Easy Weeknight Gnocchi with Fennel & Sausage: A Quick & Creamy Dinner Solution
Forget takeout! This delightful Gnocchi with Fennel & Sausage recipe offers a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for even your busiest weeknights. Featuring savory chicken sausage and aromatic fennel tossed with tender gnocchi in a light, creamy tomato sauce, this dish is on the table in just 20 minutes, proving that delicious, homemade meals are always within reach.
Life can get incredibly hectic, especially as we approach the holiday season. Between family gatherings, work commitments, and endless events, finding time to prepare a wholesome, delicious meal can feel like an impossible task. We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge after a long day, contemplating the quickest route to dinner – which often ends up being a drive-thru or expensive takeout. But what if I told you that a truly satisfying, flavorful, and family-approved meal could be on your table in just 20 minutes? This Gnocchi with Fennel & Sausage recipe is a testament to that possibility, designed specifically for those demanding days when you need something both comforting and quick.
My own life recently mirrors this busy sentiment. This past weekend felt like a three-day marathon, packed with activities. My son is enthusiastically involved in Lego Robotics, and my husband and I have the privilege of being two of their coaches. Last Saturday marked their State Qualifier competition, and in their very first year, they made it to state! We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication. Such triumphs, while exciting, add to an already full schedule. It’s during these intensely busy periods that I rely on smart meal solutions, and this gnocchi dish has quickly become a household favorite.
Why This Gnocchi with Fennel & Sausage Recipe is a Weeknight Game Changer
This dish isn’t just fast; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation:
- Unbeatable Speed: From start to finish, you’re looking at a mere 20 minutes. This includes prep and cooking time, making it faster than ordering delivery.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of savory Italian chicken sausage, the subtle licorice notes of fresh fennel, and a velvety tomato cream sauce creates a deeply satisfying and unique taste. It’s sophisticated enough for adults but approachable for kids.
- Pantry Powerhouse: Utilizing strategic pantry staples like canned tomato paste and chicken stock is key to its speed and ease, ensuring you often have the ingredients on hand.
- One-Pan (Mostly) Wonder: The majority of the cooking happens in one large skillet, minimizing cleanup – a definite win on a busy night!
- Hearty & Wholesome: With protein from the sausage, vegetables from the fennel (and onion/garlic), and carbohydrates from the gnocchi, it’s a balanced and filling meal that you can feel good about serving your family.
Embracing the Magic of a Well-Stocked Pantry
In our increasingly fast-paced world, a well-stocked pantry isn’t just convenient; it’s a culinary superpower. Especially during these colder months when fresh produce can be costly or out of season, canned goods truly shine. They allow you to conjure up delicious meals in no time, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
It’s a common misconception that canned goods are somehow less nutritious than their fresh or frozen counterparts. On the contrary, canned foods are typically harvested and packed at peak freshness, locking in vital nutrients and vibrant flavors. This means you’re getting the same goodness, often at a more affordable price and with zero waste. Think about it: no more wilted vegetables or fruit going bad before you can use it. Canned ingredients provide instant access to essential flavors and textures, making dishes like this Gnocchi with Fennel & Sausage possible on the busiest of nights.
Stocking your pantry with items like quality tomato paste, chicken stock, and even various beans or vegetables ensures that you’re always just a few steps away from a homemade meal. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about reducing food waste and saving money too. For more fantastic ideas on how to leverage the power of canned goods in your cooking, be sure to explore the Cans Get You Cooking website.
Key Ingredients for a Standout Dish
Each component of this Gnocchi with Fennel & Sausage recipe plays a crucial role in its overall deliciousness:
- Gnocchi: These tender potato dumplings cook incredibly fast – usually in just 2-3 minutes once the water boils! They offer a delightful chewiness that’s different from traditional pasta, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully. Shelf-stable gnocchi is readily available in most grocery stores and is a fantastic pantry item.
- Italian Chicken Sausage: Using bulk chicken sausage keeps this dish lighter while still delivering all the robust, savory flavor you expect from Italian sausage. If you can’t find bulk, simply remove the casings from links. Feel free to use spicy or sweet varieties based on your preference.
- Fennel Bulb: This often-overlooked vegetable is a true gem. When cooked, its distinct anise-like flavor mellows into a subtle sweetness and tenderness that pairs perfectly with the sausage and tomato. Don’t discard the fronds; they make a lovely garnish!
- Muir Glen Tomato Paste: A high-quality tomato paste is essential for building a deep, concentrated tomato flavor in your sauce. I personally recommend Muir Glen (easily found at Target or other major retailers) for its rich, authentic taste. It’s a small tube or can, but it packs a powerful punch.
- Cream Cheese & Chicken Stock: These two ingredients are the secret to the sauce’s luxurious, creamy texture and depth. The stock provides a savory base, while the cream cheese melts in to create a silky, smooth finish without being overly heavy.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of nearly any good savory dish. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic sautéed until fragrant elevate the entire flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a salty, umami kick and a wonderful finish to the dish.
Simple Steps for a Stellar Meal
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward steps. While your gnocchi boils, you’ll prepare the flavorful sauce, and then simply combine everything for a cohesive, delicious meal.
First, get your gnocchi cooking. Follow the package directions; typically, this means boiling in salted water until they float to the surface, which takes mere minutes. While that’s happening, start building your sauce. In a large skillet, brown the Italian chicken sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked and crumbled, drain any excess fat. Add the finely chopped onion and sliced fennel to the skillet with the sausage, sautéing them until they soften and the fennel begins to turn slightly translucent – about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the fennel’s sweeter notes.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Then, add the tomato paste, stirring it into the sausage and vegetable mixture. Allow it to cook for a minute or two, letting the tomato paste deepen in color and flavor. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps to loosen the paste and create the base of your sauce. Finally, stir in the cream cheese until it completely melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once the gnocchi is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, perhaps with a garnish of fresh fennel fronds or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread to sop up every last bit of that amazing sauce, or a simple side salad for a complete, well-rounded meal. It’s comforting, satisfying, and quick enough to become a new family favorite that will carry you through even the busiest of times.
Gnocchi with Fennel & Sausage
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Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bulk Italian chicken sausage
- 1 small fennel bulb
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook gnocchi according to the package directions.
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In a large skillet brown sausage until fully cooked. Add onion and fennel, and saute for a few minutes until soft. Mix in garlic, and stir until fragrant.
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Add tomato paste and stir to combined. Slowly whisk in chicken stock. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
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Toss with gnocchi to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**I was compensated by Cans Get You Cooking via Mom It Forward for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that I love.