Save A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
I first served this to my family on a chilly fall night and it quickly became a beloved staple in our dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button, cleaned and sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g), roughly chopped
- Thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried
- Potato gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g), shelf-stable or refrigerated
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml), low-sodium
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), grated
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and 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 dish often sparks warm family conversations as everyone enjoys the rich flavors and comforting textures together.
Nutrition
Each serving provides approximately 540 calories with a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to keep you satisfied.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gnocchi), milk (cream, Parmesan), possibly egg (gnocchi), and pork (sausage). Always double-check ingredient labels to confirm allergen content.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine to complement the savory, earthy flavors.
Save This recipe is sure to become a favorite; the creamy sauce and savory sausage make it irresistibly delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey sausage makes a lighter alternative that works well without compromising flavor.
- → What type of mushrooms work best here?
Cremini or button mushrooms provide an earthy flavor and tender texture, complementing the sausage perfectly.
- → How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking?
Lightly toasting the gnocchi in olive oil before adding liquids helps create a slight crust and prevents sticking.
- → Can I substitute fresh thyme with dried?
Yes, use about one-third the amount of dried thyme to maintain balanced flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omitting the sausage and adding sautéed wild mushrooms plus smoked paprika provides a rich, vegetarian-friendly dish.