Gnocchi with Sausage, Peas, and Smoked Mozzar

Gnocchi with Sausage, Peas, and Smoked Mozzarella
Serves 4

1 lbs gnocchi
olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
2 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp chile flakes
28oz San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
1.5 cup fresh shelled or frozen peas
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound smoked mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
handful basil, chopped

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up. Move the sausage around and cook until the pink disappears and it’s browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, wait a minutes, and add tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook until they float to the top. Cook for 1 more minute.

3. While the gnocchi are cooking, evenly distribute the mozzarella over the sauce.

4. Use a wire-mesh skimmer to remove the gnocchi from the pot and place them and the peas directly into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to carefully fold together the gnocchi and sauce.

5. Serve immediately.