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    Category Home » Pasta » Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Sausage, Goat Cheese and Spinach

    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Sausage, Goat Cheese and Spinach

    Published: Sep 10, 2021 · Modified: Nov 1, 2022 by Leigh Anderson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Comfort food at its best, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Sausage, Goat Cheese and Spinach is sure to become a family favorite! This easy weeknight worthy meal comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal dishes and maximum satisfaction!

    a dutch oven skillet filled with sun-dried tomato gnocchi with a bowl of garlic, a glass of white wine on a blue background

    If you’ve been following the blog for a while you know I love a creamy, “tomatoey” pasta and this sun-dried tomato gnocchi is no exception! Store-bought potato gnocchi makes this recipe a breeze! While I was recipe testing I was very surprised by how light and fluffy they were. They’re the perfect pairing for decadent, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, crumbled Italian sausage and wilted spinach!

    Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples and all together this meal is ready in about 30-minutes! For the sauce, I used fire-roasted tomatoes, I think it adds a nice slightly smokey flavor, but you can really use any canned tomatoes. No need to make a special trip to the grocery store!

    Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi alongside one of these great recipes:

    • Caesar Salad
    • Herb Salad with Shaved Parmesan
    • Broccolini with Calabrian Chilis and Garlic

    Ingredients You’ll Need:

    All you need to make this recipe is a few simple ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes, fire-roasted canned tomatoes, mild Italian sausage, store-bought potato gnocchi, garlic, onion, oregano, chili flakes (optional), a splash of cream and goat cheese.

    Feeling ambitious? You could always make your own gnocchi from scratch! Check out this recipe: Homemade Potato Gnocchi

    recipe ingredients individually portioned and labeled; gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, goat cheese

    Recipe Step by Step:

    Step 1. Cook the Gnocchi

    This recipe is so simple and comes together in 30-minutes! First, cook the gnocchi according to the instructions on the package. Reserve 1-cup of the cooking liquid before draining.

    two enamel dutch ovens with sausage, tomatoes and onion

    Step 2. Make the Sauce

    In a large skillet, (I used my favorite Lodge Enamel Skillet) brown the sausage, onion and garlic. Blend the canned tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and cream together until mostly smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet along with the pasta water, salt and dried oregano. Bring to a simmer and cover.

    two enamel dutch ovens with gnocchi, sausage and tomatoes

    Step 3.

    Last, add the gnocchi, spinach and goat cheese. Stir to combine! Divide between bowls and serve right away!

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    Can I use Cauliflower Gnocchi or Gluten-Free Gnocchi for this recipe?

    Yes! Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package before adding it to the sauce.

    What is the best way to store and re-heat leftover gnocchi?

    Leftover gnocchi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat over low heat in a saucepan or in the microwave. Add a few tablespoons of water to loosen up the sauce as needed.

    Can I make this recipe with vegetarian sausage?

    Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork or plant-based sausage in this recipe.

    a pot of gnocchi with sausage and goat cheese on a blue background

    Check Out More Great Recipes:

    • Cauliflower Gnocchi with Corn, Tomatoes, and Basil
    • Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Cherry Tomato Confit
    • Bucatini with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
    • Five-Ingredient Creamy Goat Cheese and Sausage Ravioli
    • Four Cheese Gnocchi al Forno

    I love to hear from readers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and/or give it a rating! Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    a dutch oven skillet filled with sun-dried tomato gnocchi with a bowl of garlic, a glass of white wine on a blue background

    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Sausage, Goat Cheese and Spinach

    Comfort food at its best, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Sausage, Goat Cheese and Spinach is sure to become a family favorite! This easy weeknight worthy meal comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal dishes and maximum satisfaction!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 621kcal
    Author: Leigh Anderson

    Ingredients

    • 1 16 oz package potato gnocchi
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 lb mild Italian sausage pork or chicken, casings removed
    • ½ yellow onion diced
    • 3 cloves garlic grated or minced
    • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
    • 2 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
    • 1 8 oz jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained
    • ¼ c heavy cream
    • 2 heaping cups baby spinach
    • 4 oz goat cheese

    Instructions

    • Cook the gnocchi according to the instructions on the package. Reserve 1-cup of the cooking water before draining.
    • Place a large high-sided skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5 minutes, breaking it up into pieces with the back of a spoon, then add the chopped onion, garlic and chili flakes.
    • In a blender or food processor, blend the canned tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and cream together until mostly smooth then pour the mixture into the skillet with the sausage and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently then add the reserved gnocchi cooking water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer.
    • Once simmering, add the oregano, then place a tilted lid on top (to allow steam to escape while blocking splatter) and turn the heat down to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
    • Last, add the gnocchi to the sauce, followed by the spinach and crumbled goat cheese. Fold everything together. Taste and season with salt as needed. Divide between bowls and serve!

    Notes

     
    Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
    • Gnocchi: I used store-bought gnocchi from the pasta aisle of the grocery store. You could also use a gluten-free version or even cauliflower gnocchi.
    • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: I used fire-roasted tomatoes, I think it adds a nice slightly smokey flavor, but you can really use any canned tomatoes. No need to make a special trip to the grocery store!
    • Sausage: Pork, chicken or even a vegetarian sausage would work just fine. I recommend mild Italian but if you like a little extra heat you could so with spicy. 
    • Cream: You really just need a little bit of cream to cut the acidity of the sauce. A good dairy-free alternative would be full-fat coconut milk.
    • Spinach: Chopped kale or Swiss chard will also work!
     
    Storing and Re-heating Leftovers:
    • Leftover gnocchi can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat over low heat in a saucepan or in the microwave. Add a few tablespoons of water to loosen up the sauce as needed.
     
    Equipment:
    Enameled Skillet | Shop all Kitchen Essentials

    Nutrition

    Calories: 621kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 942mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 563IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!
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    I'm so glad you're here. My name is Leigh and this is my food blog where I share California inspired recipes and tons of tips and tricks for better home cooking!

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