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- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup spinach, fresh - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded The main ingredients give this dish its rich flavor. You can choose mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. Gnocchi makes the meal hearty. Heavy cream and chicken broth create the sauce. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet tang. Finally, mozzarella makes everything creamy and delicious. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are key to great flavor. Olive oil helps cook the sausage and adds richness. Garlic adds a strong aroma and taste. Italian seasoning brings in herbs like oregano and basil. Salt and pepper are must-haves to enhance all the flavors. Adjust these to fit your liking. - Fresh basil leaves - Grated parmesan cheese Garnishes make the dish look and taste better. Fresh basil gives a bright, fresh touch. Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. You can use one or both to make your meal pop! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of Italian sausage. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your taste. Use a spatula to break the sausage into pieces. Cook the sausage until it is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add two cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt. The sausage and garlic will create a tasty base for your dish. Now, it’s time to add flavor! Stir in half a cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and one cup of chicken broth. This combination will add depth to your sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for about five minutes. After that, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will make your sauce creamy and rich. Now for the star of the dish: the gnocchi! Gently fold in one pound of gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. You will know they are done when they float to the top. Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in one cup of fresh spinach. Wait until the spinach wilts, then add one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy goodness! - Options for adjusting spiciness: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes. You can also use a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. - Tips for adding extra vegetables: You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skillet. These veggies add color and nutrients. Sauté them with the sausage for best results. - Preventing gnocchi from sticking: Use a large skillet and cook the gnocchi in batches if needed. Stir gently when adding them to the sauce. A bit of olive oil in the water can help too. - Achieving the perfect creaminess: Use heavy cream for a rich sauce. Stir well to combine it with the broth and sausage. If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or a milk alternative. - Best sides to pair with gnocchi skillet: A simple green salad works well. Garlic bread can add crunch and soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. - Presentation tips for an appealing plate: Serve the gnocchi straight from the skillet. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of cheese on top. This makes it look inviting and fresh. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can mix and match between mild and spicy based on your preference! Cook Gnocchi to Perfection: Ensure you follow the package instructions for cooking gnocchi. They are done when they float, which usually takes just a few minutes! Fresh Spinach Swap: If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can substitute with kale or even arugula for a different flavor profile. Garnish Creatively: For an extra touch, consider garnishing with additional herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat! {{image_2}} You can easily switch the sausage type. Try chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage. Each offers a unique taste and texture. If you want a lighter meal, use turkey sausage. For a spicy kick, go with hot Italian sausage. If you need dairy-free options, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These keep the dish creamy without dairy. You can also use low-fat cream for fewer calories. Add fresh herbs to boost flavor. Rosemary and thyme work well with this dish. Just a sprinkle adds a nice touch. You can also try parsley for a fresh taste. Cheese lovers can experiment with different types. Try sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for a twist. Each cheese will give a new layer of flavor to the dish. You can cook this dish in different ways. The stovetop method is quick and easy, but the oven-baked version adds a nice crust. To bake, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly. For a slow cooker version, brown the sausage first. Then, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method lets the flavors blend beautifully. To keep your creamy sausage gnocchi skillet fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This helps keep the texture just right. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Place it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to help heat evenly. If the sauce looks thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. Yes, you can freeze the gnocchi skillet! However, the texture of the gnocchi may change. For best results, freeze it in meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat on the stove as mentioned above. This helps keep it tasty! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. You can serve it in about 35 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can use various gnocchi types. Look for gluten-free gnocchi made from rice or potato. You can also try cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option. If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also blend silken tofu for a dairy-free option. Each choice will change the dish's creaminess slightly. Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. Cook it ahead, cool it down, and store in airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or microwave for a quick meal. In this blog post, I explored making a creamy sausage gnocchi skillet. We covered main ingredients like Italian sausage and gnocchi, along with essential seasonings. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for enhancing flavor. You can customize the dish with variations and learn how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is versatile and easy to make, perfect for busy nights. Enjoy creating your own version, and make it uniquely yours!

Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet

A delicious and creamy one-pan dish featuring gnocchi, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup spinach, fresh
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine.
  • Gently fold in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the top.
  • Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the spinach until wilted, followed by the shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the creamy gnocchi in the skillet, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Consider a sprinkle of extra mozzarella or grated parmesan on top for added flair!
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, sausage, skillet