When I first stumbled upon this Sausage Gnocchi, it quickly became a go-to for those evenings when I wanted comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The soft, pillowy potato gnocchi paired with savory sausage and a creamy sauce hits every note of satisfaction. It’s cozy without being complicated, and that’s exactly why it found a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.
This Sausage Gnocchi is simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to friends or family, which makes it a versatile kitchen win. Over time, I learned to nail the balance between flavors and textures, so every bite feels just right. Cooking this sausage pasta dish has become something I look forward to—it fills the house with the best smells, and sitting down to it never disappoints. If you’re after an Italian gnocchi recipe that’s approachable and reliable, this one’s a winner.
Don’t be surprised if this sausage gnocchi skillet turns into a favorite at your house too. Whether you’re new to making gnocchi dishes or just want a comforting meal that comes together easily, I promise this recipe brings joy and satisfaction. Let’s dive in and get cooking—Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and you’re only a few steps away from that perfect creamy sausage gnocchi sauce we all love. I’m excited for you to make this your own.
What You’ll Need for This Sausage Gnocchi:
Putting together this Sausage Gnocchi recipe keeps things simple because good cooking should be accessible and satisfying. Here’s what to stock up on before you start:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your taste)
Don’t have Italian sausage? Ground pork or turkey works well too in this sausage pasta dish. - 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
You can find potato gnocchi in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Frozen gnocchi works just as well here. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
If you don’t have olive oil, vegetable oil is a fine substitute. - 1 small onion, finely chopped
Yellow or white onion works; shallots can add a nice twist. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic powder can be a quick stand-in in a pinch. - 1 cup heavy cream
For a lighter sauce, half-and-half or whole milk can be swapped in, though it won’t be quite as rich. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Look for pre-grated cheese for a time saver—this adds that savory, salty goodness to your creamy sausage gnocchi sauce. - 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Frozen spinach works fine if you thaw and drain the liquid. - Salt and pepper, to taste
Remember, the sausage adds some saltiness already, so taste as you go. - Red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
This sausage gnocchi skillet is budget friendly because most ingredients are pantry staples, and often, you can mix and match what you have on hand. Plus, gnocchi cooks up quickly, so it’s a win for getting dinner on the table fast.
A quick prep tip: chop your onion and garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Also, I always include a little extra Parmesan to sprinkle on top at serving time—it makes all the difference.
How to Make This Sausage Gnocchi:
Ready to make your kitchen smell like comfort in action? This sausage gnocchi recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and is a solid weeknight winner.
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add your sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This is the stage where your kitchen fills with that satisfying aroma of cooked sausage and sets the flavor base.
- Add onion and garlic: Toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute—watch out, garlic can burn fast!
- Brown your gnocchi: Add the gnocchi right into the skillet with the sausage and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is lightly golden and heated through. This caramelizes the gnocchi’s surface and adds a pleasant texture that’s super satisfying.
- Pour in cream and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Your creamy sausage gnocchi sauce will start to come together here. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water.
- Add spinach and season: Toss in the fresh spinach if you’re using it. It will wilt in the warm sauce in about a minute. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Final touches: Give everything one last stir and turn off the heat. Let your sausage gnocchi rest a minute before serving—it helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi better.
If your gnocchi looks mushy or sticky, don’t worry. It can happen if it’s overcooked or crowded in the pan. Just make sure to cook in batches or give it enough room. Also, while this sausage gnocchi cooks, you can use the time to tidy up the kitchen or start on your side dish, making the whole process feel smooth and manageable.
This recipe is forgiving and perfect for home cooks of all levels. Plus, the sausage gnocchi skillet format means fewer dishes, and that’s always a plus after a busy day. For more creamy sausage gnocchi sauce inspiration, you might like Julia’s Album’s one-pan version or Salt & Lavender’s take—they’re fantastic companions to this recipe and great to check out for variety.
Serving Your Sausage Gnocchi:
I love how this Sausage Gnocchi truly shines when served alongside simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, balancing every bite.
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a hit, perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sausage gnocchi sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans work beautifully.
