Save A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
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.
Pin it 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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 540, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 43 g, Protein: 20 g (per serving)
Pin it This skillet meal makes for a perfect cozy dinner and is easy to customize to your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy with casings removed, provides the ideal savory flavor. You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- → Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cremini?
Yes, button mushrooms or wild mushrooms can be used. Just make sure to slice and sauté them well to release their earthy flavors.
- → How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking together?
Toasting gnocchi in the skillet with a bit of olive oil before adding liquids helps them develop a slight crust, reducing sticking and adding texture.
- → Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, creating a rich vegetarian alternative.
- → What wine pairs well with this skillet meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the creamy sauce and savory sausage flavors beautifully.
- → How long should I simmer the dish after adding cream and broth?
Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes while stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce and cook the gnocchi through.