Description
Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi
Looking for a comforting and speedy dish? This Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi is your answer! Inspired by classic Spanish flavors, the combination of spicy chorizo, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich creamy sauce makes this meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, you can easily swap in your favorite sausage or add more veggies to make it your own. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired delight!
500 g gnocchi
1 tbsp olive oil
100 g chorizo, chopped
1 medium shallot, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
¼ tsp red chili flakes
75 ml dry white wine
1 tbsp tomato paste
100 g cream cheese
100 g baby spinach
30 g Parmesan, grated
Salt and pepper
Directions:
1. Fry chorizo in oil until slightly crunchy. Add shallot, bell pepper, and cook until softened.
2. Cook gnocchi in salted boiling water.
3. Add garlic, chili flakes, wine, tomato paste, cream cheese, and spinach to the pan. Stir until creamy.
4. Mix in gnocchi, add Parmesan, and serve.
Prep Time: 5 min
Kcal: 556 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chorizo and fry for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy at the edges.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced shallot and red bell pepper to the pan with the chorizo. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
3. While the vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes). They are done when they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
4. To the skillet, add the chopped garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Add the baby spinach to the sauce, stirring until it just wilts. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Gently fold the drained gnocchi into the creamy chorizo sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich dish immediately while hot. A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess. For a complete meal, add crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. A light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño pairs perfectly with the spicy chorizo.
How-to Summary
Fry chorizo until crispy, then soften shallot and pepper in the rendered oil. Boil gnocchi separately. Create the sauce in the same pan by adding garlic, chili, wine, tomato paste, cream cheese, and spinach. Combine the drained gnocchi with the creamy sauce, finish with Parmesan, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely. Spanish-style chorizo provides the best flavor, but Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or even plant-based alternatives work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish less spicy? Simply omit the red chili flakes and use a mild or sweet chorizo instead of a spicy variety.
What can I substitute for white wine? Use an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth, adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to mimic the wine’s acidity.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Gnocchi is best served fresh. You can prep the vegetables and chorizo ahead, but cook and combine everything just before serving to prevent the gnocchi from becoming gummy.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken when chilled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as it will become mushy when added to the sauce. Cook only until it floats. Do not skip deglazing the pan with wine, as this step lifts the flavorful fond and is key to the sauce’s depth. Finally, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to prevent the sauce from curdling or becoming lumpy.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi is the ultimate 20-minute comfort food, masterfully blending bold Spanish flavors with a luxuriously smooth sauce. Its simplicity, customizability, and incredible taste make it a guaranteed weeknight winner. By following this detailed guide and tips, you can effortlessly create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress any crowd.