Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi: An Easy Comfort Food Classic
Every skillet supper delivers warmth and flavor with minimal mess.
Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
The fusion of Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a robustly creamy, cheesy sauce makes creamy one-pot sausage gnocchi a standout for busy weeknights. While classic in flavor, this dish delivers on convenience with its minimal clean-up and straightforward process, ready in under 45 minutes.
Why One-Pot Gnocchi Reigns Supreme
- Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making both preparation and clean-up a breeze.
- Speed: Ready in about 30-40 minutes, ideal for family dinners.
- Flavor Fusion: The sausage infuses a savory depth, while Parmesan, cream cheese, and fresh veggies create a velvety richness.
- Versatility: You can swap meats, greens, or add your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salted butter | 2 Tbsp. | For toasting breadcrumbs |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 3 cloves | Divided for more flavor |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | Used for crispy topping |
| Kosher salt | 1 1/4 tsp. | Plus more to taste |
| Black pepper | 3/4 tsp. | Plus more to taste |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 3/4 cup | Divided |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup | Divided |
| Hot Italian sausage | 1 lb. | Casings removed (swap for sweet if desired) |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 medium | Enhances savory foundation |
| Tomato paste | 1 Tbsp. | Boosts umami flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp. | Classic Italian seasoning |
| Dry white wine | 1/2 cup | Adds subtle acidity |
| Refrigerated gnocchi | 2 (12-oz.) packages | Pillowy potato dumplings |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5-oz.) can | Creates sauce base |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Helps blend flavors |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz. | Cubed, for silkiness |
| Baby spinach | 1 (5-oz.) bag | Wilts into the sauce |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Crispy Topping
Melt butter in a large skillet. Add 1 clove of finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in panko crumbs, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Toast until golden and crisp (about 7-9 minutes). Off heat, combine with 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1 Tbsp. parsley. - Sauté the Sausage and Onion
In the same skillet, add Italian sausage and onion. Cook until sausage browns and breaks apart, 7-9 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, remaining garlic, oregano, remaining salt and pepper. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. - Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in white wine. Scrape the pan for browned flavor bits. Cook for 1 minute until reduced. Add gnocchi, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. - Add Spinach and Finish
Uncover and fold in baby spinach. Cook until wilted and sauce thickens. Stir in remaining Parmesan and parsley. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed. - Serve and Garnish
Dish up the creamy gnocchi and sprinkle generously with the crispy panko-Parmesan topping. Finish with extra parmesan, if desired.
Chef Tips and Variations
- Sausage Options: Substitute hot Italian sausage with sweet or mild sausage for less heat, or use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Gnocchi Prep: Store-bought gnocchi is quick, but homemade delivers a unique pillowy texture.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add chopped kale, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
- Wine Substitute: Replace dry white wine with chicken broth or water for a kid-friendly option.
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free gnocchi and swap breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.
Expert Secrets for Perfect One-Pot Pasta
- Don’t overcrowd your skillet: Use a large enough pan to allow all ingredients to cook evenly and the gnocchi to fluff up rather than get soggy.
- Toast breadcrumbs separately: For the ultimate crunch, keep them out of the sauce until serving.
- Deglaze thoroughly: Scraping the pan with wine or broth ensures all fond (flavorful browned bits) are incorporated.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Parsley or basil at the end brightens up the flavors.
- Let the sauce thicken: Uncover for the last few minutes so excess liquid reduces.
Nutrition and Serving Info
Yields: 4–6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650-750 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 1480mg |
Values are approximate and vary by ingredients and brands used.
Pairings and Sides
- Fresh green salad: Crisp leaves like romaine or arugula dressed simply.
- Garlic bread: For extra comfort and sauce-soaking.
- Roasted vegetables: Such as carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Simple desserts: Try panna cotta, lemon sorbet, or biscotti.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sheet-Pan Swap: Roast sausage, gnocchi, onions, and bell peppers on a sheet pan for a caramelized twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage, increase mushrooms, and add more greens.
- Cheese Variety: Sub cream cheese with mascarpone for extra creaminess, or add mozzarella for a stringy finish.
- Mediterranean Style: Mix in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
What others are reading
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to gnocchi texture changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use shelf-stable or homemade gnocchi?
A: Yes, both work well. The texture may vary: shelf-stable tends to be firmer, while refrigerated or homemade is softer and more pillowy.
Q: How do I make this dish milder?
A: Substitute hot Italian sausage with sweet or mild sausage. Omit extra black pepper and use fewer chili flakes if included in your variation.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can prep ingredients and cook the base ahead, but add spinach and crispy topping just before serving for optimal texture.
Q: What’s a good substitute for cream cheese?
A: Mascarpone works beautifully, or even ricotta if you prefer less tang.
Q: How do I adjust this for kids?
A: Use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot, and consider adding sweet vegetables (like corn or bell peppers) for more appeal.
Quick Tips for Weeknight Success
- Pre-chop ingredients: Save time by prepping onions, garlic, and parsley in advance.
- Double the recipe: Easy to scale for a larger group or next-day lunch.
- One-pot clean-up: Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven for contained splatter and easy washing.
- Customize toppings: Toasted nuts, extra cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze add flair.
Easy Ingredient Shopping List
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage (or sweet/mild)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 (12-oz.) packages refrigerated gnocchi
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (5-oz.) bag baby spinach
More Comforting Gnocchi Recipes
- Sheet-Pan Gnocchi with Spicy Sausage and Peppers: Roasted peppers and onions join crispy gnocchi and hearty sausage for an easy hands-off meal.
- Cheesy Sausage One-Pot Gnocchi: A video favorite featuring summer vegetables, kale, and mascarpone for extra creaminess.
The Appeal of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi
One-pot sausage gnocchi hits the mark on several levels—warmth from Italian sausage, comforting carbs from gnocchi, surge of freshness from spinach, and a sauce so creamy it practically hugs every bite. Perfect for weeknights when time is limited but you crave a home-cooked, crowd-pleasing meal. With flexible options for customization, this classic is sure to become a repeat on any home cook’s table.
References
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
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