If you’re craving a dish that brings together cozy comfort and rich, satisfying flavors without any fuss, this One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender potato gnocchi bathing in a luscious, velvety sauce full of savory Italian sausage, fresh baby spinach, and parmesan cheese, all cooked in a single pan. It’s a meal that truly proves delicious doesn’t have to be complicated, delivering a perfect harmony of creamy, meaty, and fresh notes with minimal cleanup. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with something hearty yet elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is wonderfully simple, and each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to elevate the final dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausage evenly.
- 500 g Italian pork sausages, casings removed: The star protein delivering bold, savory depth with classic Italian seasoning.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch, awakening the palate.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrated tomato puree contributes a rich, tangy backbone to the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken stock): Adds acidity and complexity, balancing the creaminess perfectly (chicken stock works well for those avoiding alcohol).
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes: Provides vibrant color and a slightly sweet tomato flavor that brightens the sauce.
- 1 cup thickened (heavy) cream: The secret to that irresistible, silky texture enveloping each gnocchi and bite of sausage.
- 500 g fresh gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce wonderfully—make sure these are fresh, not dried.
- 120 g fresh baby spinach: Incorporates a fresh green vibrancy and subtle earthiness, balancing the richness.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve: Adds nutty, savory sharpness that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Sea salt flakes: For seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Cracked black pepper: Freshly cracked to add a mild, warming spice.
- Basil leaves: Garnish for a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
- Chilli (red pepper) flakes: Optional, for a gentle kick of heat to bring the dish alive.
How to Make One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sausage meat, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Allow it to brown nicely for about 5 minutes – this step is essential as it builds a rich, caramelized base and releases those fragrant spices locked in the sausage. Drain any excess fat if there’s too much, but keep the tasty browned bits in the pan.
Step 2: Create the Sauce Base
Add the minced garlic to the browned sausage and cook for a minute until fragrant but not burnt. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes more to deepen the flavor. Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) and let it simmer until mostly reduced, about 3 minutes; this deglazes the pan while adding complexity to your sauce.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Cream
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Next, reduce the heat slightly and pour in the thickened cream, stirring well to combine into a luscious, velvety sauce. Allow this to cook gently so the flavors meld, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Spinach
Gently add the fresh gnocchi straight from the package into the pan, stirring to coat each piece with sauce. Cover and cook for about 4–5 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, toss in the baby spinach, letting it wilt beautifully into the sauce without losing its vibrant color.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Season
Remove the pan from heat and stir through the grated parmesan, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce and thicken it slightly. Taste and season generously with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper. This final seasoning step makes all the difference in balancing the creamy, savory flavors.
How to Serve One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan on top and scatter some fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, bright finish. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a light dusting of chili flakes will elevate the dish and add that perfect little zing.
Side Dishes
This one-pan wonder pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad featuring a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm rustic baguette slices are also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right out of the skillet for a rustic look that invites sharing and conversation. Alternatively, portion it into individual shallow bowls and garnish each with basil and parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover creamy sausage gnocchi completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well; just portion it into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent texture loss in gnocchi, slightly undercook before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. This keeps the gnocchi tender and the sauce silky instead of drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian pork sausage works best for authentic flavor, you can use chicken sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just adjust seasoning to taste since flavors and saltiness vary.
Is fresh gnocchi necessary or can I use dried?
Fresh gnocchi gives the best texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully, but if all you have is dried gnocchi, cook them separately according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If avoiding alcohol, chicken stock or vegetable broth makes a great substitute, adding depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be lovely additions. Add them when sautéing the sausage or along with the spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite quick and comforting meals to whip up anytime. Its rich, creamy sauce paired with tender gnocchi and hearty sausage feels like a warm hug on a plate. I highly encourage you to try making it soon—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can deliver so much deliciousness with little effort and fuss. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one-pan creamy sausage gnocchi recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring Italian pork sausages cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with fresh gnocchi and baby spinach, it combines comforting flavors and simple preparation in under 20 minutes. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil, it offers a hearty yet elegant dinner option that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) Italian pork sausages, casings removed
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 120 g (4 oz) fresh baby spinach
- Basil leaves, to serve
Liquids
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup (125 ml) white wine (or chicken stock as a substitute)
- 1 cup (250 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
Carbohydrates
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh gnocchi (not dry, from the refrigerated section of the supermarket)
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Chilli (red pepper) flakes, to serve
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Cook Sausages: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian pork sausages with casings removed and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste slightly caramelizes, enhancing its flavor.
- Deglaze with White Wine or Stock: Pour in ½ cup (125 ml) of white wine or chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld with the sausage.
- Incorporate Cream and Gnocchi: Pour in 1 cup (250 ml) thickened (heavy) cream and stir to combine. Add 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh gnocchi directly into the pan, gently stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Toss 120 g (4 oz) fresh baby spinach into the pan and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste. Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a mild chili kick if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section for best texture; avoid dried gnocchi which have a different cooking time.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken stock for a non-alcoholic version without sacrificing flavor.
- For a richer sauce, you may adjust the amount of cream to your preference.
- If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the gnocchi and sauce.
