Oh my gosh, friends, if you’re having one of those days where you need true comfort food but have zero energy left, I have the answer. Forget complicated recipes that leave you with a sink full of dishes! This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is exactly what you need. It’s rich, unbelievably cozy, and the best part? We cook everything—the gnocchi and the sauce—right in one single pan. Seriously, I’ll never forget the first time I threw this together on a chaotic Tuesday night. I just tossed in the sausage, the sauce components, threw in those little potato pillows, and hoped for the best. Wow. I ended up with this unbelievably creamy, flavorful dish instantly, and it’s been my go-to weeknight meal ever since.
Why This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Works So Well
Honestly, the reason this recipe moved straight from a one-off attempt to a permanent fixture in my rotation is how much flavor we squeeze out of so few steps. This is truly the definition of a dinner ideas easy one pot wonder, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings. You get a hearty, satisfying dish on the table in under 20 minutes, which transforms my whole attitude about cooking after a long day.
Speed and Simplicity: Perfect for Dinner Ideas easy one pot
Prep time is a measly five minutes, which means I can pretty much start making this before I’ve even decided what I’m wearing tomorrow! Since you’re using just one skillet, the cleanup is almost nonexistent. No pots simmering on the stove, no separate pans for boiling pasta—just this one beautiful mess you get to eat straight out of. Trust me, less cleanup equals a happier cook!
Flavor Depth in Every Bite of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Here’s the real magic secret that makes this a fantastic weeknight meal: we cook the gnocchi directly in the sauce! As those little potato dumplings simmer, they release their starches right into the broth and cream. This does all the heavy lifting for you; it naturally thickens the sauce into that dreamy, velvety consistency we all crave. It means we skip adding tons of extra cheese or cornstarch to get that satisfying texture. If you want more inspiration on meals that save you time, you should check out the amazing ideas for wholesome one-pan dinners!
Gathering Ingredients for Your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Okay, let’s talk turkey. Since this is such a quick weeknight lifesaver, you’ll be thrilled to know the ingredient list is short, simple, and uses things you probably already have stocked. That’s why this makes such a fantastic and budget friendly choice for anyone trying to keep dinner costs down! Because we’re cooking straight in the skillet, we rely on quality foundational flavors rather than layering complex sauces. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your grocery bill happy while still eating well, you absolutely must check out my post on budget friendly dinners!
Sausage and Base Components
First up is the star: we need about 15 ounces of spicy Italian sausage, already crumbled, or you can slice links right into the pan. You’ll need just a tablespoon of olive oil to get things started, though the sausage renders a lot of fat too. For the liquid base, grab one cup of heavy cream—but hey, if you only have half-and-half, just use that! For the broth, 1/2 cup of chicken broth works wonderfully, though I often sneak in some white wine or even just plain water if that’s what I have on hand. Finish this part with one 13-ounce can of your favorite tomato sauce, whether it’s marinara or a robust tomato basil flavor.
Quick tip here: always taste your sausage before adding extra salt to the skillet later. Some Italian sausages are salty enough for the whole dish!
Gnocchi, Aromatics, and Greens for the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Next, the heart of the dish: you need a 16-ounce package of potato gnocchi, and this is important—use it uncooked! We’re cooking it in the sauce, remember? For aromatics, mince up about four cloves of garlic and grab 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence if you’re feeling fancy). Then, to sneak in some green, toss in about 5 ounces of fresh spinach. Lastly, have salt, coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes ready for seasoning right at the end. That’s it! The whole grocery list fits on one hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
This is where the one-pan magic really happens! Everything goes into one large skillet, which saves you so much hassle later. Just make sure you’re using a high-sided one, as things can bubble up once the cream hits the heat. Read through these steps once so you know the rhythm, and then let’s get cooking!
Browning the Sausage
First things first, get that large, high-sided skillet hot over medium heat, and add your tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the crumbled Italian sausage. We’re going to cook that until it’s nicely browned—should only take about five minutes. Make sure you’re breaking it up really well with your spoon as it cooks so you don’t end up with giant clumps.
Cooking the Gnocchi in the Sauce
Once the sausage looks done, it’s time to dump the rest of the main elements right into that same skillet! Add the uncooked potato gnocchi, the half-cup of chicken broth, the full cup of heavy cream, your minced garlic, and the Italian seasoning we talked about. Bring this whole mixture up to a boil over medium heat, making sure everything gets stirred together nicely. As soon as it starts bubbling, pop a lid on it and let it simmer for about five minutes. This is the secret sauce step where the gnocchi starts cooking through and releasing that wonderful starch to thicken everything up!
Finishing the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
After five minutes, take that lid off and stir in your canned tomato pasta sauce—any kind works great here! Now, toss in all that fresh spinach. You’ll stir constantly as it cooks on medium heat for about five minutes until the spinach has completely wilted down. If you notice your sauce looks a little thin for your taste, just let it simmer uncovered for another minute or two; the longer it heats, the thicker that gorgeous, creamy texture gets. Once you’re happy with the consistency, take the whole skillet right off the burner.
For more inspiration on simple, great-tasting meals that skip the extra dishes, take a look at these one-pot tomato basil pasta recipes!
