Save A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
This dish brings warmth to any table and quickly became a family favorite on chilly nights.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button, cleaned and sliced
- Onion: 1 small yellow, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g), roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Potato gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g), shelf-stable or refrigerated
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes until softened, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add garlic and thyme to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the gnocchi, letting it toast slightly for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the sausage to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6:
- Fold in the spinach and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 7:
- Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are tender.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve hot.
Save This recipe has been a weekend favorite that brings everyone together around the table.
Required Tools
Large oven-proof skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gnocchi), Milk (cream, Parmesan), possibly Egg (gnocchi), and Pork (sausage). Double-check gnocchi and sausage for specific allergen content.
Nutritional Information
Per serving - Calories: 540, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 43 g, Protein: 20 g
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A comforting dish perfect for any occasion and sure to please all palates.
Common Questions
- → What type of sausage works best in this dish?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, adds rich flavor and a hearty texture, but turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option.
- → Can I substitute the mushrooms used here?
Cremini or button mushrooms are recommended for their earthiness, but wild mushrooms can be used for a more robust flavor profile.
- → How should I cook the gnocchi in the skillet?
Gnocchi should be toasted briefly in the skillet before adding liquids to develop a slight golden crust and enhance texture.
- → Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this preparation?
Heavy cream adds richness to the sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream for a lighter touch.
- → What wine pairs well with this skillet dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the creamy and savory flavors perfectly, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
Omit the sausage and add sautéed wild mushrooms plus smoked paprika to maintain depth and earthiness without meat.