Name: Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage or meatless alternative; 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, minced; 2 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and red pepper flakes, to taste; 6–8 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 small clove garlic, grated; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; Minced fresh herbs (chives, parsley, and/or thyme), to taste; 2 (16-ounce) packages pre-cooked gnocchi; Breadcrumbs, toasted in olive oil or butter with a pinch of salt

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the heartiness of Italian sausage, the brightness of lemony herbed ricotta, and the comfort of gnocchi into one cohesive dish. The slow-simmered sauce develops incredible depth, while the ricotta brings freshness and creaminess. To top it all off, the golden crispies add a delightful crunch that elevates the texture. It’s a complete meal that’s perfect for gatherings, date nights, or simply treating yourself to something luxurious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Red Sauce

1 pound ground Italian sausage or meatless alternative
1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, minced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Herbed Ricotta

6–8 ounces ricotta cheese
1 small clove garlic, grated
zest and juice of 1 lemon
salt to taste
minced herbs to taste (chives, parsley, and/or thyme)

Gnocchi

two 16-ounce packages pre-cooked gnocchi

Golden Crispies (Breadcrumbs)

breadcrumbs toasted until golden brown in olive oil or butter with a pinch of salt

Directions

Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic to the pan; sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes and oregano. Return sausage to the pan and let the sauce simmer gently for 30–45 minutes. Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
Make the ricotta: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and fresh herbs. Mix until smooth and taste to adjust seasoning.
Cook the gnocchi: Boil according to package instructions. Drain and add to the sauce. Simmer gently so the gnocchi absorbs the flavors.
Assemble: Serve the gnocchi and sauce topped with a generous spoonful of herbed ricotta and a sprinkle of golden crispies.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings. The total time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with 15 minutes of active preparation and 1 hour of cooking and simmering.

Variations

Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Use homemade gnocchi if you want to elevate the dish even further.
Replace ricotta with mascarpone for an ultra-creamy topping.
Make it spicy by adding Calabrian chili paste or extra red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For individual portions, the microwave works well. The ricotta is best added fresh, so if possible, store it separately and spoon over reheated gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and ricotta a day in advance. Cook the gnocchi just before serving to keep it from becoming too soft.

Can I freeze Millionaire Gnocchi?

The sauce freezes very well, but gnocchi tends to become mushy once thawed. Freeze just the sauce and make fresh gnocchi when ready to serve.

What type of gnocchi works best?

Pre-cooked shelf-stable gnocchi is convenient, but refrigerated or frozen gnocchi works just as well. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make the golden crispies?

Toast breadcrumbs in olive oil or butter until golden and crunchy. Season with a pinch of salt.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use a meatless sausage alternative or simply omit the sausage and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms or lentils.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red such as Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato sauce and herbs beautifully.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh peeled and chopped tomatoes can be used, though they’ll need longer simmering to break down fully.

How can I make the sauce richer?

Add a splash of red wine or a spoonful of tomato paste while simmering the sauce.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, blended cottage cheese can be substituted, though it will have a slightly different texture and tang.

How do I prevent gnocchi from getting mushy?

Avoid overcooking and add the gnocchi to the sauce just before serving to keep the texture firm and pillowy.

Conclusion

Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies is the kind of meal that transforms an ordinary night into something memorable. With its balance of hearty sauce, creamy ricotta, and crispy topping, this dish is indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply yourself, this recipe will leave everyone feeling like a million bucks.