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Weeknight • Vegetarian

Creamy Vegetarian Sausage Gnocchi

This comforting gnocchi dish features flavorful plant-based sausage in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Vegetarian Sausage Gnocchi

Looking for a hearty, meatless meal that still feels indulgent? This Creamy Vegetarian Sausage Gnocchi is your answer! We're talking tender potato gnocchi swimming in a luscious, savory sauce with delicious plant-based sausage. It's quick enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for guests.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz plant-based Italian sausage (crumbled or sliced)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 16 oz package potato gnocchi
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the plant-based sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

  4. Step 4

    Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce (no need to boil separately!). Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the cooked plant-based sausage, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute, until spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. Step 6

    Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat heavy cream. For a slightly lighter version, you can try half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.
  • Don't overcook the gnocchi! They cook quickly and become gummy if cooked too long.
  • If you can't find plant-based Italian sausage, any flavored meatless crumbles would work beautifully here.

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