Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian countryside cooking with the irresistible comfort of home-style comfort food. This Easy Italian Sausage Mushroom Ragu Gnocchi is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. With tender gnocchi pillows swimming in a rich, savory sauce packed with hearty sausage and earthy mushrooms, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of gnocchi, 1 lb of Italian sausage (casings removed), 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, browning it for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season the ragu with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will help the flavors meld together.
- While the ragu is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
- Once the gnocchi are cooked, drain them and add them directly to the ragu in the skillet. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to combine further.
- Serve the Easy Italian Sausage Mushroom Ragu Gnocchi hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor—the spicier, the better!
- Don't rush the simmering process; low and slow develops deeper, more complex tastes.
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and umami depth.
- Make sure to salt your gnocchi water generously for well-seasoned pasta.
- For extra richness, add a splash of red wine while simmering the ragu.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese grated right at the table makes all the difference.
- If sauce seems too thick, reserve some pasta water to help create a silkier consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
