Savor the rich flavors of diced chorizo, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce in this easy-to-make Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi recipe, perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
There’s always that one dish that brings back a flood of memories, and for me, it’s this Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi. Inspired by a serendipitous evening in a quaint Italian bistro, this recipe was born out of a desire to recreate that magic at home. Amidst the clatter of dishes and the low murmur of conversations, the rich aroma of chorizo sizzling somewhere in the kitchen wafted through the air, captivating my senses. Determined to bottle up that essence and bring it home, I experimented with hearty gnocchi and zesty chorizo, until I landed on this creamy, dreamy concoction. Each bite is a throwback to that unforgettable night, filled with laughter, cozy ambience, and the kind of simple yet profound joy that good food brings.
Why You'll love This Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi
Dive into a dish that combines ease with sophistication—Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi! This recipe is your weeknight dinner hero, offering a gourmet taste with minimal effort.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish in 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those who want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful Combination: The smoky richness of chorizo paired with the creamy texture of the sauce creates a symphony of flavors that are robust yet perfectly balanced.
- Versatility: Serve it up on a casual Tuesday, or dress it for a festive gathering—this gnocchi adapts to any occasion.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various substitutions and additions to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi recipe plays a pivotal role in creating a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Here’s how to get the best out of them:
- Chorizo: Opt for high-quality chorizo to ensure the fat renders beautifully, enriching the dish with its spicy, smoky flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for its richness, but lighter versions can be used for a healthier option.
- Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi is perfect for this recipe, providing a delightful chewiness that pairs well with the creamy sauce. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade gnocchi would elevate the dish further.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a sharper taste than pre-grated varieties, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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How To Make Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi
Let’s break down the making of Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi into simple, manageable steps, ensuring you can recreate this delicious dish with ease and confidence.
- Start with Chorizo: Begin by heating a touch of oil in a large frying pan. Add the diced chorizo and cook it over medium-high heat until it begins to crisp up. This not only cooks the chorizo but also releases its oils, which forms the flavor base for the sauce.
- Sauté the Vegetables: To the crisped chorizo, add the diced red onion and red pepper. Sauté these until they soften, which typically takes about four minutes. The sweetness of the onions and peppers complements the spiciness of the chorizo beautifully.
- Garlic and Liquids: Add the chopped garlic to the pan, cooking it for just a minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Following the garlic, pour in the chicken stock along with the tomato paste and cream cheese. Stir everything well and reduce the heat to a low-medium to let the flavors meld.
- Cooking the Gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to the packet instructions—usually, this means boiling them in salted water for a few minutes until they float. Drain the gnocchi but reserve some of the cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if necessary.
- Combine and Finish: Transfer the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, tossing it gently to coat. Stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh basil for that final layer of flavor. Check the seasoning and adjust according to taste. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan for garnish.
Storage Options
Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh; however, if you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate and affect the texture.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi is delightful, personalizing this dish can be a fun and delicious experiment.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chorizo with mushrooms or sundried tomatoes for a meat-free version that still packs a flavor punch.
- Cheese Options: Swap out cream cheese for mascarpone for an even creamier texture, or use a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by choosing either spicy or mild chorizo, or add chili flakes to ramp up the spiciness if desired.
Creamy Chorizo Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 5.5 ounces of Chorizo finely diced
- 1 small Red Onion finely diced
- 1 small Red Pepper finely diced
- 4 cloves Garlic finely chopped
- ⅔ cup Chicken Stock
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 3.5 ounces Cream Cheese
- 14 ounces Gnocchi
- 1.5 ounces Parmesan Cheese freshly grated, plus additional for garnish
- A handful of fresh Basil coarsely torn
Instructions
- Chorizo Preparation: In a large skillet, heat a small quantity of oil over a medium-high flame. Add the chorizo and sauté until it begins to crisp, approximately three to four minutes.
- Vegetable Cooking: Incorporate the diced red onion and red pepper into the skillet with the chorizo. Continue to cook over medium heat until the vegetables have softened, about four minutes.
- Adding Aromatics and Liquids: Introduce the chopped garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic. Following this, add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and cream cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine and reduce the heat to low-medium, allowing the mixture to gently simmer.
- Gnocchi Preparation: Simultaneously, prepare the gnocchi according to the instructions on the package, typically boiling in salted water for two to three minutes until they rise to the surface. Drain the gnocchi, reserving a small amount of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later if necessary.
- Combining Ingredients: Transfer the drained gnocchi to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to ensure the gnocchi are evenly coated with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh basil, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Final Presentation: Serve the creamy chorizo gnocchi immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure the dish is presented hot, allowing the flavors to fully express themselves.