Final Seasoning Check
This is the last step before serving, so taste it! Add salt, plenty of coarsely ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a tiny bit of heat. Remember what I said about the sausage being salty? Be conservative with the salt until you’ve tasted everything together. It’s your final chance to make it perfect for you!
Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Results
Even though this is an incredibly forgiving recipe, I’ve learned a couple of tricks over the years to make sure your skillet is flawless every single time. Since we are relying on certain ingredients to do most of the work, a few simple adjustments can make a big difference in texture and flavor balance. If you’re looking for more ways to utilize the oven for similar quick dinners, check out my favorite sheet pan suppers!
Ingredient Swaps for Your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Don’t panic if your pantry is missing one specific item! If you’re out of chicken broth, don’t sweat it—a splash of white wine or even just water works just fine because the sausage and tomato sauce bring so much flavor anyway. If you don’t have heavy cream, using half-and-half is a perfectly fine substitute. If you used mild Italian sausage instead of spicy, no worries at all! Just be sure to amp up those red pepper flakes a bit, or add a dash of cayenne if you need that kick back.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
Remember, the starch released by the uncooked gnocchi is doing the crucial job of thickening this sauce for us—that’s why we don’t add cornstarch! If after everything is cooked, you find your sauce is still too soupy for your liking, just turn the heat back up to medium and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. The water will evaporate, concentrating that creaminess. On the opposite end, if you accidentally let it cook down and it looks too thick or sticky, just stir in a tiny bit of extra broth or water until it loosens back up to your preferred texture.
Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
This delightful Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet makes fantastic leftovers, trust me! I often make a double batch just so I have lunch the next day. The key thing to remember is that gnocchi loves to soak up liquid once it cools down. When you store leftovers in an airtight container, that sauce will probably thicken up significantly overnight.
When you reheat it, whether on the stovetop or in the microwave, you’ll definitely need to splash in a bit more chicken broth or even just some water. Just start with a splash, heat it gently, and stir until that gorgeous creaminess comes back. It’s perfect for meal prep!
If you want some great tips on setting up your week for success with these kinds of leftovers, check out my guide to successful meal prep for busy weeks.
Serving Suggestions for This Weeknight Meal Prep Dish
This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is so hearty and rich on its own, you don’t need much fuss on the side, which is perfect for keeping your weeknight meal prep fast and light!
Simple Sides to Pair with Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Because the skillet itself is already loaded with sausage, starch, and cream, the best additions are usually something bright and very simple. A quick, crisp side salad dressed with just lemon juice and olive oil cuts right through the richness perfectly. Alternatively, don’t overlook the power of crusty bread! You absolutely need something sturdy to dip right into that leftover creamy sauce—it’s practically mandatory! You could even try adding a vibrant veggie board if you have a little leftover energy; see my thoughts on making a colorful veggie board for parties for some easy inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
I know you might have a few last second questions before you dive into making this easy, one-pot dish. It’s totally normal! Whenever I share recipes that seem almost too simple, people always wonder about substitutions or technique details. I’ve gathered the most common things I always get asked about this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet below so you can cook with total confidence. If you love super fast cooking, you might also want to check out my guide on 5 ingredient dinners for more inspiration!
Can I make this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet vegetarian?
You absolutely can! It’s so easy to adapt. If you skip the Italian sausage, you’ll need a little olive oil to start, and then you can sauté some hearty mushrooms, like cremini or portobellos, until they release their water. Or, even better, use a good quality plant-based crumbled sausage substitute. Since you lose some of the rendered fat, you might need to add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter when you start cooking those veggies!
Do I need to boil the gnocchi before adding it to the skillet?
Nope! That’s one of the absolute best parts of this recipe. You take the potato gnocchi right out of the package—uncooked—and put it straight into the simmering broth and cream mixture. That way, the gnocchi cooks perfectly while simultaneously lending its starch to the sauce, which is exactly how we get that amazing thick consistency without any extra work or cleanup. It’s truly genius.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is a fantastic choice for your next meal prep batch! It reheats really well, but I have to give you the heads up: the gnocchi will continue to absorb the liquid as it sits in the fridge. When you pull it out to warm up—whether on the stove or in the microwave—just plan on stirring in a little splash of broth or water. That will bring back that lovely, creamy texture we love so much.
Share Your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Creations
I really hope this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet finds its way into your rotation! I truly believe in the power of a quick, comforting, one-pan meal like this, and I’d absolutely love to see your results. If this dish hit the sweet spot for your busy weeknights, please take a second to leave a rating right below. Five stars if you loved it enough to make it permanent, just like I did!
Also, if you snapped a picture of your beautiful skillet overflowing with sausage and creamy gnocchi—snap a tag on social media! Sharing your cooking adventures inspires me so much. Happy cooking, everyone!
Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat in a large, high-sided skillet.
- Add crumbled sausage and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- To the same skillet with sausage, add uncooked potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil on medium heat and stir everything well. Cover with a lid and allow the gnocchi to cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat while the sauce boils.
- Add tomato pasta sauce and stir it well. Add fresh spinach, and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until the spinach wilts to your preference. Cook longer if you want a thicker sauce.
- Mix everything well. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Season with salt, freshly ground coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.