This sausage gnocchi skillet fits both casual weeknights and special occasions. It’s been a crowd-pleaser during winter dinners and a surprise hit at gatherings when friends don’t expect such depth from a quick dish.
Leftovers? They reheat wonderfully. I like adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce when warming in a skillet the next day. You can also turn leftovers into a baked gnocchi casserole by layering with extra cheese and broiling until bubbly and golden.
Seasonally, I’ve enjoyed swapping in kale or arugula for spinach, or stirring in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy note. Each tweak keeps this potato gnocchi with sausage feeling fresh and adaptable.
For even more one-pan creamy sausage gnocchi ideas, check out Simple Home Edit—it’s always inspiring to see how a few minor changes can shift the flavor game.
Friends and family always ask for this recipe when they’re visiting, and that’s the best compliment a home cook can ask for. It’s a simple dish, but so satisfying and full of familiar flavors that feel like a warm welcome to the table.
Common Questions About This Sausage Gnocchi:
Can I make parts of this Sausage Gnocchi ahead of time?
Absolutely. The cooked sausage and sautéed onions can be prepared a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated, and when you’re ready, just toss with fresh gnocchi and simmer with cream and cheese. This cuts down active cooking time on busy nights.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream in this sausage pasta dish?
I often swap half-and-half or whole milk with a teaspoon of flour to help thicken the sauce if I’m lightening the dish. Coconut milk can work for a dairy-free twist but changes the flavor profile quite a bit.
Can I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
Yes! This recipe scales easily. Use 1/2 pound of sausage and half a package of gnocchi for 2 servings. Double everything for larger groups. Just keep in mind cooking times may shift slightly when you increase the skillet volume.
Is potato gnocchi the best choice here?
Potato gnocchi is traditional and has that tender, pillowy texture that pairs wonderfully with sausage and cream. However, if you find a fresh ricotta gnocchi or gluten-free version at your store, those can work nicely too.
Can I make this sausage gnocchi skillet in advance and reheat?
Definitely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stove to avoid overcooking the gnocchi. Adding a touch of milk or broth helps keep the sauce creamy.
How spicy is this sausage gnocchi?
It depends on your sausage choice and how much red pepper flakes you add. Mild sausage makes for a gentle, comforting flavor; spicy Italian sausage kicks it up a notch.
What’s a good side dish to pair with this sausage pasta dish?
A simple green salad, roasted seasonal veggies, or even sautéed mushrooms make lovely partners. Garlic bread or buttery rolls round out the meal nicely.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy Julia’s Album’s Creamy Sausage Gnocchi or Salt & Lavender’s One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage for fresh takes on sausage gnocchi skillet meals. Another favorite to bookmark is Simple Home Edit’s One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe—each brings little twists you might enjoy trying out.
Final Thoughts on This Sausage Gnocchi:
This Sausage Gnocchi has a special place in my recipe collection because it balances ease and flavor so well. It’s become a family favorite that hits the spot when I want something satisfying but simple.
My Top Tips for This Sausage Gnocchi:
– Don’t rush cooking the sausage; browning well builds the best flavor.
– Toast gnocchi in the skillet to add a lovely texture contrast.
– Stir in cheese off the heat to prevent sauce separation.
I enjoy mixing it up sometimes—adding sun-dried tomatoes and kale for depth, swapping turkey sausage for a lighter version, or doubling the cream for an ultra-rich sauce. But the original potato gnocchi with sausage and creamy sauce gets requested most often around here.
I hope you find this recipe as comforting and doable as I do. Cooking should bring joy, not stress, and this sausage gnocchi delivers that every time. Give it a try and make it your own—you’ll impress yourself with how satisfying a simple recipe can be.
For more tasty recipes like this, check out my Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls — a perfect snack or party favorite that also packs flavor without fuss.
Happy cooking, friends—you really can make this sausage gnocchi with confidence. It’s all about savoring the process and enjoying the good food that comes from it.
Sausage Gnocchi
Delicious and comforting Sausage Gnocchi combines tender potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in dried oregano and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.