Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

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I’ve been craving cozy comfort food lately, and this creamy sausage gnocchi is exactly what I needed. When I first tried making this dish, I was instantly smitten by how the pillowy gnocchi absorbed the luscious cream sauce. It’s hearty without being heavy, and every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s surprisingly quick to whip up. In under 30 minutes, you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table, and everyone always asks for seconds. The combination of savory sausage, delicate gnocchi, and creamy garlic sauce is simply irresistible.

If you’ve ever thought gnocchi was only for fancy dinners or difficult to cook, let me tell you — this recipe will change your mind. It’s approachable, easy to adapt, and perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

This creamy sausage gnocchi is a one-pan wonder that brings big flavors with minimal effort. You’ll love how the sauce clings to the gnocchi, making every bite rich and satisfying. The sausage adds a hearty, seasoned depth, while the cream and parmesan tie everything together into a velvety dream. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak with your favorite veggies or different kinds of sausage. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients

The star of this dish is, of course, the gnocchi — soft potato dumplings that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. I like to use fresh or refrigerated gnocchi because it cooks quickly and has the perfect texture. The sausage brings in a hearty, spiced bite that balances the creaminess. Heavy cream is key here, creating the rich base of the sauce, while garlic and onion build a flavorful foundation. A generous handful of grated parmesan gives the dish its savory depth and a little nutty finish. I also throw in some baby spinach at the end for a touch of color and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and softened. This builds the base flavor for your sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet with the sauce. Let it cook according to the package instructions — usually just a few minutes until the gnocchi are tender and start to float.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt from the heat of the sauce. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan if you like.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily switch up the sausage to suit your taste — try spicy Italian sausage for more heat or chicken sausage for a lighter version. If you prefer a non-dairy option, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. You can also use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green. If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, small pasta shapes like orecchiette or shells work nicely in this sauce too.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

I like to serve creamy sausage gnocchi with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up all that dreamy sauce. For drinks, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or even a sparkling water with lemon complements the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The gnocchi will still be tender and the flavors even more developed the next day.

FAQs

Can I make creamy sausage gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the gnocchi fresh and combine everything.

How do I keep creamy sausage gnocchi from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, just stir in a little extra cream or milk when reheating.

Can I use frozen gnocchi for creamy sausage gnocchi?

Absolutely. Just cook the frozen gnocchi according to package directions before adding it to the sauce.

Is creamy sausage gnocchi gluten-free?

You’ll need to use gluten-free gnocchi, which is available at many grocery stores, to make this dish gluten-free.

What vegetables can I add to creamy sausage gnocchi?

Aside from spinach, you can add peas, roasted red peppers, or even mushrooms to make it more colorful and nutritious.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you enjoyed this creamy sausage gnocchi, you’ll also love my creamy cajun shrimp pasta for a spicy seafood twist or my comforting chicken scampi with garlic parmesan rice for another rich and savory dinner idea. For a lighter side dish, try the roasted zucchini and squash — it pairs beautifully with creamy mains.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this creamy sausage gnocchi recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it again when the craving hits. You can also share this recipe on Facebook, Instagram, or send it to friends who would appreciate a comforting, quick dinner idea. Sharing is the best way to spread the love for good food!

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