Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will cook faster than dried, so reduce the simmering time to about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top of the sauce. You'll still get that wonderful flavor absorption.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a non-dairy option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well with the tomato and Italian seasonings.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. You might want to add some Italian herbs and a pinch of crushed red pepper to compensate for the flavor the sausage provides.

My sauce seems too thick/thin. How can I adjust it?

For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If too thick, add a splash of cream, broth, or even the starchy water from cooking the gnocchi (if cooking separately). Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Name: Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 375 grams mild Italian sausage (about ¾ lb), casings removed; 500 grams dried potato gnocchi (about 1 lb); 1½ cups tomato-based pasta sauce; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 1½ cups chopped fresh spinach; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

This delectable Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is a one-pan wonder that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach come together in a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this skillet meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Ready in 20 Minutes: From start to finish, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than half an hour.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of tender gnocchi, flavorful sausage, and that creamy sauce with melted cheese will win over even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile: Easy to adapt with whatever you have on hand – swap proteins, add more veggies, or experiment with different cheeses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian Sausage: The backbone of flavor in this dish. The fat from the sausage adds richness, while the seasonings infuse the entire skillet with Italian flair.
Tomato-Based Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce as a time-saver. A good quality sauce will elevate the entire dish.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety texture that coats every bite. This transforms a simple tomato sauce into something special.
Salt and Pepper: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
Potato Gnocchi: The dried variety works perfectly here – they’ll cook right in the sauce, absorbing all that wonderful flavor.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness that balances the rich sauce. It wilts down significantly, so don’t worry if it seems like too much at first.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible stretchy, melty layer that makes this dish truly crave-worthy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this delicious skillet meal? Try these creative spins:

Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini before the sauce for extra vegetables.
Cheese Mix: Try provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of parmesan along with the mozzarella for more complex flavor.
Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, add red pepper flakes, or stir in some calabrian chili paste.
Herbal Touch: Finish with fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for brightness and color.

How to Make Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Remove the sausage from its casing and add to a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the browned sausage. Stir everything together until well combined. The cream will transform the sauce into a beautiful orange-pink color.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the dried gnocchi directly to the sauce mixture, stirring to ensure each piece is well-coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The gnocchi will plump up as they absorb the sauce.

If you notice the gnocchi isn’t quite tender but most of the liquid has been absorbed, simply add a splash of water or broth (about ¼ cup) and continue cooking until tender.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the chopped spinach. It will begin to wilt immediately from the heat. Top the entire skillet with your shredded mozzarella, cover again, and let the heat melt the cheese for about 2-3 minutes until gooey and perfect.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are relatively few ingredients, use the best quality you can find. A good Italian sausage and pasta sauce make a huge difference.
Don’t Rush the Sausage: Take your time browning the sausage properly. Those caramelized bits add tremendous flavor to the final dish.
Stir Gently: Once you add the gnocchi, stir carefully to avoid breaking them. They become more delicate as they cook.
Watch the Heat: Keep the heat at medium to medium-low once the cream is added to prevent the sauce from separating.
Cover Properly: A tight-fitting lid is essential when cooking the gnocchi to trap steam and help them cook evenly.

How to Serve

This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings to round out your dinner:

Simple Sides:

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for mopping up the delicious sauce.

Wine Pairing:

A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Montepulciano complements the flavors beautifully. For white wine lovers, a Pinot Grigio works wonderfully too.

Presentation:

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal, or portion into individual bowls and garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of good olive oil for an elevated touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more overnight, making for an excellent next-day lunch.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave on 70% power with a damp paper towel cover if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will cook faster than dried, so reduce the simmering time to about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top of the sauce. You’ll still get that wonderful flavor absorption.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a non-dairy option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well with the tomato and Italian seasonings.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. You might want to add some Italian herbs and a pinch of crushed red pepper to compensate for the flavor the sausage provides.
My sauce seems too thick/thin. How can I adjust it?

For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If too thick, add a splash of cream, broth, or even the starchy water from cooking the gnocchi (if cooking separately). Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect solution for those evenings when you want something comforting, delicious, and impressive without the fuss. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients creating a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give yourself permission to enjoy this little taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!