Description
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring savory Italian sausage, tender potato gnocchi, and a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a satisfying dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 11 ounces Italian sausages (crumbled)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1.5 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional) (to taste)
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Remove the sausage meat from the casings and crumble it into a deep skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing it to become fragrant without burning.
- Add Liquids and Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and add the sun-dried tomatoes along with the potato gnocchi. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the gnocchi to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Add Spinach and Wilt: Stir the gnocchi, then add the fresh baby spinach on top. Cover again and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil if using. Check that the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Cook for an additional minute or two if necessary. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered after adding the parmesan.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, baby kale or frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be used.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add more flavor; if using dry ones, rehydrate in hot water first.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian