Skip to main content

Potato Gnocchi with Pork and Wild Mushroom Ragù

This hearty potato gnocchi with pork and wild mushroom ragù is a sophisticated take on Italian comfort food. By combining tender cubes of pork rib with savoury Italian sausage and earthy porcini mushrooms, this high-protein dish delivers a depth of flavour that feels truly indulgent. The slow-simmered sauce, enriched with white wine and San Marzano tomatoes, clings perfectly to the soft gnocchi for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ideal for a weekend dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is designed for those who appreciate the slow-cooked traditions of a classic ragù. While the pork becomes melt-in-the-mouth tender, the mixture of fresh and dried mushrooms adds a wonderful umami quality. Serve this comforting bowlful with a glass of Chianti and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese for the ultimate savoury experience.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Potato Gnocchi with Pork and Wild Mushroom Ragù

  • 30g dried porcini mushrooms*

  • 350ml boiling water

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 230g sliced crimini (baby bella) mushrooms

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • Coarse kosher salt

  • 600ml dry white wine, divided

  • 450g boneless country-style pork ribs, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • 60g 1/4-inch-thick slices coppa or prosciutto, chopped

  • 170g fresh mild Italian sausages, casings removed (about 2 links)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped

  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

  • 300g crushed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes with added puree (from one 800g can

  • preferably San Marzano or Muir Glen)

  • 1 cup (or more) low-salt chicken broth

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

  • Potato Gnocchi

  • 120g grated Parmesan cheese

Place dried porcini mushrooms in medium bowl; pour 350ml boiling water over. Let stand until mushrooms are soft, about 45 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to cutting board and chop coarsely. Reserve soaking liquid.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crimini mushrooms and garlic; sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper and sauté until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 120ml wine and simmer until crimini mushrooms are soft, about 4 minutes. Set aside (there may still be liquid in skillet).

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle pork with coarse salt and pepper. Add pork to pot and sauté until browned in spots, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer pork to medium bowl. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot. Reduce heat to medium. Add coppa and stir 1 minute. Add sausages and cook until brown, breaking up into small pieces with back of spoon, about 3 minutes. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cover pot and cook vegetables until soft, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add remaining 475ml wine; bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed. Add tomatoes, 1 cup broth, bay leaves, reserved pork, and porcini mushrooms. Pour in reserved porcini soaking liquid, leaving any sediment behind in bowl. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until pork is tender, adding more broth by 60ml fuls if dry, about 1 hour.

Stir crimini mushroom mixture in skillet into ragù. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cool. Cover; keep chilled. Rewarm before continuing.

Spoon off fat from surface of ragù stir in basil. Add Potato Gnocchi; toss gently to coat. Simmer over medium heat until gnocchi are heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.

Divide gnocchi and ragù among bowls. Sprinkle with some of cheese and serve, passing remaining cheese alongside.

Available in the produce section of many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Italian markets.

Pair this rich dish with a medium-bodied red with good acidity, like the 2007 Danzante Chianti ($11, Italy).

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.