There’s something magical about Italian comfort food, and this Italian Sausage Gnocchi is no exception. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, savory sauce infused with bold Italian sausage, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab a hunk of crusty bread and dive right in.
This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors but with a quick, weeknight-friendly twist. Traditional gnocchi dishes can be labor-intensive, but this version gives you all the indulgence with none of the fuss. Trust me, you’re going to love how effortlessly this meal comes together while still delivering that restaurant-quality taste.
Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage Gnocchi
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Italian Sausage Gnocchi for you? Let’s see. Italian Sausage Gnocchi is…
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and spices creates a deep, comforting taste.
- Perfectly Textured: The gnocchi stay soft and tender while absorbing all those incredible flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for a hassle-free dinner.
- Customizable: You can add greens, swap sausages, or tweak the spice level to your liking.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, and that’s always a win!
Ingredients in Italian Sausage Gnocchi
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
Italian Sausage: The heart of the recipe. Choose spicy or mild, depending on your preference.
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.
Tomatoes: Crushed or diced, they form the rich, flavorful base of the sauce.
Garlic & Onion: A classic combo that adds depth and warmth to the dish.
Heavy Cream: Brings a luscious, creamy texture to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami-packed finishing touch that ties everything together.
Fresh Basil: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal contrast to the hearty flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Cook until soft and fragrant, allowing their flavors to infuse into the sausage.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let it simmer to develop a deep, rich flavor.
Add the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let them cook directly in the sauce. This not only saves time but also helps them absorb the flavors.
Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, letting everything meld into a velvety, luscious sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Gnocchi?
- Fresh Salads: A crisp arugula or Caesar salad makes a perfect contrast to the creamy richness.
- Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
- Standalone Dish: It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own with just a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop onions and garlic beforehand to make cooking even faster.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version, or swap heavy cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
- Double the Batch: This freezes beautifully! Just thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Tips & Variations
- Secret Ingredient Alert: A pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
- More Veggies? Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of goodness.
- Crunchy Topping: Toasted breadcrumbs or crispy pancetta add a delightful contrast to the soft gnocchi.
This Italian Sausage Gnocchi is comfort food at its best—rich, cozy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your skillet and get cooking—you’re in for a treat!
Italian Sausage Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy ground Italian sausage
- 1 lb gnocchi uncooked
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ – 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly grated black pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and well-drained
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 ½ cups pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat, cook the Italian sausage. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the sausage is fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, tossing to combine. Pour in chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a low boil and allow the sauce to thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Spinach: Stir in half of the parmesan and pepper jack cheese until melted. Add the drained spinach and uncooked gnocchi, mixing well.
- Bake: Top with the remaining cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly toasted.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
