Easy Pesto Turkey Sausage Gnocchi Bake (Print Version)

Pesto Turkey Sausage Gnocchi Bake is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender gnocchi, savory turkey sausage, and vibrant pesto baked to golden perfection.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian

# Ingredients:

→ Pillowy Base

01 - 16 oz potato gnocchi
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Hearty & Aromatic Core

03 - 1 lb ground turkey sausage
04 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 medium red bell pepper, diced

→ Creamy Pesto Embrace

07 - 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
08 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
09 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Golden Cheesy Crown

11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook the 16 oz potato gnocchi according to package directions until tender. Drain well and set aside. This prepares the base for your Easy Pesto Turkey Sausage Gnocchi Bake.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced, and 1/2 medium red bell pepper, diced. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened, until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
04 - Add the cooked 16 oz potato gnocchi and the turkey sausage-vegetable mixture to the skillet with the pesto sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated. This forms the delicious core of your Easy Pesto Turkey Sausage Gnocchi Bake.
05 - Pour the gnocchi mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
06 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. For the best Easy Pesto Turkey Sausage Gnocchi Bake, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
07 - Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, just before serving. Serve your warm and comforting Easy Pesto Turkey Sausage Gnocchi Bake immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Gnocchi Tip: Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi in the initial boiling step, as it will continue to cook in the oven. You want it tender but still slightly firm.
02 - Storage: Leftovers of this Easy Pesto Turkey Sausage Gnocchi Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 - Substitutions: Feel free to swap ground turkey sausage for Italian sausage (mild or spicy) or even ground chicken. You can also add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
04 - Serving Suggestion: This hearty bake is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 9x13 inch baking dish
03 - Measuring cups
04 - Measuring spoons
05 - Cutting board
06 - Knife
07 - Spatula

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 847 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
Protein: 42 g

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