There was a moment not too long ago in my kitchen when I finally nailed my Sausage Gnocchi recipe after a few tries. I remember the first time I attempted homemade gnocchi with sausage, it was a little messy—a bit too sticky and not quite fluffy enough. But when everything clicked and I pulled that skillet of sausage gnocchi from the stove, my heart melted. It wasn’t just about the taste; it was that little celebration of comfort food made just right at home. Now, Sausage Gnocchi is one of my go-to cozy meals, especially on those chill evenings when nothing beats a warm, hearty dish.
This Italian potato gnocchi with sausage sauce fits right into my baking life as a simple, satisfying recipe anyone can trust. What I love is how it invites creativity without making things complicated. Whether I’m in the mood for a creamy sausage gnocchi or a quick sausage gnocchi skillet, this recipe always delivers that fulfilling warmth. And the best part? It’s approachable and fun, even if you aren’t a baking expert yet.
I want to share this Sausage Gnocchi recipe with you because I truly believe that great baking should be accessible and full of joy. No stress, just dependable results and that lovely feeling of pulling something wonderful from your kitchen. If you’re new to homemade gnocchi with sausage or just looking for a surefire crowd-pleaser, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s get started and make some magic happen together.
What You’ll Need for This Sausage Gnocchi:
Here’s a straightforward list of what you’ll need to make this Sausage Gnocchi come to life:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your taste) Don’t have Italian sausage? Ground pork or turkey works beautifully in this Sausage Gnocchi too.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi You can find these at most grocery stores near the fresh pasta or refrigerated section. I like to use store-bought to save time, but homemade gnocchi with sausage is equally delicious if you want an extra project.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a creamy sausage gnocchi style. If you want something lighter, half-and-half is a great substitute.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds that gooey, melty goodness. You could swap it for provolone if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese It’s the magic touch that brings everything together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is a must for flavor here!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning An easy way to add depth without fuss.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential, of course.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing your sausage and garlic.
This Sausage Gnocchi is affordable because it uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s easily doubled or halved depending on your crowd.
Quick prep tip: Have your garlic minced and cheese grated ahead to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Store any leftover gnocchi in the fridge for up to two days or freeze cooked sausage gnocchi skillet leftovers for a quick future meal.
I always add a bit extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving—that salty finish makes this Sausage Gnocchi really stand out!
How to Make This Sausage Gnocchi:
Let’s walk through making this Sausage Gnocchi step-by-step. From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 to 40 minutes, so it’s perfect for a weeknight treat.
- Cook the Italian sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up gently with a spoon as it cooks. This is where that rich, savory flavor starts developing.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute or so, until your kitchen smells heavenly.
- Cook the gnocchi: In a separate pot, boil water and add the potato gnocchi. They’re done when they float to the surface—about 2-3 minutes. Drain and add them right into the skillet with the sausage.
- Pour in the cream: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This is where the creamy sausage gnocchi magic happens. Combine everything well.
- Add cheeses: Toss in mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring gently until melty and delicious.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed.
If your Sausage Gnocchi looks like a creamy, bubbly, golden mix by now, you’re on track! While it’s finishing, it’s a great time to tidy your workspace or pour yourself a cup of tea.
A helpful shortcut? Using pre-cooked or leftover sausage makes this recipe even quicker without losing flavor.
Remember, a gentle hand when stirring keeps the gnocchi from breaking apart. Over mixing can make them mushy.
This sausage gnocchi skillet is a simple, hearty dish that feels special but comes together like a breeze.
For another twist, if you enjoy creamy sausage gnocchi, Julia’s Album has a great one-pan, 30-minute meal version you might love.
Serving Your Sausage Gnocchi:
I love serving my Sausage Gnocchi straight from the skillet—that rustic presentation makes it feel like a family gathering on a plate. It shines when paired with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic broccoli to balance the richness.
This Sausage Gnocchi fits any occasion—weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy Sunday lunch. One time, I brought it to a small celebration at my friend’s house, and everyone wanted the recipe afterward!
For decoration, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness without extra fuss.
Leftovers? They reheat beautifully in a microwave or a skillet, making for a delightful lunch the next day. Sometimes, I add a poached egg on top for a different spin.
Seasonally, I’ve tried adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a heartier winter meal. It always turns out delicious!
If you’re curious about similar dishes, Salt & Lavender has a lovely one-pan creamy gnocchi with sausage that’s worth checking out for more inspiration.
Common Questions About This Sausage Gnocchi:
Can I make this Sausage Gnocchi ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and sauce separately and assemble just before cooking the gnocchi. Cooked sausage gnocchi skillet leftovers store well in the fridge for 2-3 days.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a small amount of butter can work nicely, though the sauce might be a bit thinner.
Can I use vegetarian sausage?
Yes, that’s a great swap if you want to keep it meat-free. The flavor will be different, but still tasty.
How do I adjust this Sausage Gnocchi for different pan sizes?
If you have a smaller pan, just reduce the ingredients proportionally. A larger skillet lets you keep it all in one pan, which I always appreciate for easy cleanup.
Is it okay to bake this Sausage Gnocchi?
Some versions do bake for a cheesy, golden finish—like a comforting casserole. If you try this, pre-cook everything and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly!
What’s the difference between this and Italian sausage and gnocchi skillet recipes?
In my experience, classic Italian sausage and gnocchi skillet recipes often focus on tomato-based sauces. This Sausage Gnocchi gives you that creamy feel instead, offering a different but equally cozy vibe. If you want to try the tomato version, Allrecipes has a popular Italian sausage and gnocchi skillet recipe to take a peek.
Can I freeze cooked gnocchi with sausage sauce?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
I hope these answers help you feel confident in making your own Sausage Gnocchi. I’ve tried versions with different cheeses and added veggies too—it’s all about what makes you happy in the kitchen!
Final Thoughts on This Sausage Gnocchi:
This Sausage Gnocchi has a special spot in my recipe collection because it’s reliable, comforting, and versatile. Whether I’m in the mood for creamy sausage gnocchi or a simple sausage gnocchi skillet, it always hits the mark.
My Top Tips for This Sausage Gnocchi:
- Don’t rush the gnocchi cooking step—wait until they float, and then drain quickly.
- Use a gentle hand when stirring to keep the gnocchi fluffy, not mushy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan sprinkled on top before serving makes a big difference.
For variety, I enjoy:
- Adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach for an earthy twist.
- Swapping in spicy Italian sausage for a little kick.
- Turning it into a baked dish with extra cheese melted on top.
The creamy sausage gnocchi version gets requested most often by my family—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
I encourage you to try your hand at this Sausage Gnocchi and make it your own. Adjust seasonings, play with add-ins, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
If you’re looking for baking inspiration beyond this, be sure to visit my Cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls recipe for another fun, family favorite!
I hope you love making and sharing this Sausage Gnocchi as much as I do. It’s a dish that feels like home and that’s really what good baking is all about. Happy cooking, friends!
Sausage Gnocchi
Sausage Gnocchi is a comforting Italian-inspired dish combining tender gnocchi with savory sausage in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook gnocchi in boiling salted water according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain gnocchi and add them to the skillet with the sausage tomato sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage or top with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.