Delicious Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage and Fennel Recipe
Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! I am thrilled to share with you my latest recipe creation that is sure to tantalize your taste buds: Gnocchi With Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel Recipe. A mouth-watering combination of bold flavors and textures, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking to elevate their cooking expertise.
I must warn you – this recipe is not for the faint of heart. Bold sausages, fresh vegetables, and delicate gnocchi all come together in a riot of flavors that will take your palate to another level entirely. But don’t be intimidated! My step-by-step instructions will lead you seamlessly through every phase of the recipe, from selecting ingredients to creating the perfect presentation.
Once you taste this dish, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s that good. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on creating a culinary masterpiece that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Get ready for a gastronomic adventure into the flavors of Italy with this Gnocchi With Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is a recipe that will delight you with its flavors and aromas. The combination of tender gnocchi pasta, savory chicken sausage, and aromatic fennel is the perfect way to awaken your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Firstly, the gnocchi is perfectly cooked and pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. It’s soft on the outside and has a slightly chewy texture on the inside—just like Italian grandmas intended it to taste. Secondly, the chicken sausage adds a touch of spice and complements the dish’s flavor profile delicately.
Thirdly, fennel brings an incredible depth to the dish—a herbaceous flavor that makes it taste fresh yet flavorful. The sweetness of sautéed red bell peppers with caramelized onions rounds out this dish’s flavor profile perfectly—pulling everything together.
Once cooked, sprinkle some shreds of Asiago cheese and freshly chopped parsley over servings for added depth and satisfyingly zesty flavors.
What I love most about this recipe is that it uses basic ingredients found in almost any pantry. And since everything comes together in just one pan, there’s minimal clean-up involved. So if you’re looking for an impressive meal that won’t take long to make but’ll still satisfy even your most refined tastes, then you’ll absolutely be in love with this Gnocchi With Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel Recipe!
Ingredient List
- 1 package (16 ounces) vacuum-packed gnocchi (Vigo brand recommended)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 6 ounces chicken sausage (sweet Italian vegetable sausage or spicy pork sausage)
- 1 cup thinly sliced fennel bulb
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/4 white onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, diced
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
- I teaspoon fennel seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
These ingredients are available at your nearest grocery store and will produce an unforgettable meal experience. The combination of gnocchi, chicken sausage, fennel, red bell pepper, and fennel seeds promises a savory treat. Make sure to get the Vigo brand of gnocchi, ideally package vacuum packed to ensure the potatoes have the right texture, nutty flavor and are well-cooked but not soggy. This recipe allows for any preference between sweet Italian vegetable or spicy pork sausage so choose as desired. Use flat leaf parsley as a garnish to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. Ensure freshness by chopping parsley only at the time of serving. Use a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all other flavors.
The Recipe How-To
Here comes the exciting part – the How-to! Follow my simple instructions and prepare to taste something incredible.
Step 1: Cook The Sausage
Pour 2 teaspoons of olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is heated, add the chicken sausage and cook it until it turns golden brown. Make sure that you break it into small pieces while cooking.
Step 2: Cook The Fennel And Bell Pepper
In the same skillet, heat up another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced fennel and red bell pepper cubes to the skillet and cook the veggies until they are tender. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Infuse With Flavor
Now, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, 3 cloves of diced garlic, and some fennel seeds to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Cheese
Next up, cook one package of vacuum-packed gnocchi according to package directions. Once done, mix in the cooked sausage with the fennel, bell peppers and garlic mixture. Then pour one cup of chicken stock over everything for added flavor.
After adding the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, mix in grated asiago cheese with a cup of thinly sliced fennel leaves as well as 1 tbsp. of white onion for an extra zing.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Add fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves on top to complete this delicious gnocchi with chicken sausage, bell pepper, and fennel dish.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Have you ever tried a recipe and realized that you do not have all the ingredients on hand? Don’t worry, you are not alone! The beauty of cooking is that it provides great room for creativity and exploration. Here are some substitutions and variations to help you customize your Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel Recipe:
– Meat: Although chicken sausage pairs perfectly with this recipe, it can be substituted with sweet Italian sausage or pork sausage. For a vegetarian option, try using broccoli rabe or add extra vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms.
– Fennel: If you cannot find fennel at your local market, substitute with celery root or add extra red bell pepper instead.
– Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers can be replaced with green or orange bell peppers if preferred. You can also add some sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
– Cheese: Asiago cheese can be substituted by parmesan cheese or pecorino romano cheese for a nutty flavor.
– Gnocchi: If vacuum-packed gnocchi is not available, homemade gnocchi can be easily made at home by mixing mashed potatoes, flour and egg yolks. Or try other flavors like potato gnocchi, creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi, or spicy tomato sauce gnocchi.
Experiment with different combinations and make your version of the best Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel recipe to impress your friends and family!
Serving and Pairing
Greetings, fellow culinary enthusiasts! As you sit down to savor every bite of this flavorful Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel recipe, you may wonder what wine and sides would accentuate its taste. Worry no more, for I have some suggestions for your consideration.
First up is the wine pairing. This dish’s spiciness calls for a light-bodied red wine with low tannins and a hint of fruitiness. Pinot Noir or Zinfandel are delightful matches to the dish’s boldness. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can also contrast the heat if you lean more towards whites.
As for side dishes, whatever complements Italian-style recipes will align perfectly with this dish. A simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette is refreshing to accompany your meal. Also, roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus drizzled in olive oil and garlic flakes bring out the best flavors of this Italian-inspired cuisine.
To complete the dinner scene, don’t forget a warm loaf of crusty bread and some grated Asiago cheese to sprinkle on top. Its nutty flavor profile pairs well with the ingredients in the recipe.
In conclusion, making proper pairings can make all the difference in your dining experience. So grab your favorite good-quality bottle of red or white wine, whip up some simple yet delicious sides, and enjoy this Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel recipe – truly comfort food at its finest!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you looking for a dish that can be made ahead of time and reheated later while still maintaining its flavor and texture? Look no further than the Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel Recipe.
This recipe can easily be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve. To make it ahead of time, simply cook the dish as directed in the recipe, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to heat it up, there are a few options. For best results, we recommend reheating the gnocchi in the oven on a sheet pan at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop by placing it in a large skillet over medium heat and stirring occasionally until heated through.
If stored properly, this dish will still taste fresh and delicious even after being refrigerated or frozen. However, keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may be slightly different when reheated, as they tend to absorb more liquid over time.
Overall, this recipe is a great option for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick and easy meal that can be made ahead of time and reheated later without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
Before you dive into preparing this delicious gnocchi with chicken sausage, bell pepper, and fennel recipe, let me share some tips with you to help guarantee perfect results every time.
First off, it’s important to handle the gnocchi with care. Be gentle when you boil them to avoid breaking them apart. Resist the temptation to stir too frequently- letting them sit in the boiling water for a couple of minutes until they float is enough.
When cooking the chicken sausage, I recommend using a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and help distribute heat evenly. Also, make sure to brown the sausage on medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
When cooking the fennel and bell pepper mixture, add a pinch of salt to bring out their natural flavors. For extra depth of flavor, sprinkle in some fennel seeds.
To give your dish an extra kick of spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer your dish less spicy, reduce the amount or omit altogether.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausages or vegetables based on your preferences. Italian sausage or sweet vegetable sausage also go remarkably well with this recipe.
By implementing these tips, you’ll get the best gnocchi experience every time-you deserve it!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gnocchi with chicken sausage, bell pepper, and fennel recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious and easy-to-make meals. With its flavorful combination of fresh ingredients and savory seasonings, this dish is sure to satisfy any palate.
Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow. Plus, with the ability to make it ahead and store it easily, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
By giving this recipe a try, you’ll not only impress your taste buds but also your family and friends. So why not make this gnocchi with chicken sausage, bell pepper, and fennel recipe your new go-to meal? Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!
Gnocchi With Chicken Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Fennel Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 6 ounces chicken sausage, casing removed and sliced
- 1 cup thinly sliced fennel
- 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion
- 1/2 cup freshly grated asiago cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain the gnocchi in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Keep gnocchi warm.
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Remove sausage from skillet using a slotted spoon.
- Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add fennel, bell pepper, and onion to pan; cook 13 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add sausage, gnocchi, cheese, black pepper, and reserved cooking liquid to pan; cook 1 minute or until cheese melts, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in parsley.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.