Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh?

Fresh refrigerated gnocchi is strongly recommended for this recipe. Dried gnocchi requires more liquid and longer cooking time, which would change the consistency of the sauce. If dried is all you have, cook it separately according to package directions, then add it to the sauce at the end.

What can I substitute for the white wine?

Chicken stock makes a great substitute if you prefer not to use wine. You can add a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity if you'd like. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat. You might want to add some Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) to compensate for the seasoning that would have come from the sausage.

My sauce split and looks grainy—what happened?

This usually happens when cream is added to a very hot mixture or boiled too vigorously. To fix it, try removing from heat and whisking in a tablespoon of cold butter, or add a splash more cream and gently warm without boiling.

One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

Name: One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) Italian pork sausages, casings removed; 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic; 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree); ½ cup (125 ml) white wine (or substitute with chicken stock); 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250 ml) thickened (heavy) cream; 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh gnocchi (from the refrigerated aisle, see note); 120 g (4 oz) fresh baby spinach; ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve; Sea salt flakes, to taste; Cracked black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil leaves, to serve; Chili (red pepper) flakes, to serve

This irresistibly creamy One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is a weeknight dinner dream come true! Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines pillowy gnocchi with savory Italian sausage, all wrapped in a luxurious tomato cream sauce. The splash of white wine and fresh spinach elevate this simple dish into something truly special that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Truly One-Pan: Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re tempted to order takeout.
Comfort Food Upgraded: This isn’t just any pasta dish—the combination of creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and savory sausage creates the ultimate comfort food experience with a touch of elegance.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this one! The familiar flavors come together in a dish that feels special enough for company but easy enough for Monday night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian pork sausages: The flavor foundation of this dish—they bring rich, herby notes that infuse the entire sauce. Remove the casings to create a beautiful texture throughout.
Olive oil: Just a touch to get those sausages browning perfectly without sticking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that aromatic punch that makes everything taste better.
Tomato paste: The secret weapon for depth of flavor—it adds concentrated richness in just a spoonful.
White wine: Creates acidity and complexity in the sauce. Don’t worry about using anything fancy—just something you’d enjoy drinking.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides the body for our sauce while keeping that fresh tomato flavor.
Heavy cream: Transforms the tomato base into a luxurious, silky sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
Fresh gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings cook right in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors. Make sure to use the refrigerated kind, not dried.
Baby spinach: Adds a pop of color, nutrition, and freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Brings that savory, umami quality that ties everything together.
Basil and chili flakes: The finishing touches that add freshness and a hint of heat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or use spicy Italian sausage for a dish with more kick.

Veggie Boost

Throw in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach for extra vegetables.

Seafood Twist

Replace the sausage with cleaned shrimp added during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking for a delicious seafood version.

Different Greens

Swap the spinach for kale (cook it a bit longer) or arugula (which will add a peppery bite).

How to Make One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casings and add to the hot pan, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add minced garlic to the browned sausage and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 30 seconds—this caramelizes the paste slightly, enhancing its flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the white wine and let it bubble away for 1-2 minutes. Watch as it releases all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add crushed tomatoes and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Add fresh gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. Cover the pan and let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, then stir and continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Remove from heat and fold in fresh spinach and grated parmesan. Watch as the spinach wilts into the hot sauce and the cheese melts, creating the perfect finishing touch. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve

Plate up this gorgeous creation and top with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and extra parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Sausage Matters: Choose Italian sausages with visible herbs and spices for the best flavor—mild or hot, depending on your preference.
Don’t Rush the Browning: Let the sausage get genuinely brown and caramelized—this creates incredible depth of flavor in the final dish.
Fresh Gnocchi Only: This recipe is designed for refrigerated gnocchi that cooks quickly. Dried gnocchi requires different cooking times and more liquid.
Be Gentle When Stirring: Once you add the gnocchi, stir carefully to avoid breaking these delicate pillows of deliciousness.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken stock. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty dish needs little accompaniment, but a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette makes the perfect counterpoint to the rich sauce.

Wine Suggestions

Since you’re already opening a bottle for the recipe, pour a glass of that same dry white wine to serve. A light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully.

Bread, Please!

A crusty piece of garlic bread is ideal for sopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the gnocchi might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, do so in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or chicken stock to revive the sauce. Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh?

Fresh refrigerated gnocchi is strongly recommended for this recipe. Dried gnocchi requires more liquid and longer cooking time, which would change the consistency of the sauce. If dried is all you have, cook it separately according to package directions, then add it to the sauce at the end.
What can I substitute for the white wine?

Chicken stock makes a great substitute if you prefer not to use wine. You can add a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity if you’d like. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat. You might want to add some Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) to compensate for the seasoning that would have come from the sausage.
My sauce split and looks grainy—what happened?

This usually happens when cream is added to a very hot mixture or boiled too vigorously. To fix it, try removing from heat and whisking in a tablespoon of cold butter, or add a splash more cream and gently warm without boiling.

Final Thoughts

This One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi recipe truly represents what good home cooking is all about—simple ingredients transformed into something magical with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s impressive enough to serve to friends. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the way each element complements the others perfectly. I hope this becomes a beloved standby in your kitchen as it has in mine!

One-pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Description

One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is a quick and indulgent meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy tomato sauce come together in just one pan for easy preparation and cleanup. This comforting dish is packed with flavor and is ready in just 20 minutes!

Instructions

Heat the Olive Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the Sausages
Add the sausages (casings removed) to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, break the sausages into small pieces. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until fully cooked and browned.
Sauté the Garlic
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Incorporate the Tomato Paste
Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pan and cook, stirring, for another 30 seconds.
Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in ½ cup of white wine (or chicken stock). Cook for 1–2 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Add Tomatoes and Cream
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Gnocchi
Add 500 g of fresh gnocchi to the pan. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce
Stir the gnocchi and cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your preference and the gnocchi is cooked through.
Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and ½ cup of grated parmesan. Mix until the spinach has wilted.
Season and Serve
Season the dish with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil and chili flakes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

To remove sausage casings, you can either squeeze the filling out or use a knife to cut down the side of the sausage and peel off the casing easily.
This recipe requires fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated aisle. Dry gnocchi will not work as well due to different cooking times and texture. Alternatively, fresh torn lasagne sheets or pappardelle can be used.