Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Tray Bake: Why You’ll Love This 💖
First off, this Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi is the epitome of comfort food. The pillowy gnocchi soaks up all the flavors from the rich cream sauce, while the chorizo adds a smoky, spicy kick that’s simply irresistible. The addition of pesto gives it a fresh, herby edge that balances the richness of the cream, making this dish both indulgent and light at the same time. And let’s not forget the cherry tomatoes and red onion – they add a pop of color and sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly. 🍅
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, everything is cooked in one tray, which means less washing up – always a win in my book! 🧼
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Tray Bake 🧑🍳
- Choosing the Right Gnocchi: For this recipe, I recommend using fresh gnocchi if possible. It cooks up nice and tender, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully. If you’re using packaged gnocchi, you can give it a quick boil before adding it to the baking dish to ensure it cooks through perfectly.
- Spice Level: Chorizo varies in spice, so if you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a sweet chorizo or reduce the quantity. If you love a bit of heat, go for a spicy chorizo and maybe add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce. 🌶️
- Pesto Perfection: Use a good-quality basil pesto for the best flavor. If you have a little extra time, you can even make your own! Fresh pesto will elevate this dish to a whole new level. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of pesto, like sun-dried tomato or rocket (arugula) pesto, for a unique twist. 🌿
- Tomato Tips: For a burst of sweetness, use cherry tomatoes. If you prefer a slightly less sweet flavor, you can use grape tomatoes or even chopped Roma tomatoes. If you want the tomatoes to release a bit more juice into the dish, give them a little squish before adding them to the baking dish. 🍅
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to this dish! Sliced capsicum, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach tossed in at the end would be delicious and add more nutrition. 🌱
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Tray Bake is quite filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few ideas:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this rich dish. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the creaminess of the gnocchi, creating a balanced meal.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a bit of parmesan on top and grill until golden. 🧄
- A Glass of Wine: A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy sauce and the spice of the chorizo. If you prefer red, a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir would also work well. 🍷
Similar Recipes You’ll Love 🍲
If you enjoyed this Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Tray Bake, here are a few more recipes you might want to try next:
I hope this Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Tray Bake becomes a new favorite in your home. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share your creation with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. – I’d love to see how yours turned out! 📸👩🍳
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
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly and golden.
Yes, if chorizo isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with other types of sausage, like Italian sausage or even a vegetarian sausage. Just be aware that it might alter the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Simply use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your pesto and sausage are also gluten-free. Most supermarkets carry gluten-free options these days, so it’s an easy swap!