Skillet gnocchi appears to be my go to ingredient and this recipe is quick, simple and full of so much flavour. The pillowy gnocchi and vegetables are nestled in a slurry of a creamy shallow sauce that has the right hint of citrus. Served with a salad or a lovely crusty bread elevates this beyond a full nutritious meal.
One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Vegetables
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2 tablespoons olive oil
1 x 500 g package pork sausage meat
1 x 700 g package of skillet Gnocchi
4 cloves of garlic peeled and crushed
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 medium zucchini sliced
1 x 142 g package fresh baby spinach leaves
1 - 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning mix
3 - 4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
A generous squeeze of lemon juice or 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy bottom deep double-handle skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage meat and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, having some largish chunks are fine, until it is fully, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and set side.
Add the skillet gnocchi to the pan or pot, whichever you are using, and cook, stirring until the gnocchi becomes golden brown and slightly crisps up. Add the chopped red pepper, slices of zucchini and sauté until the vegetables are softened. Add the crushed garlic and Italian seasoning and sauté for a few minutes more.
Add the chicken broth to the pan or pot and bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook until the gnocchi are tender, should be about 2 - 3 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until the spinach has wilted. Then add the cooked sausage meat and heat to warm through, about 2 minutes, then add the shredded Parmesan cheese and give everything a stir, allowing the cheese to slightly melt a bit.
Remove from the heat and squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Give one last gentle stir and garnish with more Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves, if you wish. Serve with a salad or crusty bread.
Notes: The spinach and vegetables may be substituted for other ones you prefer. The lemon juice may be omitted however it does add a bit more flavour. The skillet gnocchi I used was Olivieri Classic Skillet Gnocchi - Family size.