Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce and Herbed Ricotta

Millionaire Gnocchi transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something that feels downright luxurious, and I promise you’re going to feel like royalty eating this comforting masterpiece. As a mom who’s constantly searching for dishes that make my family stop scrolling their phones at dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.

Last Tuesday, I was staring into my pantry wondering how to turn basic gnocchi into something special when inspiration struck. This Millionaire Gnocchi combines pillowy store-bought gnocchi with rich red sauce, creamy herbed ricotta, and those addictive golden breadcrumb crispies that make everyone ask for seconds. The best part? It looks and tastes like you spent hours cooking when you really just assembled simple ingredients into something magical. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Gnocchi

I’ve served this dish to my pickiest eaters and watched them practically lick their bowls clean, which tells you everything you need to know. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi swimming in hearty red sauce creates the ultimate comfort food base that satisfies everyone from toddlers to grandparents. The herbed ricotta melts into each bite, adding creamy richness that elevates the entire dish beyond basic pasta night. Those golden breadcrumb crispies provide the perfect textural contrast that makes every forkful interesting and delicious. My favorite aspect is how this recipe uses mostly pantry staples and pre-cooked gnocchi, making it accessible for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for company.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store leftover Millionaire Gnocchi in the refrigerator for up to three days, though I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Pro tip: I always make extra herbed ricotta because it transforms any leftover pasta into an instant upgrade the next day. For best results, serve this dish immediately while the gnocchi is hot and the ricotta is melty, paired with a simple green salad and crusty bread for sopping up every drop of sauce—like my Steakhouse Potato Salad or a side of Low-Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds. This recipe scales beautifully – make half the sauce with one package of gnocchi for smaller families, and freeze the remaining sauce for next week’s dinner victory. I usually prepare the herbed ricotta ahead of time since the flavors improve after sitting for an hour.

What to Serve with Millionaire Gnocchi

When I serve Millionaire Gnocchi, I love rounding out the meal with a few fresh and hearty sides. A bowl of Grilled Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl adds protein and balance, while Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn with Bacon brings that cozy, comfort-food vibe to the table. For a green boost, try pairing it with Low-Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds or Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo if you’re going for an all-out creamy dinner experience. Honestly, anything warm and flavorful with texture contrast will complement this gnocchi beautifully.

Conclusion

Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies

Luxurious comfort food featuring pillowy gnocchi in rich red sauce with creamy herbed ricotta and crunchy golden breadcrumbs

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or meatless alternative
• 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion minced
• 2 large garlic cloves minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and red pepper flakes to taste
• 6-8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 small garlic clove grated
• 1 lemon lemon zest and juice
• minced herbs chives, parsley, and/or thyme, to taste
• 2 packages pre-cooked gnocchi 16 ounces each

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Small mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and break apart until well-browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage from the pan.
2. Turn the heat down and add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes over medium low heat until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes and oregano. Add sausage back in and simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes. Taste and season with salt and red pepper flakes.
4. While the sauce is simmering, mix the ricotta ingredients in a small dish. Taste and adjust as you like.
5. Cook gnocchi according to package directions (usually involves a short boil). Add cooked gnocchi to the pan with the sauce.
6. Bring to a low simmer to get the gnocchi and sauce bubbling and well-coated.
7. Serve hot gnocchi topped with a dollop of herbed ricotta and a generous sprinkling of golden crispies.

Notes

If you don’t need a full 6-person batch, make one package of gnocchi with half the tomato sauce, and freeze the other half for later. Golden crispies recipe available separately. Can freeze half the sauce for later use. Best served immediately while hot.