If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull together, this One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender fresh gnocchi cooked in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce brimming with Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and a hint of white wine. This dish delivers layers of flavor and texture all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and the dinner table an inviting spot for friends and family. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in building the heart of this dish. From the savory Italian sausages lending rich flavor, to the fresh baby spinach adding a pop of vibrant green and nutrition, every component contributes to the color, texture, and depth you’ll love.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and adding a touch of fruity richness.
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) Italian pork sausages, casings removed: Adds hearty, spiced meatiness that infuses the sauce.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a slight bite.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree): Deepens the tomato flavor with a lovely richness.
- ½ cup (125 ml) white wine (or chicken stock): Boosts complexity and brightens the sauce—wine for acidity, stock for savoriness.
- 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes: The sauce’s vibrant base, offering sweetness and tang.
- 1 cup (250 ml) thickened (heavy) cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh gnocchi: Soft potato pillows that soak up all those delicious flavors.
- 120 g (4 oz) fresh baby spinach: Provides freshness, color, and a nutritious boost.
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve: Melts into the sauce for umami depth and a savory finish.
- Sea salt flakes, to taste: Enhances every flavor with a perfect salt balance.
- Cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle spicy note.
- Basil leaves, to serve: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness.
- Chilli (red pepper) flakes, to serve: Optional, for those who love a little heat.
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. Add the sausage meat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely, developing rich caramelized bits that will flavor the entire dish. This step brings that unmistakable savory backbone that makes this One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomato Paste
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the freshly minced garlic. Let it sizzle until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute—you want to unlock that garlicky aroma without burning it. Then add the tomato paste, stirring for another minute so its deep umami flavor really blossoms in the pan.
Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly; this adds a layer of complexity and acidity that perfectly balances the richness from the sausage and cream.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Cream
Next, add the canned crushed tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream. Stir everything together until it forms a silky, luscious sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer so the flavors marry beautifully and the sauce thickens just enough to coat every bite of gnocchi.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Spinach
Gently fold in the fresh gnocchi and baby spinach. Cover the pan and let the gnocchi cook in the sauce, becoming tender and soaking up all that creamy goodness. The spinach will wilt down, adding freshness and a lovely pop of color that brightens the plate.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings
Sprinkle the grated parmesan into the pan, stirring through until melted and integrated. Season generously with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper. This final touch creates a harmonious balance of savory, creamy, and subtly peppery flavors that make this recipe sing.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this dish with fresh basil leaves adds a burst of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. If you like a little spice, a sprinkle of chilli flakes will give it a delightful kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some rustic garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish by adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a shaving of parmesan on top. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves and chilli flakes to create a restaurant-quality look that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
Because this dish contains cream and fresh gnocchi, freezing is possible but may slightly affect the texture. If you do freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within a month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This will bring back the luscious texture and prevent the gnocchi from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to maintain the best flavor and consistency.
FAQs
Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh?
Fresh gnocchi absorbs the sauce beautifully and cooks quickly, which is ideal for this recipe. If you only have dried gnocchi, cook it separately according to package instructions before adding it to the sauce, as dried gnocchi requires boiling and won’t cook well directly in the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the Italian pork sausages for plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty mushrooms, like cremini or portobello, to mimic the meatiness. Be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain that rich flavor profile.
Can I substitute the cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich and velvety. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can work, but it will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
What wine pairs best with this meal?
A chilled glass of medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sausage gnocchi wonderfully. Their crisp acidity balances the richness, enhancing each bite.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture a day ahead and then add and cook the gnocchi and spinach fresh when ready to eat. This helps keep the gnocchi from getting soggy and ensures vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is such a winner that once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite go-to for nights when you want something cozy, flavorful, and fuss-free. The combination of creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and savory sausage is pure comfort on a plate, and the best part is how easy it is to whip up in just one pan. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one-pan creamy sausage gnocchi recipe is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining savory Italian pork sausages with soft gnocchi, rich tomato and cream sauce, and fresh spinach. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering delicious, saucy pasta goodness all from a single pan.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) Italian pork sausages, casings removed
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
Sauces and Liquids
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh gnocchi (not dry, from the refrigerated section)
- 120 g (4 oz) fresh baby spinach
Cheese and Seasonings
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Basil leaves, to serve
- Chilli (red pepper) flakes, to serve
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the Italian pork sausages, removing the casings and breaking them up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the sausages are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the freshly minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly, intensifying the flavor.
- Deglaze with wine or stock: Pour in ½ cup of white wine (or chicken stock if preferred). Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add crushed tomatoes and cream: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and the thickened (heavy) cream. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the fresh gnocchi directly into the sauce. Stir to coat the gnocchi well. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
- Add spinach and cheese: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce, about 1-2 minutes. Season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Portion the creamy sausage gnocchi onto plates. Garnish with extra parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes if you like some heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section for the best texture and quickest cooking time.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with milk or reduce the cream slightly.
- White wine adds depth to the sauce, but chicken stock is a great non-alcoholic alternative.
- Garnish with fresh basil and chilli flakes to add freshness and a touch of heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
