You’re going to feel like a million bucks when eating this delicious Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies! This dish features pillowy gnocchi, melty herbed ricotta, fresh herbs, and delightful crunches from savory golden crispies. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines comfort and luxury in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without any fuss.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of rich sausage, zesty tomatoes, and creamy ricotta creates an incredible taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a cozy weeknight meal or dress it up for a dinner party; it’s always a hit!
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh herbs, this recipe offers both flavor and nutrition.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you begin. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating your delicious Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning sausage and simmering sauce evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ricotta ingredients without mess.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in stirring sauces to avoid sticking and ensures even cooking.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 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
- one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and red pepper flakes to taste
For the Herbed Ricotta
- 6-8 ounces of 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)
For the Gnocchi
- two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi
How to Make Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the sausage; break apart until well-browned and fully cooked.
- Remove sausage from the pan. Optionally drain excess grease for flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Turn down the heat to prevent burning the garlic.
- Add olive oil, minced onion, and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and dried oregano.
- Return sausage to the pan; simmer over low heat for 30–45 minutes.
- Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 3: Mix Herbed Ricotta
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and minced herbs.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Cook Gnocchi
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions (usually involves boiling).
- Once cooked, add gnocchi to the sauce in the skillet.
- Bring everything to a gentle simmer until well-coated.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
Serve hot gnocchi topped with a generous dollop of herbed ricotta and sprinkle with golden crispies for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
Serving Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce is all about enhancing the flavors and textures of this delightful dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Classic Presentation
- Serve in a large bowl topped with a generous dollop of herbed ricotta for a creamy finish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color.
Individual Portions
- Use ramekins to create individual servings for a more personal touch at dinner parties.
- Top each portion with golden crispies for added texture.
Family Style
- Present the dish in a large serving platter, allowing guests to help themselves.
- Provide extra herbed ricotta on the side for those who want more creaminess.
Side Salad
- Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the gnocchi.
- Add shaved Parmesan and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
Bread Basket
- Serve alongside warm crusty bread or garlic knots for soaking up the delicious red sauce.
- Offer a selection of spreads, like herb butter, to complement the bread.
Wine Pairing
- Suggest pairing with a light Italian red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, to enhance the meal’s flavors.
- For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon slices.
How to Perfect Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
Perfecting your Millionaire Gnocchi takes just a few tips and tricks. Here are some ways to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality tomatoes will enhance the overall flavor of your sauce.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for the best results.
- Don’t overcook gnocchi: Follow package instructions carefully; overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
- Layer flavors: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant before adding tomatoes for deeper flavor in your sauce.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance; flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding crushed red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan to add an extra kick.
Best Side Dishes for Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
When serving Millionaire Gnocchi, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Caesar Salad – A classic salad featuring romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing that balances rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread – Toasted bread slices brushed with garlic butter make perfect accompaniments for dipping into the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide a healthy contrast to the richness of the gnocchi.
- Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh bite between bites of gnocchi.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil adds brightness and crunch alongside creamy gnocchi.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli seasoned simply enhances nutritional value while keeping flavors light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies can be a joy, but avoiding certain pitfalls can make the dish even better.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the sauce properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and red pepper flakes as you cook.
- Overcooking the gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor. Don’t skip them; use minced chives, parsley, or thyme for brightness.
- Not letting the sauce simmer: A quick cook won’t develop robust flavors. Allow your sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to deepen its taste.
- Ignoring presentation: The look of your dish matters! Top with herbed ricotta and golden crispies for an appealing finish that enhances taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.
Freezing Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- Use within 2–3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies.
How do I ensure my gnocchi is fluffy?
To keep gnocchi fluffy, avoid overworking the dough when shaping it. Cook until they float for perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground Italian sausage with a meatless alternative like lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies?
Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread to complement this rich dish perfectly.
How can I customize the herbed ricotta?
Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or dill, adding more lemon zest for extra brightness!
Final Thoughts
Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. The balance of creamy ricotta and crispy toppings allows for customization based on your preferences. Try incorporating seasonal vegetables or different herbs to make this recipe truly your own!
Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies. This delightful dish features tender gnocchi enveloped in a rich tomato sauce made from savory Italian sausage, complemented by a creamy herbed ricotta that adds an irresistible touch. The golden crispies provide a satisfying crunch, making each bite a celebration of comforting textures and tastes. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe showcases the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into gourmet comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or meatless alternative)
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 6-8 ounces ricotta cheese
- Pre-cooked gnocchi (32 ounces total)
- Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Lemon zest and juice
Instructions
- In a large skillet over high heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat and sauté minced onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and oregano; then return the sausage to the pan. Simmer for 30–45 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and minced herbs.
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions; add to sauce and simmer until well-coated.
- Serve hot topped with herbed ricotta and golden crispies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
