The Best Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Whipping up a delightful chorizo gnocchi brings pure comfort to your midweek dinner table.

Soft potato pillows dance with spicy sausage in a luxurious sauce that promises instant satisfaction.

Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Robust chorizo infuses each tender gnocchi with smoky depth and irresistible richness.

Cooking becomes an adventure when unexpected ingredients mingle with such passionate intensity.

Quick and uncomplicated, this recipe transforms simple components into something extraordinarily memorable.

Ingredients for Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi

• Chorizo: A spicy Spanish sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Stock: Provides a savory liquid base for the sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft Italian potato dumplings that serve as the primary pasta in this recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the sauce.

• Red Onion, Red Pepper: Add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic intensity to the overall flavor profile.

• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the sauce's richness and adds a slight tangy undertone.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and nutty cheese flavor to complete the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh herbal note and bright garnish.

• Oil: Helps in sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
• Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi

Step 1: Crisp Up Chorizo

Get your large skillet super hot with a splash of oil. Toss in chorizo and watch it dance and crisp up, releasing those incredible spicy aromas.

Cook until edges turn golden and slightly crunchy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Soften Veggie Companions

Drop red onion and red pepper into the same skillet with chorizo.

Let them mingle and soften, stirring occasionally. The vegetables will become tender and absorb all those delicious chorizo flavors.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Sprinkle chopped garlic into the pan and let it sizzle for a minute. Pour in chicken stock, tomato paste, and cream cheese.

Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently.

Step 4: Cook Perfect Gnocchi

Boil gnocchi in salted water until they start floating – this means they’re ready! Keep a little cooking water on standby in case you want to adjust sauce consistency later.

Drain gnocchi carefully.

Step 5: Create Creamy Harmony

Transfer gnocchi directly into your simmering sauce.

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

Taste and adjust seasoning as you like.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Plate immediately while hot. Dust with extra Parmesan for that final touch of deliciousness.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Tips to Perfect Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi

• Select high-quality chorizo for intense, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce if the mixture becomes too thick.
• Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by cooking them just until they float and immediately transferring to the sauce.
• Try alternative proteins like spicy Italian sausage or plant-based chorizo for dietary variations.
• Enhance the dish's richness by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat and complexity.

Flavor Variations on Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace chorizo with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Gnocchi: Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth, add jalapeños, and incorporate chipotle powder for a fiery southwestern-inspired dish.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or alternative flours, ensuring the same creamy texture and comforting taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Light Protein Variation: Substitute chorizo with lean chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lower-fat alternative that still delivers robust flavor profiles.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi

• Bold Spanish red wine like Rioja perfectly complements the spicy chorizo, cutting through the creamy sauce with its robust tannins.
• Albariño, a crisp white wine from Spain, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, meaty dish with its citrusy and mineral notes.
• Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, bright contrast to the heavy, creamy gnocchi, balancing the plate's richness.
• Crusty garlic bread or sourdough will help soak up the delicious sauce, adding textural variety and enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storage Tips for Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Seal the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months to prevent texture degradation.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is chorizo spicy?

Chorizo brings a rich, slightly spicy flavor with a smoky undertone. The heat level depends on the specific type of chorizo, but it generally adds a mild to moderate warmth to the dish.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Spanish or Mexican chorizo work best. If unavailable, try spicy Italian sausage as an alternative, which provides similar flavor complexity and texture.

• How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Cook gnocchi just until they float to the water’s surface, typically 2-3 minutes. Immediately drain and add to the sauce to prevent overcooking. Using fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi helps maintain the right texture.

Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi That Satisfies

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold chorizo, vibrant red peppers, and creamy sauce, this dish delivers an incredible taste adventure that will excite your taste buds.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Prepare a complete meal using just one pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making cooking simple and stress-free for busy home chefs.
• Comfort Food Champion: Soft gnocchi combined with spicy chorizo creates a rich, satisfying meal perfect for those craving a hearty and indulgent dinner experience.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: This recipe comes together rapidly, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal solution for families seeking delicious meals without lengthy kitchen work.

Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy chorizo gnocchi creates a bold Italian-Spanish fusion dish with intense flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising rich comfort you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz gnocchi
• 5.5 oz chorizo (finely diced)
• 3.5 oz cream cheese
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) chicken stock
• 1.5 oz parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus additional for garnish)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 small red pepper (finely diced)
• 1 small red onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 handful fresh basil (coarsely torn)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, sizzling chorizo until edges turn crispy and golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Add diced red onion and red pepper to the chorizo, sautéing until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, about 4 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing its fragrance to release for one minute, then pour in chicken stock, tomato paste, and cream cheese, stirring until ingredients meld into a smooth, creamy sauce.
4. Simultaneously, cook gnocchi in rapidly boiling salted water, removing them once they float to the surface, typically within 2-3 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid.
5. Gently fold gnocchi into the simmering sauce, ensuring each dumpling is lavishly coated. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
6. Plate the chorizo-infused gnocchi immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve piping hot to maximize the rich, complex flavors of this comforting dish.

Notes

• Chorizo naturally brings intense heat, so choose mild varieties if you prefer less spiciness or want to accommodate sensitive palates.
• Replace chorizo with plant-based sausage or smoked paprika-seasoned mushrooms to maintain the smoky, rich flavor profile.
• Pat gnocchi dry before adding to sauce to prevent excess water and ensure a crispy, golden exterior when mixed.
• If sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creamy consistency without losing flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 643 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg