Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish that will have your taste buds dancing! This Breadcrumb Gnocchi with Sausage and Beans is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines crispy, golden breadcrumbs with rich, savory sausage and creamy cannellini beans. Imagine a dish that's simultaneously crunchy, hearty, and packed with incredible flavor - this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble the meat into the skillet.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the drained cannellini beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pan, toast the breadcrumbs over medium heat until they become golden and crispy, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the sausage and bean mixture, stirring to incorporate and create a crunchy texture.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The dish should have a crispy top layer of breadcrumbs and a rich, hearty base of sausage and beans.
Tips
- Toast breadcrumbs carefully: Keep a close eye on your breadcrumbs while toasting. Stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Choose quality sausage: Use fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor. Removing the casing helps the meat crumble and integrate beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Don't rush the sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions and garlic to build a deep, rich flavor base for the dish.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook, ensuring a perfectly balanced final dish.
- Fresh Parmesan is key: Grate Parmesan cheese directly over the dish just before serving for maximum flavor and a beautiful presentation. Pro tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap cannellini beans with other white beans or add some leafy greens for extra nutrition!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
