Laura Mariano
Comfort Food in 30 Minutes
Inspired by Salt & Lavender, Cooking Classy, Damn Delicious, and Julia’s Album, Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is the ultimate weeknight dinner. In just half an hour, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for busy families, cozy nights, or entertaining guests. The combination of savory Italian sausage, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich cream sauce delivers a hearty meal that satisfies every craving. What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity—everything comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the savory notes and creating a luscious texture. With optional add-ins like spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner after work or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for a casual gathering, Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is a reliable go-to that never disappoints.
What Is Creamy Sausage Gnocchi?
Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is a one-pan dish that brings together Italian sausage, potato gnocchi, and a velvety cream sauce. The gnocchi, made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, provides a soft, pillowy base that soaks up the flavors of the sauce. Italian sausage adds savory richness, with options ranging from mild to spicy depending on preference. The cream sauce, often enhanced with Parmesan, garlic, and onion, creates a luxurious coating that ties everything together. Many versions include spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color, nutrition, and flavor complexity. The result is a dish that balances hearty protein, comforting starch, and indulgent creaminess. It’s versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining. Creamy Sausage Gnocchi embodies the essence of comfort food—quick, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredient Overview
The beauty of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Protein: Italian sausage, either pork or turkey, provides savory depth. Spicy sausage adds heat, while mild sausage keeps it family-friendly.
- Base: Potato gnocchi, store-bought for convenience or homemade for authenticity, creates the pillowy foundation.
- Sauce: Heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, onion, and chicken broth form a rich, velvety sauce.
- Flavor boosters: Spinach, kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice add freshness, color, and tang.
- Optional toppings: Basil, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan elevate presentation and flavor.
Tip: Use spicy sausage for extra depth, or mild sausage for a kid-friendly version. Cooking gnocchi directly in the sauce saves time and enhances flavor absorption.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Pour in ½ cup white wine or chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
- Add sauce base: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook gnocchi: Add 1 lb potato gnocchi directly to the sauce. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Add extras: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or kale. Cook until greens wilt.
- Finish: Add ½ cup grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or herbs.
Tip: Cooking gnocchi directly in the sauce allows them to absorb flavor while thickening the cream naturally.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ons
Creamy Sausage Gnocchi adapts beautifully to different tastes. For a Tuscan-style version, add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for color and tang. For brightness, pair kale with lemon juice, which cuts through the richness. For spice lovers, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. Each variation keeps the comforting base intact while offering unique flavor twists.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Sausage Gnocchi with garlic bread to soak up the sauce or a crisp green salad for balance. Pair with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creaminess. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for presentation. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with simple sides for a complete meal.
Easy Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe | Quick & Comforting Dinner
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Grater (for Parmesan)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (pork or turkey, mild or spicy)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes (optional)
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking into crumbles, and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze pan with chicken broth or ½ cup white wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add gnocchi directly to the sauce. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Stir in sun‑dried tomatoes and greens (spinach or kale). Cook until wilted.
- Add Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
- Tip: Cooking gnocchi directly in the sauce saves time and allows them to absorb flavor.
Notes
- Make‑ahead: Best served fresh, but leftovers keep 2–3 days.
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container; avoid freezing cream‑based sauce.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with splash of milk; add fresh greens after reheating.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking gnocchi (mushy), don’t use pre‑shredded Parmesan (grainy sauce), and add greens at the end.
- Variations: Tuscan‑style with sun‑dried tomatoes and spinach, kale with lemon for brightness, or spicy with red pepper flakes.
- Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, salad, and crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
