If you’re craving a dish that feels like a cozy Italian restaurant experience but made right in your own kitchen, the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe is exactly what you need. This irresistible recipe blends fluffy, pillowy gnocchi with a rich, savory red sauce and a bright, fresh herbed ricotta that lifts the whole dish. The final touch of golden crispies adds a satisfying crunch that makes every bite extraordinary. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish will quickly become a beloved favorite that stands out for its comforting yet elevated flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe so special. From the savory sausage to the zesty lemon-herb ricotta and crispy breadcrumbs, every element is essential.
- Ground Italian sausage: The heart of the red sauce, adding deep, savory richness and a touch of spice.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruitiness that marries the flavors.
- Yellow onion: Finely minced to provide a flavorful, slightly sweet base in the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Both minced and grated garlic add aromatic complexity and boldness.
- Crushed tomatoes: The foundation of the red sauce, offering vibrant color and tangy sweetness.
- Dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herb notes that round out the sauce perfectly.
- Salt and red pepper flakes: Adjusted to taste, they bring balance and a gentle kick.
- Ricotta cheese: Whipped with herbs and lemon for a creamy, fresh topping that brightens the dish.
- Lemon zest and juice: Infuses brightness and a zesty twist to the herbed ricotta.
- Minced herbs (chives, parsley, thyme): Fresh herbs that add vibrant flavor and color to the ricotta.
- Pre-cooked gnocchi packages: Convenient and tender potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Golden breadcrumbs: Crispy, toasted breadcrumbs that provide a delightful crunch and textural contrast.
How to Make Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Red Sauce
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéeing them until fragrant and translucent, which usually takes about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer for at least 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, savory base that’s bursting with Italian character.
Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Herbed Ricotta
While the sauce simmers, take the ricotta cheese into a medium bowl. Add the grated garlic clove, lemon zest, and juice. Then sprinkle in your minced fresh herbs — the combination of chives, parsley, and thyme offers a perfect herbal brightness. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy, and season with salt to taste. This herbed ricotta is going to be the perfect fresh counterpoint to the hearty sauce and tender gnocchi.
Step 3: Cook and Crisp the Gnocchi
Using a separate skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pre-cooked gnocchi in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottoms turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a slight crispiness. Flip and crisp the other side. This step transforms the soft gnocchi into little pillows with an irresistible crunch, adding such fantastic texture to the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Finish with Golden Crispies
Once the gnocchi are crisped, toss them into the red sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece in that luscious tomato sausage mixture. Transfer the skillet or spoon the gnocchi and sauce into a serving dish, then generously top with dollops of the herbed ricotta. Finally, sprinkle your golden breadcrumbs over the top. If you like, you can briefly broil everything just to warm the ricotta slightly and toast the breadcrumbs to an even more golden perfection.
How to Serve Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or extra chives sprinkle beautifully over the finished dish and add a lovely pop of green. A little freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving also elevates the flavors. If you want to add a touch of indulgence, a light grate of Parmesan on top pairs wonderfully with the herbed ricotta and sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to complete the meal, crisp green salads or roasted seasonal vegetables work wonderfully. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette brings refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the gnocchi. Steamed or grilled asparagus adds a nice crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, consider serving this dish family-style in a large, rustic cast-iron skillet so everyone can dig in directly. Alternatively, individual ramekins layered with sauce, gnocchi, ricotta, and crispies make an elegant portion that looks impressive but is super simple to prepare. You can also add a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will deepen in flavor overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, store the gnocchi with the sauce separately from the herbed ricotta and breadcrumb topping for best results. Place the gnocchi and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, gently reheat the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Dollop fresh herbed ricotta on top after reheating or mix it in if you prefer it warmed through. If you want to bring back the crunch, toast the breadcrumbs separately and sprinkle them on just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a meatless alternative instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Plant-based sausage works wonderfully in this recipe and provides that same rich, savory flavor without meat. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
Is it necessary to crisp the gnocchi before adding to the sauce?
Crisping the gnocchi is what truly elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary by adding texture contrast. If you’re in a rush, you can toss the gnocchi directly in the sauce, but the golden crispies create that signature crunch you won’t want to miss.
Can I prepare the herbed ricotta ahead of time?
Yes! The herbed ricotta can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more delicious when you serve it.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use for the golden crispies?
For the best crunch and flavor, opt for good-quality golden breadcrumbs or panko. You can toast them in butter or olive oil with a pinch of salt until golden and crispy just before serving.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried in the ricotta?
Fresh herbs provide the brightest, freshest flavor and are highly recommended in the ricotta. If you only have dried, reduce the amount by about half since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add them gradually to taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe that makes it a standout dish worth trying again and again. It’s the perfect marriage of comforting, bold flavors and contrasting textures that will steal the show at any meal. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this recipe bring a little Italian joy to your table – I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to dinners!
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Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Millionaire Gnocchi recipe features tender pre-cooked gnocchi pan-fried to golden crispiness and served with a rich, savory Italian sausage red sauce. It’s topped with creamy herbed ricotta made with fresh lemon zest, garlic, and garden herbs for a bright flavor contrast. A satisfying, restaurant-quality meal ready in about an hour, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Sauce and Meat
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or meatless alternative)
- 1–2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Herbed Ricotta
- 6–8 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Minced herbs (chives, parsley, thyme), to taste
Gnocchi and Topping
- Two 16-oz packages of pre-cooked gnocchi
- Your favorite golden breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano, then season with salt and red pepper flakes to your preference. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Make Herbed Ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, minced fresh herbs, and salt. Stir until smooth and well blended. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
- Cook Gnocchi: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil, then cook the pre-cooked gnocchi in batches. Fry them until golden and crisp on the outside, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
- Crisp Breadcrumbs: In the same skillet, optionally toast your favorite golden breadcrumbs until crunchy and golden, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the crisp gnocchi, spoon over the hearty red sausage sauce, dollop with the herbed ricotta, and sprinkle with the toasted golden breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use meatless sausage or vegan crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh herbs make a big flavor difference—try to use fresh chives, parsley, and thyme for the herbed ricotta.
- Pre-cooked gnocchi cuts down on total cooking time significantly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the sauce.
- For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free gnocchi and breadcrumbs.
