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Creamy Tuscan Sausage & Gnocchi

An indulgent, one-pan meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, Italian sausage, and a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 package (17 oz) potato gnocchi shelf-stable or refrigerated
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes julienned, drained
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Push sausage to one side and add the minced garlic to the cleared space. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the gnocchi, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Add the fresh spinach and stir continuously until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes after adding the cream. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of extra chicken broth. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; note that the sauce will thicken upon standing.