Gnocchi with Brussel Sprouts, Chicken Sausage, and Kale Pesto 🍽️🌿

This hearty and colorful dish combines tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, and roasted brussel sprouts, all tossed in a vibrant and creamy kale pesto. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of flavors and textures will make your taste buds sing! 🎶💚

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi and Mix-ins

• 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi (or homemade, if you’re feeling adventurous!)
• 6 oz chicken sausage, sliced (Italian-flavored works beautifully)
• 2 cups brussel sprouts, halved
• 2 cups kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

For the Kale Pesto

• 1 cup fresh kale leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds work well)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Kale Pesto

• In a food processor, combine the kale, basil, nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
• Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.
• With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🍋 The lemon juice adds brightness to the pesto; adjust to your preference for extra zing!

Cook the Gnocchi and Veggies

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually until they float to the top (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
• While the gnocchi is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the brussel sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy on the edges.
• In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until heated through and slightly browned.

Combine Everything

• Add the cooked gnocchi and the roasted brussel sprouts to the skillet with the sausage. Pour in the kale pesto and gently toss to combine all the ingredients and warm them through.

🍽️ If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up!

Serve

• Plate the dish and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy while warm!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken sausage and add chickpeas for protein, which will also add a nice texture! 🌱
• For a spicy kick: Use spicy chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes to the pesto for some heat! 🌶️
• Nut-free: Substitute nuts in the pesto with sunflower seeds or skip them altogether for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers based on what you have available!

This Gnocchi with Brussel Sprouts, Chicken Sausage, and Kale Pesto is a delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy your culinary adventure! 🥳🌿