Sausage Gnocchi with Kale (Printer-Friendly)

Tender gnocchi with spicy sausage, kale, and tomato sauce. Quick, hearty comfort food ready in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 1 lb potato gnocchi, fresh or shelf-stable

→ Sausage & Vegetables

02 - 10.5 oz spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 4 oz fresh kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
07 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing

11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
12 - Fresh basil for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Add kale and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Stir in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 7 to 8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Drain using a slotted spoon.
07 - Add cooked gnocchi to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can have a steaming bowl on the table faster than takeout arrives.
  • The sauce clings to every piece of gnocchi, giving you that cozy, restaurant-style flavor at home.
  • You only need one skillet and one pot, so cleanup is barely a thing.
  • The combination of spicy sausage and tender greens makes it hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the gnocchi or they'll turn gummy, pull them the second they float and let the sauce finish the job.
  • Taste the sauce before adding salt, the sausage and Parmesan are already salty and you can always add more but you can't take it back.
  • If the sauce looks too thick, splash in a few tablespoons of the gnocchi cooking water to loosen it up and make it silky.
03 -
  • Reserve a cup of the gnocchi cooking water before draining, it's starchy and perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi directly from the pot to the skillet, a little extra moisture helps the sauce cling better.
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh right before serving, pre-grated stuff doesn't melt the same way and the flavor is nowhere near as sharp.
Go Back