Easy Chorizo Gnocchi

Chorizo gnocchi is one of those last minute dinners I always fall back on as I usually have the ingredients in my fridge. Perfect when you haven't planned dinner and need to get a meal on the table. 

There are few ingredients in this simple gnocchi recipe, but each ingredient packs a punch! Gnocchi and chorizo work really well together and the soft dumplings absorb all the flavour in the sauce.

Recipe ingredients

• Gnocchi - for ease I use a pack of ready made gnocchi. I prefer the gnocchi from the refrigerated section of the supermarket as it tends to be softer.
• Oil - I use both olive oil and a small knob of butter for flavour, when sautéing the vegetables.
• Chorizo - use either chorizo picante (seasoned with hot smoked paprika), or chorizo dolce (seasoned with sweet smoked paprika).
• Onion - I use a small brown onion in this recipe, but you could also use red onion, shallots or even some green onions (green onions).
• Garlic - I like to use fresh garlic in this recipe, although frozen garlic or garlic puree work in a pinch.
• Courgette (zucchini) - courgettes add a lovely fresh flavour to this dish and they benefit from not being cooked too long making them ideal for this dish.
• Tomatoes - I like to use large vine ripened tomatoes as they tend to have more flavour. However, you can use any variety tomato. If using smaller tomatoes like baby plum or cherry tomatoes, simply add enough to equal the size of 4 large tomatoes.
• Seasoning - I season the dish with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Fresh basil - I use fresh basil in this recipe, stirring it through the finished dish just before serving.
• Parmesan cheese - I like to add freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, this is entirely optional. Parmesan is salty, so take care with the other seasoning!

How to make chorizo gnocchi

• Add 1 teaspoon of salt to a pan of boiling water, add the gnocchi and cook as per packet instructions. When cooked, drain the gnocchi, reserving a cup of the cooking water.
• While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the butter and oil in a frying pan and gently sauté the chorizo and onion for 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and courgette and sauté for a further minute.
• Now add the gnocchi, some of the reserved cooking water, and the tomatoes. Continue to sauté for a further 2 minutes, stirring all the time.

• Season with the remaining salt, black pepper and stir through the basil leaves.
• Serve into 2 bowls and add some freshly grated Parmesan.

Recipe variations

• Pasta - if you don't like gnocchi, swap it for any variety or shape of pasta.
• Meat - swap chorizo for smoked streaky bacon or smoked pancetta instead. You could also use a different type of pork smoked sausage.
• Vegetables - you can use any variety of vegetables in this simple dish:
  • mushrooms
  • any colour sweet bell peppers
  • aubergine (eggplant)
  • celery
  • handful of spinach or kale
• Vegetarian - remove the chorizo and instead add some paprika. You can add bulk to the meal with some extra vegetables, or add a tin of cannellini bean to add some protein to the meal. Use a vegetarian hard cheese in place of the Parmesan.
• Vegan - remove the butter and increase the olive oil to 2 tablespoons, also use a plant based cheese in place of Parmesan. Most shop bought gnocchi is suitable for a vegan diet, however, check the ingredients on the label first to ensure this is the case and that they do not contain eggs or similar ingredient!

Serving suggestion

This is a filling meal so I tend to keep any side dishes simple. A fresh green salad like this easy Lettuce Salad with Herbs, would be ideal. For hungrier diners you can add some crusty bread, focaccia or garlic bread.

Useful hints and tips

1. Always keep a cup of the gnocchi cooking water. It's full of starch which, when added to the sauce, helps the sauce to thicken and adhere to the gnocchi.
2. Gluten free diners can swap regular gnocchi for a gluten free gnocchi which you can find in most larger stores.
3. Allergy advice: soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.

FAQs

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Additional recipe suggestions

• Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
• Courgette Pasta
• High Protein Stuffed Peppers
• Pumpkin Gnocchi
• Smoked Salmon Pasta
• Spaghetti Bolognese
• Pumpkin Pasta

Looking for inspiration for feeding the family mid week, then take a look at my Ultimate Guide to Family Dinners. Full of useful hints, tips and lots of tasty recipes.