Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

Name: Creamy Sausage Gnocchi One-Pan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 tbsp butter; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb potato gnocchi; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; black pepper, to taste; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Creamy sausage gnocchi is a one-pan Italian-American dinner combining tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables in a silky cream sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Gnocchi 🏷️Sausage gnocchi 🏷️Creamy pasta 🏷️One-pan meal Italian sausage

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight dinner

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TikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$28–$46

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage
1 tbsp butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb potato gnocchi
1.5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
black pepper, to taste
3 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Parmesan cheese, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
4
Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
5
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
7
Add the gnocchi, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet.
8
Season with salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
9
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has started to thicken.
10
Uncover the skillet and stir in the fresh spinach. Continue to cook until the spinach has wilted into the sauce.
11
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is creamy.
12
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the sausage thoroughly before adding other ingredients to build deep flavor and render fat for sautéing aromatics.
Add gnocchi in the last 10–12 minutes of cooking so it stays tender and doesn't absorb excess liquid and become mushy.
Stir in fresh spinach at the very end just until wilted to preserve color and nutrients.
Taste and adjust seasoning after the cream is added, as it mellows the salt and spice from the sausage.

Substitutions

Italian sausage → chicken sausage or ground turkey (use 1 tbsp extra oil for moisture)
Heavy cream → half-and-half or crème fraîche (lighter but still creamy)
Red bell pepper → sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers (adds sweetness and tang)
Spinach → kale or Swiss chard (chop finely and add slightly earlier to soften)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of potato gnocchi?

Yes, fresh gnocchi works well and cooks faster (2–3 minutes). Reduce simmering time to prevent it from breaking down in the cream sauce.

What type of Italian sausage should I use?

Use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on heat preference. Remove from casings and break into small pieces for even cooking and better distribution.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare the sausage and vegetable base up to 2 days ahead. Add gnocchi and cream sauce just before serving to prevent the gnocchi from absorbing too much liquid.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Avoid boiling once cream is added. Simmer gently over medium heat and stir occasionally. If using lower-fat cream, temper it by slowly whisking in a small amount of warm broth first.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish doesn't freeze well because gnocchi becomes mushy when thawed. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.