Name: Ground Turkey Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 5 tbsp ricotta cheese; 1 cup yellow onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 16 oz gnocchi; 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried basil

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the onion into even 1/2-inch pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is lightly browned. Let it sit undisturbed briefly to develop a crust. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and dried basil, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 3: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi and stir gently. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi start to float, indicating they are nearly cooked.

Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and simmer for 7-9 minutes until gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Remove from heat. Dollop ricotta cheese over the skillet and gently stir to create creamy pockets. Cover and let rest for 2 minutes to soften the ricotta and blend flavors.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey labeled 93/7 for the best balance of flavor and leanness. If using leaner turkey, add a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking.

Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or Italian sausage as desired. Adjust seasoning if using sausage.

Fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi all work well in this recipe.

Try different marinara sauces for variety, such as spicy arrabbiata or basic crushed tomatoes with herbs.

Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone for a different creamy texture.

Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing—burnt garlic will make the dish bitter.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that gnocchi texture may soften slightly after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken, beef, or Italian sausage can be used as substitutes. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly, especially with sausage, since it’s already flavored.

How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming gummy?

Make sure the sauce and broth are at a gentle boil before adding the gnocchi. Also, avoid cooking the gnocchi longer than 9 minutes total and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.