Ingredients
1/2 lb. fresh Italian sausage (about 4 links)
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 (17.5-oz.) package fresh gnocchi
2 c. jarred marinara
1 c. water
1 (16-oz.) ball fresh salted mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces
8 oz. fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated or very finely minced
Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for serving
Preparation
Step 1Remove sausage from casings and tear into bite-size pieces. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a bowl.Step 2To the same skillet, add oil. When hot, add gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are golden and crispy, about 8 minutes.Step 3Add marinara and water to skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in half the mozzarella until mostly melted into sauce, then fold in spinach until wilted.Step 4Remove skillet from heat and stir in cooked sausage and garlic.Step 5Position a rack at the top of the oven and heat broiler. Scatter remaining mozzarella all over gnocchi. Broil until melted and golden, 3 to 6 minutes depending on your broiler.Step 6Let cool for 5 minutes before topping with parsley or basil and serving.
Pro tip: Our favorite way to upgrade store-bought sauce? Freshly grated garlic! It adds a spicy, assertive kick that’s often missing in the jarred stuff, which tends to be sweeter than homemade. Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
