This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is an easy dinner made in one pot with just SIX ingredients! Ready in 30 minutes or less. Step by step recipe video down in the recipe card.
If you like this recipe, you’ll also love this Sausage Orzo Soup, Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake and this Sausage Tortellini Soup!
Table of Contents
October is all about easy skillet meals here and this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is a new family favorite!
Gnocchi may not be an ingredient you always have stocked, but it’s worth it to grab a few bags from the dried pasta aisle when you see them because they really make a fabulous cozy meal in no time!
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup has long been one of our favorites, so it was time to use our gnocchi in this easy skillet dinner.
One of the best things about gnocchi is how quickly it cooks up perfectly. If you’re boiling gnocchi, they cook up in just 2-4 minutes, and in this recipe, they cook up tender and fluffy in not much longer!
They make this recipe the perfect weeknight dinner win — quick, cozy, and a crowd pleaser!
Check out this Gnocchi with Sausage, Spinach and Tomatoes, Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup or this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup next!
Tips for making this Italian Sausage Gnocchi:
- Choose ingredients you love: because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, every one counts. Choose ingredients that have great flavor and they will take this recipe over the top!
- Don’t overcook: gnocchi cooks very quickly (5-8 minutes), so keep an eye on the skillet and stir regularly so that every gnocchi is cooked evenly. We want fluffy but not mushy!
- Add your own spin: this recipe is amazing on its own, but there are a lot of different ways you can make it your own, and I’ve included a bunch of ideas down below!
Variations and Substitutions for this Gnocchi Skillet:
- Swap out the mild Italian sausage for a spicy version, or use ground beef or turkey instead! (Although you’ll want to add extra seasoning if going that route)
- Swap out the sausage for some of this Crockpot Shredded Chicken or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken if you have a batch prepped in the fridge!
- Use a little more tomato sauce or a little more cream to customize the sauce to your preferences
- Use light cream or whole milk to make this recipe a little lighter
- Swap out the spinach for kale or other vegetables, just keep in mind how long they need to cook and them earlier in the recipe if need be
How to make this Gnocchi recipe ahead:
This Gnocchi recipe is just as delicious prepped ahead and reheated later on!
If you know you’ll be reheating it, be sure you don’t overcook the gnocchi as it will cook further when you reheat it.
Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water, milk or chicken broth and place on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often, until warmed through. Serve!
More 6 ingredient suppers you’ll love!
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 375 gram package mild Italian sausage (about ¾ lb), casings removed
- 1½ cup tomato-based pasta sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 500 grams dried potato gnocchi (about 1 lb)
- 1½ cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, cream, salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
- Add gnocchi and stir to coat. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until gnocchi are tender. If most of the liquid is absorbed but the gnocchi is still not cooked through, add a splash of water or broth and continue cooking.
- Stir in spinach and top with shredded cheese. Cover and let cheese melt before serving.
Nutrition Information
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Claire says
This was excellent and so easy! I only had half and half on hand, it worked perfectly. I also used sweet Italian chicken sausage and beef. It was seriously good. I usually don’t like cooked spinach but it was perfect in this dish.
Judy says
I have frozen gnocchi. Will this make cooking time longer?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Judy! I’ve only tested the recipe as written. If you decide to experiment let me know how it goes.
Alisia says
If I don’t have tomato based pasta sauce can I use normal tomato sauce or tomato paste?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Alisia! Tomato sauce may work but it is typically thinner than a jarred pasta sauce. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Katina M Durst says
My WHOLE family loved this, even my picky 6 year old and hubby!!! He even asked me to make again, which he seldom asks that. Definitely putting this recipe in my normal rotation. Thank you so much for such a quick and delicious meal.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that!
Shawn says
A true family favorite now that I can make in a flash. I’ve swapped spinach with kale, sweet sausage for spicy, and the kids still devour it. So easy and so much flavor, thank you Ashley!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Tami G says
Just made this tonight, it was delicious! Really rich but I expect no less from any gnocchi dish. Super quick and easy, perfect for weeknight. Looking forward to the leftovers!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Tami!
Monica Bernardino says
Super delicious and very italian comfort food but there’s one more missing ingredient especially the McCormick italian seasonings. That’ll make the super extra flavor will blow your minds out. Thumbs up you agree with that.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Monica! I find the Italian sausage adds lots of flavor 🙂
Monica Bernardino says
YES!
Libbyg says
⭐️Simple ingredients
⭐️Easy prep
⭐️Ready in 30 minutes or less
⭐️Tastes delicious
⭐️Definitely a new family favourite
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Nellie Tracy says
Easy to make and delicious! My family loves it for weeknight meals!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Nellie!
Kellie H says
So, so, soooo easy to make. Great option for weeknight dinners!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kellie!
Jen says
As I’m scrolling through the photos, my stomach is growling more and more! Looks like I know what I’m making for dinner tonight. Can’t wait!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jen! I hope you enjoy!
Shelley says
We absolutely adore gnocchi at my house, and creamy tomato sauce is a favorite indulgence of mine – this is a perfect combination! Love that it’s so easy with just a handful of ingredients. And great tips for little tweaks and swaps to make it a bit lighter or change up veggies. Oh! And super excited that this can be made several days in advance – so perfect for busy nights!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Shelley! We love it too!
Jane Saunders says
I love how quick to prepare this meal is and it’s a great way to incorporate spinach into a family meal.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jane!
Diane McCorvey says
Hi! How would I substitute already shredded chicken I have on hand for this recipe?
Ashley Fehr says
You could just skip the sausage (brown the onion), continue with the recipe and stir it in at the end.