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.
For those who love the unique taste of gnocchi, exploring other versatile dishes can elevate your weeknight cooking. Dive into our crispy sheet-pan gnocchi recipe that combines irresistible flavors with effortless preparation, turning dinner into a delightful affair without the fuss.
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.
Looking for a dish that showcases the same comforting elements but with a different twist? Check out our ultimate one-pan vegetarian sheet pan gnocchi recipe, where roasted vegetables merge seamlessly with cheesy goodness. It's the perfect option for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike!
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.
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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