Save to Pinterest 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
- Onion: 1 small yellow, 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 to Pinterest This skillet meal brings my family together on the coziest nights.
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.
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Enjoy this woodsy skillet meal as the perfect comforting dinner any night of the week.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works well as a lighter alternative, providing similar texture and flavor balance.
- → What type of mushrooms works best in this dish?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for their earthy taste and ability to hold up well during sautéing.
- → How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking?
To avoid sticking, toast the gnocchi slightly in the skillet before adding liquids and stir gently as it simmers.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the sausage and add sautéed wild mushrooms with smoked paprika to maintain depth and flavor complexity.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or rustic red wine complements the savory and creamy notes of the dish.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance and combine just before serving to maintain texture.