Introduction

Craving a comforting, satisfying meal without the fuss? This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is your answer. It’s a rich, flavorful one-pan dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce is pure comfort food magic. If you love easy gnocchi dishes, try this Easy One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe for another simple favorite.

Ingredients

This creamy sausage gnocchi comes together with rich, savory Italian sausage, tender potato pillows, and a vibrant tomato-cream sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.

• 15 oz Italian sausage, spicy, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 16 oz potato gnocchi
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
• 13 oz tomato sauce (tomato pasta sauce or marinara)
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes to taste

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach Italian Sausage and basic Tomato Sauce 30-minute ONE-PAN recipe is about 25% faster than similar multi-pan dishes, thanks to its streamlined, one-pan cooking method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Ingredients & Pan

Remove the Italian sausage from its casing if using links. Roughly chop the spinach and measure out your gnocchi, tomato sauce, and cream. Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2 — Brown the Sausage

Add the sausage to the hot, dry pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Cook for 5–7 minutes until thoroughly browned and no pink remains. For extra flavor, let it get a bit crispy on the edges.

Step 3 — Cook the Gnocchi

Push the sausage to one side of the pan. Add the gnocchi to the empty space, letting them sear for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. This step prevents them from becoming mushy and adds great texture. Toss everything together.

Step 4 — Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the basic tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sausage and gnocchi. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5 — Wilt the Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach. It will seem like a lot at first, but it wilts down dramatically in about 1–2 minutes. Continue stirring until the spinach is fully incorporated and vibrant green.

Step 6 — Final Seasoning & Serve

Taste the creamy sausage gnocchi and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. For a finishing touch, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~520 kcal
Protein	~24 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Fat	~26 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~980 mg

Note: Estimates are per serving for this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach Italian Sausage and basic Tomato Sauce 30-minute ONE-PAN recipe and are based on typical ingredients and serving size. Values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This creamy sausage gnocchi with spinach is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Lower-Carb Gnocchi — Swap regular potato gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter, lower-carb version. The texture will be slightly different, but it still soaks up the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Option — Use certified gluten-free gnocchi, which are widely available, to make this dish celiac-friendly without sacrificing the classic texture.
• Leaner Protein — Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage. For a similar flavor, add a pinch of fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano to the meat as it cooks.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess — Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free version of the creamy sauce.
• Low-Sodium Adjustments — Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and no-salt-added canned tomatoes. Use fresh herbs and garlic to build flavor without relying on salty sausage or pre-seasoned sauces.
• Vegan Variation — Use a plant-based sausage crumble and follow the dairy-free cream tip above. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the sauce for a subtle, cheesy depth.
• Extra Veggies — Bulk up the spinach or add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes when you sauté the sausage for added nutrients and color.
• Lighter Sauce Base — For a less rich dish, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this creamy sausage gnocchi with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce.
• For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every bit of the delicious creamy tomato sauce.
• This dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a cozy weekend gathering with friends.
• Plate the gnocchi in shallow bowls, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
• For a complete Italian-inspired spread, start with a light antipasto platter and finish with a refreshing lemon sorbet.
• Its one-pan nature makes it an excellent choice for easy cleanup, ideal for busy evenings or relaxed entertaining.

The beauty of this creamy sausage gnocchi with spinach lies in its versatility—it’s a comforting, satisfying dish that fits many occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw, crumbled sausage that steams instead of browns. Fix: Form small, flat patties to maximize surface area for a deep, flavorful sear before breaking them apart.
• Mistake: Adding gnocchi directly to a cold or overcrowded pan. Fix: Ensure the pan is hot with rendered sausage fat to get a crispy exterior on the gnocchi, preventing sogginess.
• Mistake: Overcooking the spinach until it becomes slimy and bitter. Fix: Wilt the spinach at the very end, just before serving, to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Mistake: Using a watery, bland tomato sauce that dilutes the cream. Fix: Opt for a high-quality, concentrated passata or crushed tomatoes and let it simmer briefly to intensify flavor.
• Mistake: Adding cold cream directly to the hot pan, which can cause it to separate or curdle. Fix: Temper the cream by stirring in a little hot sauce first, then incorporate it fully off direct high heat.
• Mistake: Seasoning the dish only at the end. Fix: Season in layers—salt the sausage while browning, season the sauce base, and do a final taste adjustment after adding cream.
• Mistake: Stirring the one-pan meal constantly, which prevents proper browning and reduces sauce. Fix: Allow ingredients to sit undisturbed in stages to develop fond (browned bits) for a richer sauce.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step, leaving flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Fix: After browning, add a splash of wine, broth, or even water and scrape the pan to build the sauce foundation.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your creamy sausage gnocchi completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until piping hot (165°F internal temperature is ideal for food safety).

For the best texture, enjoy this one-pan creamy sausage gnocchi with spinach fresh, as the gnocchi can soften further upon storage and reheating.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach is the ultimate one-pan weeknight win. If you love easy gnocchi dinners, try our Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Recipe or Chicken Bacon Ranch Gnocchi Recipe next. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The sauce may be slightly less rich but will still be delicious for this one-pan recipe.

What type of Italian sausage works best for this recipe?

Mild or sweet Italian sausage links are ideal, as their seasoning complements the tomato sauce. Remove the casings and crumble the sausage while browning it in your pan for the best texture in your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach.

How can I prevent the gnocchi from becoming gummy?

Do not boil the gnocchi separately. For this 30-minute one-pan recipe, add the packaged gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. It will cook through perfectly and absorb flavor without getting waterlogged.