If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning meal that feels indulgent without a mountain of dishes, then this One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute gem to add to your repertoire. It combines juicy Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce all cooked together in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Every bite is a cozy, comforting hug on a plate that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, fresh ingredients that come together to create a deeply satisfying dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich sausage that brings savory depth to the creamy sauce that coats the tender gnocchi beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for browning the sausage and adding subtle fruitiness.
- 500 g Italian pork sausages, casings removed: Adds robust, savory flavor and a nice meaty texture.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a gentle bite.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s richness.
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken stock): Adds acidity and layers of flavor to balance the cream.
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing a vibrant, tangy note.
- 1 cup thickened (heavy) cream: Creates a silky, indulgent sauce that ties everything together.
- 500 g fresh gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 120 g fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, leafy contrast.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve: Offers nutty, salty flavor that amplifies the dish.
- Sea salt flakes: To season and enhance all the vibrant tastes.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aroma.
- Basil leaves: Freshness and herbaceous notes for garnishing.
- Chilli (red pepper) flakes: Optional, but perfect for adding a little kick.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Remove the casings from the sausages and break the meat into bite-sized pieces. Cook the sausage until it’s golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. This step builds a rich base flavor that’s absolutely essential for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor and develop a subtle caramelized richness.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock if you prefer) to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the wine reduces slightly. This adds a lovely acidity that balances the creamy elements later on.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can meld and thicken slightly. This creates a vibrant, luscious base that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Gnocchi, and Spinach
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Add the fresh gnocchi and baby spinach to the pan, stirring gently so the gnocchi cooks evenly and the spinach wilts just right in the creamy sauce. This is the heart of the recipe where the magic truly happens.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, sea salt flakes, and cracked black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and thickens it slightly. Give everything a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now your One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Top your gnocchi with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal brightness, a dusting of extra parmesan for extra umami, and a pinch of chilli flakes if you’re craving a little heat. These garnishes lift the dish and make every bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crunchy ciabatta also complements perfectly, allowing you to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the gnocchi in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or plate it on elegant white dishes to really showcase the vibrant colors of the sauce and spinach. You can also drizzle a bit of good quality aged balsamic over the top for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the next meal even tastier.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. You can add a splash of cream or stock to refresh the sauce and keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use dry gnocchi instead of fresh?
Fresh gnocchi is ideal for this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays tender in the creamy sauce. However, if you only have dry gnocchi, cook it separately according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce at the end.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
You can use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Alternatively, a mix of ground pork and your favorite herbs and spices works well too.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
While white wine adds depth and acidity, you can substitute chicken stock or even vegetable stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. It won’t compromise the overall flavor much.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative, replace the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe itself is mild; however, adding chilli flakes as a garnish provides a lovely gentle kick. You can adjust the heat level according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor all in one pan. It’s a fantastic way to impress yourself or your loved ones with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a trusted favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi recipe is a quick and comforting meal featuring Italian pork sausages simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce with fresh gnocchi and baby spinach. Enhanced with garlic, parmesan, and a splash of white wine, this dish offers rich flavors and a creamy texture all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) Italian pork sausages, casings removed
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
- ½ cup (125 ml) white wine (or chicken stock as a substitute)
- 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (250 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh gnocchi (from the refrigerated section)
- 120 g (4 oz) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Basil leaves
- Chilli (red pepper) flakes
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. This provides a good base to brown the sausage and build flavor.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian pork sausages with casings removed to the pan. Break the sausage meat up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in ½ cup white wine (or chicken stock as a substitute). Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in 400 g canned crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to combine.
- Incorporate Cream and Season: Lower the heat to medium and stir in 1 cup thickened cream. Season the sauce with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Add 500 g fresh gnocchi directly to the pan along with 120 g fresh baby spinach. Stir gently to combine. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the lid, sprinkle ½ cup freshly grated parmesan into the pan, and gently stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce, adding creaminess and richness.
- Serve: Serve immediately topped with extra parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a bit of heat. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section for best texture; dried gnocchi may require longer cooking and different liquid amounts.
- White wine adds depth; if avoiding alcohol, substitute with chicken stock or vegetable broth.
- Adjust chilli flakes according to spice preference or omit if sensitive to heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove.
