Description
This Creamy Spinach & Sausage Gnocchi is a delicious, one-skillet Italian-inspired meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. Featuring tender potato gnocchi cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce with savory Italian sausage and fresh baby spinach, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with zero fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant to deepen the flavor base of the dish.
- Combine gnocchi and liquids: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir to coat with the sausage and olive oil. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the gnocchi to become tender and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Wilt the spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted, enhancing the dish with vibrant color and nutrients.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, creating a rich, indulgent sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy gnocchi hot, topped with extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes if desired for added flavor and a little heat.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Kale can be used instead of spinach for a different leafy green option.
- Pre-cooked chicken sausage works as a convenient shortcut.
- The recipe is adaptable with gluten-free gnocchi for those with gluten sensitivities.
