If you’re craving a dish that feels like a hug from the inside out, the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe is exactly what you need. This show-stopping comfort meal combines pillowy gnocchi coated in a rich, slow-simmered red sauce brimming with Italian sausage or your favorite meatless alternative, topped with bright and creamy herbed ricotta, and finished with irresistible golden crispies that add a delightful crunch. It’s a feast for the senses, blending heartiness, fresh herbs, and texture in every bite—guaranteed to become a beloved favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, delivering layers of flavor, vibrant colors, and the perfect balance of textures. From the savory sausage that flavors the sauce to the fresh herbs that brighten the ricotta, each component is simple yet essential.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or meatless alternative: Provides rich, savory flavor that forms the backbone of your red sauce.
- 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds depth and helps sauté the onion and garlic to caramelized perfection.
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced: Gently sweetens the sauce as it cooks down slowly with garlic.
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced: Offers that unforgettable aroma and classic Italian flavor punch.
- One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: Creates a luscious, tangy base for the sauce, essential for balancing richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with traditional Italian herbal warmth.
- Salt and red pepper flakes to taste: Seasoning that elevates the overall flavor and adds a subtle kick if you like heat.
- 6-8 ounces of ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and perfect for mixing with herbs to create the fresh herbed ricotta topping.
- 1 small clove garlic, grated: Added to the ricotta for a subtle garlicky lift without overpowering the dish.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the ricotta with fresh citrus notes, balancing the richness of the gnocchi and red sauce.
- Salt to taste: Enhances the flavors in the herbed ricotta.
- Minced herbs (chives, parsley, and/or thyme): Fresh herbs bring vibrant color and an aromatic lift to the ricotta.
- Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi: Pillowy and soft, these absorb the sauce perfectly when finished in the pan.
How to Make Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over high heat and add your sausage. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it browns evenly. Browning is key here—it locks in flavor and adds a savory depth that will shine through the sauce. Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the pan, but don’t toss out the drippings just yet. They hold flavor gold that can be used to enhance your sauce later.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium low to avoid burning the garlic, then add olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the minced onion and garlic until fragrant and soft. This builds the flavor foundation of the sauce. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in oregano. Return the browned sausage to the pan, stir everything together, and let it simmer “lazy style” over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes. The slow simmer melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a rich, thick sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and red pepper flakes to your preference.
Step 3: Make the Herbed Ricotta
While your sauce is bubbling away, it’s the perfect time to whip up the herbed ricotta. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and your choice of minced fresh herbs—chives, parsley, or thyme all work wonderfully. This creamy topping brightens and contrasts the hearty sauce and gnocchi with its fresh and tangy notes.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Prepare the gnocchi according to the package instructions, typically boiling for a few minutes until they float to the surface. Immediately transfer the cooked gnocchi to the simmering red sauce. Give everything a gentle stir and keep it over low heat; this step lets the gnocchi soak up that savory sauce and become extra flavorful, while also heating through evenly.
Step 5: Serve with Golden Crispies
Now comes the fun part—serve your hot, saucy gnocchi with a generous dollop of the bright herbed ricotta on top. Then, sprinkle those luscious, crunchy golden crispies all over. They add an incredible texture contrast that makes every bite exciting and complete.
How to Serve Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
Garnishes
For that final wow factor, fresh herbs like extra parsley or thyme scattered on top are perfect. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add richness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan gives an extra cheese boost that complements the herbed ricotta beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Garlic bread or a rustic crusty loaf is a no-brainer for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add an earthy counterpoint and some welcome crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe in individual shallow bowls so that the vibrant colors and textures shine in every serving. For dinner parties, consider plating with a swoosh of sauce in the center, a quenelle of herbed ricotta atop, then finished with crispies and herb sprigs for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the herbed ricotta separate and dollop it fresh just before serving again to maintain its bright flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen but for best results, freeze the sauce and gnocchi mixture separately from the ricotta topping. Store the sauce and gnocchi in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce and gnocchi in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Top with fresh herbed ricotta after warming to keep that luscious, fresh tang alive.
FAQs
Can I use a meatless sausage alternative in this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe works wonderfully with plant-based sausages. Just brown it the same way you would the traditional sausage for a savory, flavorful sauce that’s vegetarian friendly.
What if I want to make my own gnocchi?
Homemade gnocchi is a fantastic idea if you have the time. Fresh gnocchi will give even more delicate texture, but pre-cooked store-bought gnocchi works perfectly too and saves you quite a bit of time.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. You can easily adjust it to your taste—leave them out if you prefer mild or add a bit more for heat that warms your palate.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
You can, but it will require additional cooking time to break down the fresh tomatoes into a sauce-like consistency. Canned crushed tomatoes give consistent texture and flavor with much less effort.
What are “golden crispies” exactly?
The term “golden crispies” refers to the wonderful crispy bits that form when gnocchi are pan-fried or from those leftover crunchy sausage bits in the pan. They add an irresistible texture contrast to the dish and make each bite exciting.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe is one of those truly soul-satisfying meals you’ll want to make over and over. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight but special enough for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite comfort food that turns any dinner into a celebration.
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Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that features pan-cooked gnocchi tossed in a rich, savory tomato and Italian sausage sauce. Topped with a bright, zesty herbed ricotta and crispy browned bits, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and contrasting textures for a satisfying meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or meatless alternative
- 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
Herbed Ricotta
- 6–8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Minced herbs to taste (chives, parsley, and/or thyme)
Gnocchi
- Two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan. Optionally, drain excess fat or keep it for richer flavor in the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add olive oil, minced onion, and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté until the onion is fragrant and translucent. Stir in crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Return the browned sausage back to the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer gently over low heat for 30-45 minutes. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Make the herbed ricotta: While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and your choice of minced herbs (chives, parsley, thyme) in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the pre-cooked gnocchi according to the package instructions, typically boiling for a few minutes until they float to the surface. Drain well.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the sauce pan. Stir gently to coat and bring to a low simmer, allowing the gnocchi to soak up the flavors and brown slightly in the sauce.
- Serve the dish: Plate the gnocchi and sauce mixture hot. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the herbed ricotta and a sprinkling of any crispy browned bits from the pan for added texture and flavor. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground Italian sausage with a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- To achieve the golden crispies, let the gnocchi and sauce simmer gently so the gnocchi can brown slightly in the pan.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- The herbed ricotta adds a bright, creamy contrast—don’t skip this step.
- For even richer flavor, don’t discard the sausage drippings; they infuse the sauce with depth.
