Spring in Colorado is in full swing, where the hustle of calving, branding and early planting begins to fill the calendars of our hardworking agricultural communities.
As the days grow longer and the “to-do” lists even longer, finding a meal that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly efficient is essential.
Our April Colorado Proud recipe of the month — an easy Gnocchi Sausage Bake — is designed exactly for these moments. By using shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi and flavorful cooked sausage, you can skip the boiling water entirely and let the oven do the heavy lifting, taking you from prep to table in about 30 minutes.
This dish is a delicious way to support Colorado’s vibrant agricultural industry on a few levels. Between cheese, sausage, pasta and veggie toppings, it can all be from right here at home. It’s a choice that tastes good and does good for the state we call home.
Whether you’re rushing between school sports, community meetings or long hours in the field, this bake is the ultimate “salvation meal.” It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, ensuring that even during the busiest April weeks, you can still enjoy a wholesome, locally sourced meal.
Gnocchi Sausage Bake
Shared by Sara Martinez
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-35 Minutes
Ingredients
1 pound shelf-stable gnocchi
12 - 14-ounce sausage links, sliced and cooked
1 1/2 cups spinach artichoke dip
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
1/3 cup grated Parmesan, divided
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Spinach (sprinkle some on top if you want to add some green)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, spray the baking dish with cooking spray.
Add gnocchi, cooked sausage, spinach artichoke dip, milk, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan and seasonings to a baking dish.
Stir until everything is coated.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil, stir once, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Add veggie toppings if you desire.
Visit ColoradoProud.com for more recipes.
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