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If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that combines tender, pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and a luxuriously smooth sauce, you’re in for a treat with this One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe. It’s pure comfort food magic made simple—one skillet, handful of ingredients, and about half an hour to a rich, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful dish without a mountain of cleanup afterward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is straightforward but purposeful. Each ingredient brings its own charm—whether it’s the savory depth from Italian sausage, the brightness from garlic and white wine, or the creamy finish from parmesan and heavy cream.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy depending on your mood; this is the rich protein centerpiece that flavors the whole dish.
- 1/2 small onion (chopped finely): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that perfectly complements the sausage.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): A fragrant punch that elevates every bite without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (e.g. sauvignon blanc): For a touch of acidity and depth; it helps deglaze the pan and lift the flavors.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Brings color, a hint of tang, and balances the richness of cream and cheese.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: This is where the “creamy” part happens—silky, luscious sauce that clings to the gnocchi.
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi: The star starch—soft, pillowy, and ready to soak up all those flavors in one pan.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a slight nuttiness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Handful fresh basil (torn): Freshness and aroma that brighten every mouthful just before serving.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions
Start by sautéing the Italian sausage with finely chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is all about building flavor—the sausage releases its delicious fat and browns beautifully, while the onion softens and adds subtle sweetness. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until everything is lightly browned and irresistible.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté just long enough—about 30 seconds—to get it fragrant but not bitter. This is the moment where the aroma starts to pull you closer to the kitchen. Garlic awakens the dish and layers in a savory warmth you’ll love.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan with White Wine
Pour in your dry white wine—for example, a crisp sauvignon blanc—and let it sizzle in the pan for about a minute. This step lifts all those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom and infuses the sausage mixture with a gentle acidity and complexity. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Cream, and Gnocchi
Now stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, the heavy cream, and the uncooked gnocchi. Bring the sauce back up to a gentle bubble, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the gnocchi to soften and the flavors to mingle harmoniously.
Step 5: Thickening and Final Cooking
Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the gnocchi is perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. This stage lets the sauce cling beautifully to each gnocchi piece, ensuring every bite is creamy, rich, and satisfying.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese, Basil, and Seasonings
Turn off the heat and gently fold in freshly grated parmesan cheese, torn basil leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. The parmesan melts into the sauce for extra depth while basil provides a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish just before serving. Now you’re ready to indulge!
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top add a gorgeous finishing touch that makes this dish look as good as it tastes. For a little zing, a crack of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil works wonders.
Side Dishes
Since this One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is already wonderfully decadent, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance richness with freshness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complements it perfectly, soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this gnocchi in shallow bowls topped with a poached egg for an extra layer of comfort, or add a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Making it a bit of a rustic feast with family-style serving adds a warm, inviting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that gnocchi can soak up sauce and become a bit softer over time, but the flavors really deepen after resting.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the cooled gnocchi in a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within one month for the best texture and flavor. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of cream or milk while warming up helps restore the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a lighter option that still offers great flavor. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s cooked through and browned nicely.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries! You can substitute with chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice. The wine adds acidity, so a little lemon juice helps mimic that brightness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the heavy cream for a creamy dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor.
Is fresh gnocchi better than frozen for this recipe?
Fresh gnocchi tends to cook faster and feels slightly lighter, but frozen works perfectly fine here. Just make sure to cook it fully and adjust sauce thickness if needed.
Can I add vegetables to this One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Sauté them with the sausage or add toward the end of cooking depending on the vegetable.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe will quickly become one of those go-to dishes that feels like a special occasion on a weeknight. It’s rich, satisfying, and deliciously simple to prepare, making it a winning combination for busy cooks and comfort food lovers alike. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
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One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender potato gnocchi is simmered in a luscious creamy tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 16 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 small onion, chopped finely
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Handful fresh basil, torn
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the Italian sausage and finely chopped onion for 7-10 minutes, or until the sausage is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and let it cook for about one minute to reduce slightly and enhance the flavors.
- Add Tomatoes, Cream, and Gnocchi: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, heavy cream, and uncooked potato gnocchi. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, then cover the pan and reduce heat to medium.
- Simmer Covered: Cook covered for 5 minutes to allow the gnocchi to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the cover, stir well, and continue to cook for a few more minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to your preference.
- Stir in Cheese and Basil: Remove from heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot right from the skillet for a hearty, creamy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Dry white wine can be omitted if preferred; substitute with chicken broth for additional flavor.
- Fresh basil is preferred but dried basil (1 tsp) can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the cream quantity to make the sauce lighter or thicker based on your taste.
