Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Easy One-Pan Dinner

Name: Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 pound gnocchi; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup fresh spinach; 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 0 to taste Salt and pepper; 0 for garnish Fresh basil leaves

October 15, 2025January 24, 2025 by Emily

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Try my Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet! This easy one-pan dish offers a delightful blend of Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and rich cream, all cooked to perfection. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up on busy nights. Plus, I’ll share tips to make it even better. Ready to impress with a delicious meal? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute meal.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and mozzarella creates a luscious sauce that clings to the gnocchi, delivering a comforting bite every time.
Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach adds depth and brightness, making each forkful a delight.
One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup while still serving a dish that’s impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

– 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup fresh spinach

The main ingredients are key to making this creamy sausage gnocchi skillet. The Italian sausage adds a rich flavor. You can choose mild for a gentle taste or spicy for a kick. Gnocchi gives a soft, pillowy texture. Use store-bought for ease or homemade for a fun challenge. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth, while fresh spinach brings color and nutrition.

Flavor Enhancers

– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

Flavor enhancers elevate this dish. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and tang. Garlic gives a warm, savory note. Italian seasoning combines herbs for a classic taste. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper. This helps balance all the flavors perfectly.

Optional Garnish

– Fresh basil leaves

– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

Garnishes make your dish look and taste even better. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a fresh scent. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, adding creaminess. They’re not just for looks; they enhance the taste too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of Italian sausage. You can choose either mild or spicy. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small pieces. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked through.

Building the Sauce

Next, add two cloves of finely minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in for about one minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Then, add half a cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in one cup of chicken broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with some salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Final Steps

Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Gradually add one cup of heavy cream while stirring. Allow the mixture to return to a gentle simmer. Carefully fold in one pound of gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the gnocchi float to the surface.

Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in one cup of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts. Then, fold in one cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let the skillet sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors come together even more.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Creamy Texture

To get a smooth, creamy sauce, add the heavy cream slowly. Mix it well with the chicken broth before it simmers. This helps keep the cream from curdling. Stir constantly during this step. If you want it richer, you can add more cream or cheese.

Cooking Gnocchi

Gnocchi cooks quickly. When they float to the top of the skillet, they are done. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to stir gently, so they don’t stick together. Overcooking can make them too soft, so watch closely.

Flavor Adjustments

Taste the dish before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes for a kick. For a fresh feel, try adding lemon juice or zest. Fresh herbs like basil can also boost the flavor.

Pro Tips

Quality Sausage: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Freshly ground sausage often has more spices and a richer taste.
Gnocchi Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the gnocchi as they cook; they are done when they float to the surface. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
Spinach Variation: Feel free to substitute fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.
Cheese Melting: For an even creamier dish, use a combination of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like parmesan to enhance the flavor depth.

Variations

Protein Substitutes

You can use chicken or turkey sausage in this dish. These options are leaner than pork sausage. They still add great flavor and spice. Just cook them the same way as the Italian sausage. The cooking time might be a little less, so keep an eye on them.

Vegetarian Version

For a meat-free take, swap the sausage for vegetable stock. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without any meat. You can also add plant-based sausage for more texture. With these changes, you still get a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have spinach, try using kale or other greens. Kale gives a nice crunch and is packed with nutrients. You can also use Swiss chard or arugula for a different flavor. Just add them when you would add the spinach to keep them fresh and colorful.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out to reheat.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze the creamy sausage gnocchi, you can do that too! Pour the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Just label the container with the date. This way, you’ll remember when you made it.

Reheating Suggestions

To reheat, I suggest using the stovetop for best results. Pour the gnocchi into a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. Heat until it’s warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi in this dish. Making your own gnocchi adds a personal touch. Here are some benefits and tips:

– Taste: Homemade gnocchi can taste fresher and more flavorful.

– Texture: You can get the texture just right to your liking.

– Ingredients: You control the ingredients, making it healthier if desired.

To make homemade gnocchi, combine boiled potatoes, flour, and egg. Roll the dough into small pieces and shape them. Cook them in boiling water until they float, then add them to your skillet.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Here are some suggestions:

– Make Ahead: Cook the dish in advance and store it in the fridge.

– Reheat: When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

– Divide: Portion the dish into containers to grab and go during the week.

This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How can I add more vegetables?

You can easily add more veggies to your creamy sausage gnocchi. Here are some ideas:

– Bell Peppers: Dice them and sauté with the sausage for added crunch and sweetness.

– Zucchini: Slice or dice zucchini and add it in with the spinach.

– Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets and mix them in for extra nutrition.

– Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the sausage for a rich, earthy flavor.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables to make this dish even more vibrant!

This article covers how to make a simple yet tasty dish. We explored the main ingredients, like Italian sausage, gnocchi, and spinach, plus flavor enhancers like garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions and handy tips for perfecting the creamy sauce. We even looked at fun variations and storage tips.

This dish offers flexibility for your taste. Try different proteins and greens to match your style. Enjoy cooking and savoring this dis

$- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup fresh spinach The main ingredients are key to making this creamy sausage gnocchi skillet. The Italian sausage adds a rich flavor. You can choose mild for a gentle taste or spicy for a kick. Gnocchi gives a soft, pillowy texture. Use store-bought for ease or homemade for a fun challenge. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Chicken broth adds depth, while fresh spinach brings color and nutrition. - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Flavor enhancers elevate this dish. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and tang. Garlic gives a warm, savory note. Italian seasoning combines herbs for a classic taste. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper. This helps balance all the flavors perfectly. - Fresh basil leaves - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded Garnishes make your dish look and taste even better. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a fresh scent. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, adding creaminess. They’re not just for looks; they enhance the taste too. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of Italian sausage. You can choose either mild or spicy. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small pieces. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked through. Next, add two cloves of finely minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in for about one minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Then, add half a cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in one cup of chicken broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with some salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Gradually add one cup of heavy cream while stirring. Allow the mixture to return to a gentle simmer. Carefully fold in one pound of gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the gnocchi float to the surface. Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in one cup of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts. Then, fold in one cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let the skillet sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors come together even more. To get a smooth, creamy sauce, add the heavy cream slowly. Mix it well with the chicken broth before it simmers. This helps keep the cream from curdling. Stir constantly during this step. If you want it richer, you can add more cream or cheese. Gnocchi cooks quickly. When they float to the top of the skillet, they are done. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to stir gently, so they don’t stick together. Overcooking can make them too soft, so watch closely. Taste the dish before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes for a kick. For a fresh feel, try adding lemon juice or zest. Fresh herbs like basil can also boost the flavor. Pro Tips Quality Sausage: Choose a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Freshly ground sausage often has more spices and a richer taste. Gnocchi Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the gnocchi as they cook; they are done when they float to the surface. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Spinach Variation: Feel free to substitute fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrients. Cheese Melting: For an even creamier dish, use a combination of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like parmesan to enhance the flavor depth. {{image_4}} You can use chicken or turkey sausage in this dish. These options are leaner than pork sausage. They still add great flavor and spice. Just cook them the same way as the Italian sausage. The cooking time might be a little less, so keep an eye on them. For a meat-free take, swap the sausage for vegetable stock. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without any meat. You can also add plant-based sausage for more texture. With these changes, you still get a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. If you don't have spinach, try using kale or other greens. Kale gives a nice crunch and is packed with nutrients. You can also use Swiss chard or arugula for a different flavor. Just add them when you would add the spinach to keep them fresh and colorful. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. When you're ready to eat, just take it out to reheat. If you want to freeze the creamy sausage gnocchi, you can do that too! Pour the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Just label the container with the date. This way, you’ll remember when you made it. To reheat, I suggest using the stovetop for best results. Pour the gnocchi into a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. Heat until it’s warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep it creamy. Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi in this dish. Making your own gnocchi adds a personal touch. Here are some benefits and tips: - Taste: Homemade gnocchi can taste fresher and more flavorful. - Texture: You can get the texture just right to your liking. - Ingredients: You control the ingredients, making it healthier if desired. To make homemade gnocchi, combine boiled potatoes, flour, and egg. Roll the dough into small pieces and shape them. Cook them in boiling water until they float, then add them to your skillet. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Here are some suggestions: - Make Ahead: Cook the dish in advance and store it in the fridge. - Reheat: When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. - Divide: Portion the dish into containers to grab and go during the week. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can easily add more veggies to your creamy sausage gnocchi. Here are some ideas: - Bell Peppers: Dice them and sauté with the sausage for added crunch and sweetness. - Zucchini: Slice or dice zucchini and add it in with the spinach. - Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets and mix them in for extra nutrition. - Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the sausage for a rich, earthy flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables to make this dish even more vibrant! This article covers how to make a simple yet tasty dish. We explored the main ingredients, like Italian sausage, gnocchi, and spinach, plus flavor enhancers like garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions and handy tips for perfecting the creamy sauce. We even looked at fun variations and storage tips. This dish offers flexibility for your taste. Try different proteins and greens to match your style. Enjoy cooking and savoring this dish!$