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If you’ve been searching for a cozy yet simple dinner that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day, look no further than this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe. It’s a heavenly blend of tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and a luscious creamy sauce all cooked together in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy. Every bite bursts with comforting flavors that perfectly balance richness and heartiness, making it a go-to dish when you want something satisfying but effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward and accessible ingredients is the first step to creating your own magic in the kitchen. Each element plays a starring role: the sausage brings boldness, the gnocchi offers pillowy texture, and the creamy sauce pulls it all together in pure harmony.
- 1 lb sausage: Use Italian sausage for a flavorful, savory base—spicy or mild, depending on your preference.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and an irresistible savory kick.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to elevate every bite with classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Offers bright acidity and texture that balance the richness of the cream.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides savory moisture to simmer the gnocchi and develop the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, dreamy texture that makes this dish so indulgent.
- 1 lb gnocchi: These tender potato dumplings soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, giving each mouthful a soft, pillowy bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish with every sprinkle on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a pop of fresh color and brightness to the plate.
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized. This step is crucial because it develops deep, savory flavors that form the foundation for the entire dish. Don’t forget to break the sausage into bite-sized crumbles as it browns for even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the sausage. Stir occasionally until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This mix brings a wonderful sweetness and complexity, offering a delicious contrast to the richness of the sausage and cream.
Step 3: Add Seasoning, Tomatoes, Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi
Now it’s time to pour in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors start to marry together. Then add the gnocchi directly into the pot. This is the beauty of the Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe — everything cooks in one vessel, soaking up all the delicious sauces without extra cleanup.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfection
Let the mixture gently simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will cook through, puffing up and becoming soft, while the sauce thickens and envelops every piece. Keep an eye on the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure an even cook. Your kitchen will fill with an absolutely divine aroma.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is silky and thickened, taste your creation and add salt and pepper to your liking. This final seasoning step allows you to customize the dish perfectly to your palate, balancing the flavors just right.
Step 6: Serve with Parmesan and Parsley
Dish out warm portions, generously topping each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. The cheese melts into the creamy sauce, heightening the savory depth, while parsley adds a fresh burst of color and brightness that makes every serving feel special.
How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the Parmesan and parsley, you might consider a drizzle of good quality olive oil or even some chili flakes if you like a little heat. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also add a lovely subtle zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can add freshness and a textural contrast that elevates the meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra herbs and cheese on top for a rustic, hearty look. For gatherings, try plating it family-style in a large, beautiful dish so everyone can dig in and enjoy the cozy communal feeling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might!), transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but do it in intervals and stir in between to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully in this recipe and will lighten up the dish slightly, though the flavor profile will be a bit milder.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the dish its signature richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative if you prefer. Just expect a slightly thinner sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can bring extra color and nutrition. Toss them in when you add the onions and garlic to let them cook down nicely with the sausage.
What kind of gnocchi is best?
Store-bought potato gnocchi work perfectly here, especially fresh or refrigerated varieties. If using frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the simmering time to ensure they’re cooked through.
How spicy is this dish?
By default, this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is mild, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or pick a spicy sausage to give it a nice kick if you love heat.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite comfort meals because it nails that balance of ease, flavor, and satisfaction. I’m excited for you to give it a try and add your own personal twists. Once you experience how effortlessly everything comes together in one pot with big, bold flavors, I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner lineup.
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Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy one-pot sausage gnocchi recipe is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. It features savory browned sausage, tender gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful creamy tomato sauce, all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Liquids
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Garnishes
- 1 lb gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sausage until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Break it apart into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked gnocchi. Mix everything together thoroughly in the pot.
- Simmer and cook gnocchi: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Season to taste: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve with toppings: Spoon the creamy sausage gnocchi into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a bright, flavorful finish.
Notes
- This dish can be made with spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or mild sausage for a more subtle flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few minutes longer before serving.
- Fresh gnocchi works best but frozen gnocchi can also be used—adjust cooking times if necessary.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
