi with the robust flavors of Italian sausage and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy basil pesto sauce. Gnocchi, a staple of Italian cuisine, are small dumplings traditionally made from potatoes or flour, and they pair beautifully with the savory richness of the sausage. The addition of fresh basil adds a fragrant note, while the cooking cream elevates the dish to a comforting, indulgent treat. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this recipe celebrates the flavors of Italy and showcases the versatility of gnocchi. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil for an aromatic finish that will transport your taste buds to a rustic Italian kitchen.

Main | Italian | Egg-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Gnocchi Dish | Ground Meat Dish | Pot | Saucepan | Sieve | Basil | Mushroom | Sausage | Boiling | Sautéing | Tossing | Comfort Food | Family Gathering | Quick
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

25min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

40min

Ingredients (Makes 4 portions)

Gnocchi and Sauce Base

  • 1 kg fresh gnocchi (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

Protein

  • 1 thick Italian sausage

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 jar basil pesto

Vegetables

  • 300 g sliced mushrooms

Cream and Seasoning

  • 300 ml cooking cream

Seasoning

  • pinch mixed dried herbs

Garnish

  • fresh basil

Salt

  • table salt
  • rock salt

Oil

  • extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Water

  • 5 L water
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 18
  • Protein: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Preparation

  • 1. Bring approximately 5 liters of water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Sausage Preparation

  • 2. Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble the meat into small pieces, forming them into small balls.

Cooking the Base

  • 3. In a large saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté

  • 4. Add the crumbled sausage and sliced mushrooms to the pan, cooking for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently.

Seasoning

  • 5. Sprinkle in a pinch of mixed dried herbs and add 1 tablespoon of table salt.

Adding Pesto

  • 6. Pour the basil pesto over the sausage and mushrooms, stirring to combine.

Pesto Enhancement

  • 7. Reserve a small amount of pesto in the jar, add a bit of water, seal it, and shake to loosen any remaining pesto. Add this mixture to the pan.

Thicken the Sauce

  • 8. Cook and stir for a few minutes until the pesto thickens.

Cream Addition

  • 9. Stir in the cooking cream, mixing well, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm while the gnocchi cooks.

Cooking Gnocchi

  • 10. Once the water is boiling, add two pinches of rock salt and stir.

Gnocchi Cooking

  • 11. Gently drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. When they rise to the surface, they are cooked.

Combining

  • 12. Using a sieve, transfer the gnocchi to the sauce, ensuring to drain excess water.

Finishing Touch

  • 13. Gently stir the gnocchi into the sauce, coating them thoroughly.

Serving

  • 14. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
Cookix's Secrets

Cooking Gnocchi

  • Do not overcook the gnocchi; they should float to the surface to indicate they are done.

Dairy-Free Version

  • Substitute cooking cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.

Sausage Alternatives

  • For a lighter option, use chicken or turkey sausage.

Vegetarian Option

  • Replace sausage with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.