GNOCCHI WITH SAUSAGE, ZUCCHINI, AND TOMATO

Gnocchi with Sausage, Zucchini, and Tomato image

Provided by Sarah Carey

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces sweet Italian sausage (about 3 links), casings removed
1 large or 2 small zucchini (12 ounces), cut into a 1/2-inch dice (2 cups)
1 pound mixed tomatoes, such as beefsteak and cherry, coarsely chopped (3 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 package (17.5-ounces) gnocchi, such as DeCecco
1/3 cup pesto, homemade or store-bought (such as Buitoni)
Fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)

Steps:

Heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Swirl in oil, then add sausage and cook, breaking up pieces with a wooden spoon, until beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they start to break down and release their juices, 3 to 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook gnocchi in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain. Transfer gnocchi to skillet and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Season to taste. Stir in pesto, sprinkle with basil, and serve immediately.