Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz Italian sausage links (casings removed)
• 10 oz potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (divided)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (divided)
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Remove sausage from casings, slice, and add to the skillet.
   • Cook sausage slices for about 4 minutes on one side until browned. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • To the skillet with the sausage, add potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
   • Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to combine. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook in the sauce.

3. Add Pumpkin and Spinach:

   • Stir in pumpkin puree and minced garlic. Mix well.
   • Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and bring the sauce back to a boil over medium heat.

4. Finish Cooking:

   • Reduce the heat to low-medium and continue cooking for about 3 minutes or until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi are fully cooked.
   • If desired, simmer longer to thicken the sauce to your preference.

5. Season and Serve:

   • Stir in half of the chopped sage and half of the thyme.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
   • Serve hot, garnished with the remaining sage and thyme.

This dish combines the richness of pumpkin puree and cream with the savory flavors of Italian sausage, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. Enjoy!