Description
Gnocchi with Chorizo and Creamy Harissa Sauce is a comforting yet bold dish combining tender gnocchi with smoky, spicy chorizo, all enveloped in a rich and mildly spicy harissa cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan recipe offers a flavorful and customizable meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend feasts.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 150g chorizo sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini (for added nutrition and color)
- Toasted pine nuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
- Cook the chorizo: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced or crumbled chorizo and cook until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chorizo from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits left from the chorizo for extra flavor.
- Make the harissa cream sauce: Stir in the harissa paste and cook briefly. Then add the heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything smoothly. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
- Toss in gnocchi and chorizo: Return the cooked gnocchi and chorizo to the skillet, tossing carefully to coat them thoroughly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish and serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- Choose good quality chorizo to ensure a rich and spicy flavor.
- Cook gnocchi just until they float to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Add harissa paste gradually to control the spice level.
- Use reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the gnocchi and adjust consistency.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving for a fresh aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: thirty-five g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg