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!
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
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.
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.
Save 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.