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 night and it quickly became a favorite comfort food!
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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
- 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
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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 My whole family gathers around the skillet to enjoy this meal together, making it even more special.
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Notes
Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Add a splash of white wine with the broth for extra depth.
Required Tools
Large oven-proof skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs 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.
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This skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights yet feels gourmet enough for guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, complements the creamy sauce and mushrooms well, but turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter flavor.
- → Can I substitute the mushrooms?
Yes, cremini or button mushrooms are ideal, but wild mushrooms or shiitake provide earthier flavors that pair nicely with the sausage.
- → Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?
Browning the sausage develops deeper flavor and texture, and it helps render the fat that enhances the sauce.
- → How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking?
Lightly toasting the gnocchi in the skillet before adding liquids reduces sticking and adds subtle crispness.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain creaminess.
- → What wine pairs with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the creamy, savory flavors exceptionally well.
