20-Minute Sausage Broccoli Gnocchi Alfredo: A Weeknight Wonder!

Craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish but short on time? Look no further than this incredibly easy and delicious 20-Minute Sausage Broccoli Gnocchi Alfredo! This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Tender gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce come together in perfect harmony, all in under half an hour. What’s not to love?

Forget takeout! This homemade version is not only faster and healthier but also tastes infinitely better. It’s a budget-friendly option that allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, swap out the sausage for chicken or shrimp, or adjust the amount of cheese to create your perfect Alfredo masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious and Comforting: Creamy Alfredo sauce, savory sausage, and tender gnocchi create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.
• Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective alternative to takeout.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Gnocchi: Use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience. Look for the shelf-stable kind to keep on hand in your pantry. Fresh gnocchi will also work but may require slightly less cooking time.
• Italian Sausage: I prefer using Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference). Remove the casings for easier browning. You can also substitute ground chicken or turkey sausage.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best, but you can use frozen broccoli florets in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the pan.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The base of our rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for the authentic Alfredo flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan, as it doesn’t melt as well.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and garlic.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, fresh parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your own 20-Minute Sausage Broccoli Gnocchi Alfredo:

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Sausage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to cook the gnocchi.
2. While the water is heating, cut the broccoli into small florets.
3. Remove the sausage from its casings (if using) and crumble it into a large skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Broccoli

1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. A little browning on the broccoli adds a nice flavor.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

1. While the sausage and broccoli are cooking, add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions. Generally, gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the gnocchi. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the Alfredo sauce if needed.
3. Drain the gnocchi well and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet with the sausage and broccoli, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, sausage, and broccoli. Toss to coat everything evenly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).

Tips and Variations:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Swap the Protein: Substitute the Italian sausage with ground chicken, turkey sausage, shrimp, or even cooked chicken breast.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage altogether and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Asiago, Romano, or Gruyere.
• Add a Touch of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the dish.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Prep Ahead: You can cook the sausage and broccoli ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you even more time on busy weeknights.
• Broil for a Crispy Top: After combining all the ingredients, transfer the gnocchi mixture to a baking dish and top with extra Parmesan cheese. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions:

This 20-Minute Sausage Broccoli Gnocchi Alfredo is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Storing and Reheating:

Storing: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the gnocchi in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the pan.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A: Yes, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables.

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: You can cook the sausage and broccoli ahead of time, but it’s best to make the Alfredo sauce and cook the gnocchi just before serving.

Q: My Alfredo sauce is too thick. What should I do?

A: Add a little of the reserved pasta water or milk to thin it out.

Q: My Alfredo sauce is too thin. What should I do?

A: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Conclusion:

This 20-Minute Sausage Broccoli Gnocchi Alfredo is the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor, customizable to your liking, and sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your homemade gnocchi alfredo! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media!