If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner that comes together fast, this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is exactly what you need. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with savory Italian sausage and garlic, creating a comforting meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
This one-pan sausage gnocchi recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in a single skillet, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the creamy sauce as it cooks, resulting in tender bites packed with bold, savory goodness in every forkful.
Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this creamy gnocchi dish is endlessly versatile. Whether you prefer mild or spicy Italian sausage, want to add spinach or mushrooms, or adjust the richness to suit your taste, this recipe adapts beautifully while still delivering that irresistible creamy texture.
Best of all, this creamy sausage gnocchi recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for family dinners, casual entertaining, or cozy nights in. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread, and you’ve got a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will ask for again.
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Creamy Sausage Gnocchi
This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is a rich, comforting one-pan meal made with pillowy potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It comes together quickly but tastes like a restaurant-quality dinner—perfect for busy nights or a cozy weekend meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if sausage is lean)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
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1 cup baby spinach (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Brown the sausage:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
Build the flavor:
Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the sauce:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
Cook the gnocchi:
Add gnocchi directly to the skillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens.
Finish & serve:
Stir in spinach until wilted, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded cheese can cause clumping.
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Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to prevent curdling.
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If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or pasta water to loosen it.
Variations
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Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini.
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Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
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Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in mozzarella or fontina for extra creaminess.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check sausage labels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
