If you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner with impressive flavor and minimal clean-up, One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is the answer to your cravings. Imagine tender pillows of gnocchi simmered in a velvety sauce, bursting with the richness of Italian sausage and a touch of Parmesan—all cooked together in just one skillet. This is the kind of meal that brings the whole family to the table fast, and the best part? You barely need to lift a finger to get that restaurant-quality comfort on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish manages to be both deliciously decadent and incredibly straightforward—every ingredient plays a starring role. From the juiciness of sausage to the cloud-like gnocchi, you only need a handful of pantry staples to make something magical happen.
- Olive oil: Just a touch helps brown the sausage and build a flavorful base for everything to come.
- Italian sausage: Choose your favorite (mild or spicy), as this brings both flavor and heartiness to the dish.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth, making the sauce taste just a little more special.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with classic Italian aroma in every bite.
- Potato gnocchi: The shelf-stable kind is a weeknight hero—tender, pillowy, and cooks right in the sauce for extra flavor.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory notes and keeps the sauce light yet full-bodied.
- Heavy cream: This is the magic ingredient for that dreamy, creamy texture everyone loves.
- Italian seasoning: A quick shake brings a blend of herbs—no rummaging through the spice rack required.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together (taste and adjust as needed).
- Black pepper: Freshly ground, for a subtle, peppery bite that lifts up the creamy sauce.
- Baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce for a burst of color and a pop of freshness.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and adds a salty, umami finish.
- Chopped parsley: The classic green garnish that brightens and freshens your beautiful bowl.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (remember to remove the casings!), and break it up with a spoon as it sizzles. Let it brown and cook through, about 5 to 7 minutes. You want those little crispy bits—they pack so much flavor into every mouthful.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your sausage is nicely golden, stir in the diced onion. After a few minutes, when the onion softens and turns translucent, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for only 30 seconds (garlic burns fast!), just enough to fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Simmer Gnocchi and Sauce
Now it’s time for the gnocchi to join the party. Pour in the potato gnocchi, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the gnocchi get cozy with the sausage and everything is swimming in that creamy mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes—stirring every so often—until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens up beautifully.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
With almost everything done, stir in the baby spinach. In just a minute or two, it transforms from leafy to perfectly wilted, adding color and a fresh bite to your One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. You’ll see the sauce turn creamy and slightly stretchy—absolutely irresistible! Serve hot, with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an extra pop of green and herby freshness.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they elevate both appearance and taste. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley do wonders. If you love a bit of heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This is a filling dish on its own, but you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette and perhaps a few cherry tomatoes. And if you’re in the mood for dynamite flavor, serve garlic bread or warm, crusty ciabatta alongside—perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dining, bring the skillet straight to the table to keep things casual and inviting. Or, if you’re serving guests, portion the One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi into wide, shallow bowls and top each with extra Parmesan and parsley. For a rustic Italian vibe, pair with a carafe of red wine and let dinner linger.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even richer overnight!
Freezing
For longer storage, this gnocchi dish freezes well. Scoop individual servings into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. The creamy sauce might thicken a bit upon thawing, but a splash of cream or broth during reheating will bring it back to life.
Reheating
Reheat your One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water, milk, or broth to loosen up the sauce, if needed. Stir frequently until heated through, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works wonderfully here—just pick a flavor profile you love. This tweak makes the dish a tad lighter but still just as flavorful.
What’s the best type Main Course
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi is the most convenient; it stirs right into the sauce and cooks perfectly. You can try fresh or frozen gnocchi too, just keep an eye on cook times since they may vary.
Can I make One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi gluten-free?
Yes! Grab gluten-free gnocchi and double-check that your sausage is gluten-free as well. This dish is wonderfully adaptable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How can I make a lighter version of this recipe?
Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, and consider using a leaner sausage or skipping the Parmesan cheese garnish. It’ll cut back on richness but still feel decadent.
Can I add other veggies?
Of course! Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions. Just add heartier veggies along with the onion, and spinach or softer veggies near the end.
Final Thoughts
If you crave a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with almost zero fuss, One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi needs to be at the top of your dinner list. You get luxurious flavor and hearty satisfaction, all with a single skillet and a handful of pantry staples. Trust me, this one will become a favorite!
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One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is a delicious and comforting dish that comes together quickly in just one pan. The tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and creamy sauce make for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook sausage: Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in gnocchi, broth, cream, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until gnocchi is tender.
- Finish the dish: Stir in spinach, Parmesan cheese, and garnish with parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a different flavor.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
