Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium (110g) yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves (20g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1 pkg (16 oz / 450g) potato gnocchi
  • 3 cups (90g) fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup (60g) frozen peas

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and sizzling. Note: Don't rush this; the brown bits on the bottom are where the flavor lives.
  2. Stir in the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant. Note: Garlic burns quickly, so have your broth ready to go.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Use your spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan to release all those savory browned bits.
  5. Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering liquid. Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and plump.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sauce is a velvety gloss.
  7. Fold in the fresh baby spinach and frozen peas.
  8. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and peas are bright green.