Pesto Sausage Gnocchi Bake
This easy pesto sausage gnocchi bake recipe makes a special weeknight meal or treat for company! It has fresh spinach, a white wine cream sauce, and a delightfully cheesy topping.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 11 ounces Italian sausage see note
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley optional, to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a deep oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the sausage is browned and the onions have softened. Take the pan off the heat, tilt it, and spoon out excess fat.
- Return the pan to the heat, then add in the garlic and wine and let it bubble for about 30 seconds.
- Add in the cream and pesto, and stir until smooth.
- Stir in the gnocchi, and let it heat through for 1-2 minutes. Don't let the sauce get too thick. Add a splash more cream if it's starting to thicken up a lot.
- Take the skillet off the burner and stir in the spinach (I use two spoons and let it wilt a bit), then top with the mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. You can then broil to brown the cheese more if desired, but watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes prior to serving. Sprinkle with the parsley and freshly grated parmesan if desired, and season with salt & pepper if needed.
Notes
- I use 3 sausages from a 5-pack of Johnsonville Italian sausages. Anything in the 11 oz range will work. You can use hot Italian sausages if you prefer.
Nutrition
Calories: 862kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2792IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 331mg | Iron: 6mg
