This one-pan sausage gnocchi skillet is a comforting and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Packed with protein from hearty sausage and fiber-rich spinach, it balances indulgence with nutrition.
Quick to prepare, low in saturated fat, and versatile for weeknight meals, it’s an easy, satisfying option for busy families or meal-prep enthusiasts.
Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Equipment
- 1 large skillet (nonstick or enameled cast iron)
- 1 spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion diced (120 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild, hot, pork, chicken, or turkey
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups pasta sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped (120 grams)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh basil grated Parmesan cheese, additional red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Before turning on the heat, make sure all ingredients are ready. Dice the onion into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely to release maximum flavor. Roughly chop the fresh spinach, measure out the gnocchi, pasta sauce, and chicken broth, and have your red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper nearby. This prep ensures a smooth cooking process with no interruptions.
- Heat the Skillet and Oil: Place a large enameled cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to warm for about 1 minute, until it shimmers slightly. Properly heating the oil ensures the onions and sausage cook evenly without sticking, and it enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet. Stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and begin to turn translucent. This step develops a slightly sweet base flavor that will complement the richness of the sausage. Avoid letting them brown too much at this stage, as you want gentle caramelization, not bitterness.
- Add and Cook Garlic: Once the onions are softened, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Keep the garlic moving in the pan to prevent burning, which can give a bitter taste. The combination of sautéed onion and garlic is the flavor foundation of the dish.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon into small, even pieces. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and slightly crisp on the edges. If the sausage releases excess grease, carefully drain some from the pan to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if using, and season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sausage, onions, and garlic. This step allows the flavors to build before the addition of liquids.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet, followed by the pasta sauce and chicken broth. Gently fold everything together until the gnocchi are coated and slightly submerged in the sauce. If needed, adjust the amount of sauce so that the gnocchi are evenly coated but not swimming in liquid. This step ensures each bite is flavorful and saucy.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking to the pan. The gnocchi will absorb some sauce and become tender, while the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Wilt the Spinach: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant green. This step adds freshness, fiber, and color to the dish, balancing the richness of the sausage and sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the skillet mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Once perfectly seasoned, remove from heat. Serve immediately in individual bowls or plates, and top with optional garnishes like fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan, or extra red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Enjoy Your Meal: Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this one-pan sausage gnocchi skillet. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or a cozy family meal. The combination of protein, fiber, and vegetables makes it both satisfying and nutritious.
Notes
- Use your preferred sausage: Mild, hot, pork, chicken, or turkey all work, and each gives a slightly different flavor and fat content.
- Gnocchi choice matters: Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen. If using frozen, add an extra minute or two to the simmering step.
- Sauce flexibility: Any tomato-based pasta sauce works, including marinara, roasted garlic, or basil-infused varieties. Adjust the consistency with extra chicken broth if needed.
- Spice adjustments: Red pepper flakes add heat, but you can omit them for a milder dish or double for more spice.
- Skillet choice: A nonstick or enameled cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Skillet
Achieving a flavorful sausage gnocchi skillet starts with layering flavors.
Browning the sausage well creates caramelized edges that add depth, while sautéing onions and garlic separately enhances aroma and taste.
Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they should be tender but not mushy.
For extra richness, consider finishing the dish with a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.
Using fresh spinach instead of frozen preserves color and texture, keeping the dish vibrant and visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This one-pan meal pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.
For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top.
A slice of crusty bread works perfectly to soak up the sauce.
For wine lovers, a light Italian red like Chianti or a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio complements the flavors.
Leftovers can also be reheated for lunch or dinner, making it a versatile weeknight option.
Storage Tips to Maintain Freshness
Allow the skillet to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened.
Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, as it can cause uneven cooking or over-soft gnocchi.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi instead?
Absolutely. If using frozen gnocchi, add an extra minute or two during simmering. Ensure they are fully cooked but still tender, and stir gently to prevent sticking.
2. Which sausage type works best?
Mild, hot, pork, chicken, or turkey sausage all work. Pork offers a richer flavor, while chicken or turkey lowers fat content. Hot sausage adds spice if desired.
3. Can I make this vegetarian-friendly?
Yes. Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian version. Ensure the broth is vegetable-based instead of chicken.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Partially. You can cook the sausage and gnocchi mixture a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add fresh spinach just before serving to maintain color and texture.
5. How can I adjust the spice level?
Red pepper flakes control heat. Omit them for a mild version or double for a spicier kick. Additionally, some sausages are naturally spicier, so adjust according to preference.
