One Pan Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi
This One Pan Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi is a rich and comforting 30-minute dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. Tender potato gnocchi are simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with savory Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together in one skillet, allowing the gnocchi to soak up all the delicious flavors while naturally thickening the sauce.It's an easy, family-friendly recipe that's hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 ounces shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Allow some pieces to develop a deep golden crust for extra flavor.
- If there's excessive grease, carefully drain off all but about one tablespoon.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about three to four minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Avoid letting the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you'd like a little heat.
- Cook everything together for about one minute to allow the flavors to bloom.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
- Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet.
- Stir to coat them in the sauce, then cover and simmer for about five to seven minutes until the gnocchi become tender.
- As the gnocchi cook, they'll release starch that naturally thickens the sauce.
Step 6: Add Parmesan
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
Step 7: Add the Spinach
- Fold in the baby spinach and cook for another minute or two until wilted.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.