Easy Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe | Quick & Comforting Dinner
Rich, hearty, and irresistibly comforting — this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe features pillowy gnocchi tossed in a luscious cream sauce with savory sausage, garlic, and fresh spinach. A quick and satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes.
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.