This Creamy Gnocchi Pasta Recipe with Italian Sausage and spinach is the ultimate comfort meal with an effortless rich creamy Parmesan Sauce. It is one of our favorite meals and is made on the stovetop in one easy skillet in less than thirty minutes.
It is a hearty meal by itself but for a complete company worthy meal I like to serve it with Cheese Garlic Bread and Italian Chopped Salad.
Why this recipe works
- This delicious skillet recipe is the ultimate Italian comfort food meal enjoyed by multiple generations. There is never a drop of it left and it is not out of the realm of reality to see people liking their plates. I know! Manners people, manners!
- All the ingredients for this dish are easily found at your local grocery store. You can find fresh pasta in the refrigerated section close to the different Italian cheeses.
- This unique pasta recipe is so easy to make that even the novice cook can handle this one. One skillet cooking is always a plus when it comes to clean up.
What is potato Gnocchi?
Gnocchi are little tender potato pillows made with flour, ricotta cheese, potatoes, and egg. It is actually more of a dough dumpling than a pasta but is often commonly referred to as pasta. As it is cooked similarly with creamy sauces, sausage, chicken, onions, mushrooms, garlic, spinach and tomatoes.
How to make this Creamy Gnocchi Pasta Recipe
Start by browning the Italian Sausage over medium heat in a large pan. When it is about halfway browned add the chopped onion. Now reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram and crushed red pepper cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. Remove everything to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Carefully wipe out any excess grease with a paper towel. Then add a little butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and sundried tomatoes cooking until the gnocchi are lightly browned. Then add the chicken broth and heavy cream simmering until slightly thickened. Next add the spinach and cook just until wilted. Now reduce the heat and the Parmesan cheese stirring gently until it melts. Add the cooked Italian Sausage mixture back to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Most grocery stores carry fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section along with the other fresh pastas and cheeses. If time permits Homemade Gnocchi takes this recipe right over the top.
- There is no need to boil the gnocchi for this recipe.
- Experiment with different herbs like sage, basil, and dill.
- Jarred sundried tomatoes are usually in the aisle with the pickles and olives. They come either whole or julienne. I purchase the julienne to save time and because they are cut so perfectly.
- If the cream sauce thickens too much simply add 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth at a time till desired consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan at a reduced heat or in the microwave at 50% power for 1 minute intervals until warm.
More pasta recipes you will love!
Creamy Gnocchi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb fresh gnocchi
- ⅔ cup sundried tomatoes drained
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 3 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat brown the sausage. When the sausage is about halfway browned add the onion; cook until soft. Reduce heat to low. Add the garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. Remove from the skillet and plate. Drain any excess grease and carefully wipe out the skillet.
- Melt butter and heat oil in same skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi and sundried tomatoes cooking until the gnocchi are lightly browned; stirring several times.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream simmering until slightly thickened; 5-6 minutes. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted. Reduce the heat and add the Parmesan cheese stirring gently until it melts.
- Add the cooked Italian Sausage mixture back to the skillet and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Most grocery stores carry fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section along with the other fresh pastas and cheeses. If time permits Homemade Gnocchi takes this recipe right over the top.
- Jarred sundried tomatoes are usually in the aisle with the pickles and olives. They come either whole or julienne. I purchase the julienne to save time and because they are cut so perfectly.
- If the cream sauce thickens too much simply add 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth at a time till desired consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan at a reduced heat or in the microwave at 50% power for 1 minute intervals until warm.
Nutrition
On the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
TIM METCALF
EXCELLENT RECIPE AND EASY TO FOLLOW… THANK YOU FOR CONTRIBUTING !!!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Tim!
Sofia
Delicious can’t stop making it!
I love the sausage! But I was wondering if you had any recommendations to substitute it with if I were to make this dish vegetarian?
Beth Pierce
I would just omit the sausage and go meatless
Hanna
My whole family loved this! Thanks so much!
Beth Pierce
Awesome! The pleasure is all mine!
Kathryn
Another GREAT recipe Beth! I actually had some smoked Polish sausage so I used that instead. Was a winner!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kathryn! So glad that you liked it!
Patti
DELICIOUS!!!
This is one of my go to dishes to serve for my company!!! Yummm😋
Beth Pierce
Thanks Patti! We love this recipe too!
Natalie
This looks so good. I love all the spices and herbs you used in this recipe. Sounds flavorful and incredible. I just must give this a try soon. Thanks for the recipe!
Lauren
I love gnocchi and it’s even more delicious with sun-dried tomatoes! Great recipe!
Beth Sachs
Now this is my kind of comfort food! Absolutely delicious.
Sandra
This quickly became a favorite meal at my house!
Amanda Livesay
This is going to be in our weekly rotation! It’s so yummy and comforting.
Toni
This is so good!! Everyone loved it for dinner!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
This is so creamy and delicious! The perfect weeknight meal!
katerina @ diethood.com
Such a fantastic pasta dish! I bet it tastes amazing!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Creamy Gnocchi Pasta couldn’t look any more perfect!
Amanda
This was so creamy and delicious and we enjoyed every bite!
Stacy
Yummy!! Delicious.