Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi recipe is your new weeknight hero. Made with pillowy gnocchi, hearty Italian sausage, and a rich tomato cream sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
Servings 4
Calories 540kcal
Cost $12–$15
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step builds flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet and stir to coat. Cover the pan (or partially cover if it’s bubbling too much) and let it simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Once the gnocchi are soft, stir in the spinach or kale, if using. Let it wilt for 1–2 minutes. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Spoon the creamy gnocchi into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
Use Shelf-Stable Gnocchi for Convenience
Shelf-stable gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe and cuts down on prep time. You can find it in the pasta aisle at most grocery stores. No pre-cooking required! Let the Sauce Simmer Gently
Avoid boiling the sauce too hard once the cream and gnocchi are in—keep it at a gentle simmer. This ensures the cream doesn’t curdle and the gnocchi cook evenly. Don’t Skip the Parmesan
Parmesan helps thicken the sauce and adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together. Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible for the best melt and taste. Customize the Heat Level
If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks, skip the red pepper flakes. For heat lovers, try using spicy sausage or adding a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Shelf-stable gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe and cuts down on prep time. You can find it in the pasta aisle at most grocery stores. No pre-cooking required! Let the Sauce Simmer Gently
Avoid boiling the sauce too hard once the cream and gnocchi are in—keep it at a gentle simmer. This ensures the cream doesn’t curdle and the gnocchi cook evenly. Don’t Skip the Parmesan
Parmesan helps thicken the sauce and adds a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together. Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible for the best melt and taste. Customize the Heat Level
If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks, skip the red pepper flakes. For heat lovers, try using spicy sausage or adding a dash of hot sauce at the end.