Chorizo Gnocchi: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, let me tell you why this Chorizo Gnocchi is a game-changer. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi covered in a creamy, basil pesto sauce, paired with the smoky, spicy notes of chorizo, and the freshness of cherry tomatoes. Every bite is a burst of flavours that’s both comforting and exciting.
Secret to the Perfect Chorizo Gnocchi
The secret to nailing this dish is in the balance of ingredients and the baking time. Here’s how you can create this magical dish at home:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 220°C. A hot oven is key to getting that lovely, golden top on your bake.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large baking dish, combine a 190g jar of basil pesto, 300ml of cream, and a tablespoon of crushed garlic. This forms the base of your luscious sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in the Goodies: Add 500g of gnocchi, 250g of halved cherry tomatoes, one thinly sliced red onion, and two sliced chorizo sausages into the dish. Make sure everything is well-coated in that creamy, dreamy pesto sauce.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. The gnocchi will absorb the sauce, and the chorizo will render its fat, adding a beautiful depth of flavour to the dish.
- Final Stir: Once it’s done, give it a good stir to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. This ensures every bite is packed with that rich, saucy goodness.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chorizo Gnocchi
Quality Ingredients: Always go for high-quality gnocchi and pesto. It makes a world of difference in the final taste. Fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section often tastes better than the shelf-stable variety.
Customise Your Bake: Feel free to add in some extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and colour.
Cheese, Please: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chorizo Gnocchi is a meal on its own, but here are some ways to make your dinner even more special:
- Garlic Bread: Serve it with warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up all that delicious sauce. 🥖
- Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the gnocchi bake. Think mixed greens with a lemon olive oil dressing. 🥗
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like a Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this dish. 🍷
Share the Love
Share this scrumptious meal with friends and family and bask in the chorus of “Yums” and “Wows”! Enjoy every bite, and remember, good food = good mood! 😄
For more delightful recipes, check out these below. There’s something for everyone! 🌟
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You can grab your copy of the Fasta Pasta eBook for even more fantastic pasta recipes that will make your weeknight dinners a breeze. 📚
Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Tray Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C.
- In a baking dish, whisk together the basil pesto, cream, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 🥄
- Toss in the gnocchi, onion, tomatoes, and chorizo sausage, making sure everything is nicely coated in that creamy, dreamy pesto sauce. 🥣
- Bake for 25 minutes, until everything is bubbly and golden. 🕒
- Give it a good stir, and it's ready to serve! 🍽
- Trust me, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser! Give it a try, and let me know how much you love it! 💖
Nutrition
Video
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Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this Chorizo and Pesto Gnocchi Bake. Look for fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section of your supermarket for the best texture and flavour. If you prefer, you can also use frozen or shelf-stable gnocchi. Just be sure to follow any preparation instructions on the package before adding it to your bake.
If you’re not a fan of chorizo or if you’re looking for a milder option, you can substitute it with other types of sausage like Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage. Just keep in mind that chorizo adds a unique smoky and spicy flavour, so you might want to add a bit of smoked paprika or chilli flakes to mimic that taste if you’re using a different sausage.
This Chorizo Gnocchi is great for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven to 220°C and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from a chilled dish to ensure it’s heated through evenly.