Easy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet: A Comforting Family Recipe

Sausage gnocchi blends hearty Italian comfort with rustic flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Soft, pillowy potato dumplings change into a robust meal when combined with savory meat and aromatic herbs.

Rich textures complement each other, creating a symphonic dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing depth of taste.

Mediterranean influences shine through in every carefully balanced bite, highlighting traditional ingredients with modern culinary flair.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Hungry diners will crave its warmth and complexity.

Sausage Gnocchi for a Delicious Dinner

• Speedy Comfort Meal: This one-pot wonder delivers rich, hearty flavors in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
• Texture Party in a Bowl: Soft, pillowy gnocchi meets crispy browned sausage, creating a delightful contrast that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.
• Nutrient-Packed Flavor Explosion: Packed with protein from sausage, vitamins from spinach, and creamy goodness from heavy cream, this dish offers a complete meal that tastes incredible while nourishing your body.

Ingredients for Sausage Gnocchi

• Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and texture to the dish, choose Italian sausage for extra spice.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances overall soup depth and moisture.

• Onion: Foundational vegetable that creates a sweet and soft flavor base for the soup.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds intense depth and traditional Italian taste profile.
• Spinach: Fresh green that brings color, nutrition, and light texture to the final dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and slight sweetness to balance the rich soup.

• Heavy Cream: Creamy element that creates a smooth and luxurious soup texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a finishing garnish with complex flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean herb notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides subtle heat and spicy undertone to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance and balance overall dish flavors.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty starch base of the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and providing a smooth cooking foundation.

How to Prepare Sausage Gnocchi

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into small pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Soften Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté the onions until they become translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to blend all flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Carefully drop the gnocchi directly into the simmering soup. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are perfectly done.

Step 5: Wilt the Greens

Gently stir in fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt and soften, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Chef’s Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider topping with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.

Best Tips for Sausage Gnocchi

• Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown the sausage in a hot pan to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the entire dish's richness.
• Chop Aromatics Uniformly: Dice onions and mince garlic into consistent sizes to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust chicken broth and cream quantities to achieve your desired soup thickness, keeping the sauce creamy but not too heavy.
• Choose Fresh Spinach: Select crisp, vibrant spinach leaves that will quickly wilt and add a bright, fresh element to the hearty gnocchi base.
• Cheese Application Technique: Grate Parmesan fresh and sprinkle just before serving to maintain its delicate texture and prevent premature melting.

Storing and Reheating Sausage Gnocchi

• Refrigeration: Store leftover sausage gnocchi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm the gnocchi soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.
• Freezing Option: Freeze the soup without spinach for best results. Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen soup remains delicious for up to 2 months.

Pairing Sausage Gnocchi with Sides

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory sausage and creamy texture with a bold Chianti or Sangiovese, cutting through the dish's richness and enhancing its Italian-inspired flavors.
• Match with Crisp Italian Salad: Balance the hearty gnocchi soup with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, providing a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm, comforting meal.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Use rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious broth, adding extra texture and helping to capture every delightful drop of the soup.
• Complement with Dry Cider: Select a dry, slightly tangy apple cider that offers a bright acidity to cut through the creamy soup and enhance the sausage's spicy undertones.

Sausage Gnocchi Variations to Try

• Veggie Lovers' Gnocchi: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Add extra bell peppers and zucchini for more vegetable depth.
• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar and harissa paste. Include chickpeas and swap spinach for arugula to create a Middle Eastern-inspired dish.
• Creamy Seafood Transformation: Trade sausage for shrimp or crab meat. Incorporate white wine instead of chicken broth and add fresh dill for a coastal flavor profile.
• Autumn Harvest Edition: Use butternut squash instead of tomatoes. Include sage, crispy pancetta bits, and top with toasted pumpkin seeds for a seasonal touch.

Sausage Gnocchi Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich Italian sausage and pillowy gnocchi mingle in a comforting skillet, creating a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal. Creamy sauce, herbs, and melted cheese bring deep flavor to you in this simple yet luxurious dinner perfect for cozy evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)

Main Ingredients:

• 16 oz potato gnocchi
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized pot over medium-high temperature, introducing crumbled sausage and browning thoroughly until deep golden color develops, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer meat to a separate plate, reserving for later incorporation.
2. Within the identical pot, caramelize diced onions until translucent and softened, roughly 4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional 45-60 seconds, ensuring aromatics release their fragrant essence without burning.
3. Create the foundational liquid base by gradually introducing chicken broth (approximately or 16 fluid ounces), fire-roasted diced tomatoes, rich heavy cream (or 120 milliliters), aromatic Italian seasoning, and subtle red pepper flakes. Reintroduce previously browned sausage, stirring methodically to integrate flavors.
4. Allow liquid mixture to reach a gentle, undulating simmer, ensuring ingredients meld harmoniously for approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Carefully drop potato gnocchi directly into the simmering liquid, cooking until they gracefully ascend and float, indicating perfect tenderness, which typically requires 3-4 minutes.
6. Integrate fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to delicately wilt and soften within the warm liquid, approximately 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate overall taste profile.
7. Distribute the hearty mixture into serving bowls, culminating with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, providing a final luxurious touch.

Notes

• Prep this hearty meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and quick.
• Breaking sausage into small pieces helps distribute flavor evenly and ensures consistent cooking throughout the dish.
• Use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section for the best texture and faster cooking time compared to dried varieties.
• Wilting spinach at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutritional value while adding a fresh, light element to the rich soup.
• Red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your spice preference – start with less and add more for extra heat.
• Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg