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There’s something truly magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, and this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe does exactly that. Imagine tender, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious, savory cream sauce enriched with hearty sausage and just the right hint of Italian herbs. Everything comes together effortlessly in one pot, making this meal not only comforting but also wonderfully simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or a dish to impress friends without fuss, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering feast, you only need a handful of ingredients that pack tons of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the spice and heartiness from the sausage, the richness from the cream, or the softness of the gnocchi that makes each bite pure comfort.
- Sausage (1 lb): Choose your favorite type — mild or spicy, it brings meaty richness and depth.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Adds a subtle sweetness and fragrant base to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Injects a punch of aromatic flavor that wakes up the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A perfect blend of herbs that gives a warm, herbal note.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can): Adds natural acidity and a lovely burst of color and texture.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Builds a flavorful liquid foundation without overpowering the cream.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the velvety, dreamy sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
- Gnocchi (1 lb): Soft, pillow-like dumplings that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Browning deepens the flavor and renders out some fat that will help develop the sauce’s richness. Breaking the sausage into bite-sized pieces ensures every forkful has a perfect meat ratio.
Step 2: Sauté onion and garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the onion becomes translucent and soft, releasing sweet and savory aromas that form the flavor backbone of your dish. Stir frequently so nothing sticks or burns.
Step 3: Add seasoning and liquids
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. This combination creates a luscious sauce that balances acidity, creaminess, and herbal notes. Give everything a good stir to blend.
Step 4: Cook the gnocchi
Gently add the gnocchi into the pot, spreading it out evenly. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The gnocchi will puff up and cook through, soaking up the flavors of the sauce as it thickens beautifully around each pillowy dumpling.
Step 5: Season to taste
Before serving, taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to bring out all the vibrant flavors. Seasoning at the end ensures the dish is perfectly balanced and never over or under seasoned.
Step 6: Add final touches
Serve the creamy sausage gnocchi straight from the pot, topped generously with grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley. These finishing touches add a wonderful salty crunch and a burst of herbal freshness that makes this meal truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty punch, while chopped fresh parsley not only brings a pop of vibrant green color but also a fresh, peppery flavor. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can elevate this dish even more.
Side Dishes
This creamy and hearty dish pairs wonderfully with something light and crisp to balance the richness. Consider a simple mixed greens salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables. Crusty bread or garlic rolls are also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe in rustic bowls or shallow pasta plates to showcase the creamy sauce and gnocchi beautifully. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few basil leaves for an elegant twist. You could even portion it into mini casserole dishes, topped with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy sausage gnocchi keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the sauce from thickening too much. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the fresh parsley and Parmesan topping. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the gnocchi tender and the sauce creamy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that lush creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage will work perfectly and provide a lighter alternative while still delivering that savory flavor everyone loves.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture and similar heartiness without the meat.
Can I use pre-cooked gnocchi?
You can, but be sure to reduce the simmering time since pre-cooked gnocchi cooks very quickly and you don’t want it to become mushy.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
Full-fat coconut milk or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can substitute, though the sauce might be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish without the can of diced tomatoes?
You can skip the tomatoes if you’re not a fan, but they add a nice balance to the creaminess. Tomato paste mixed with a bit of water can be an alternative in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is such a joy to make and even more wonderful to eat. It brings together comforting flavors, quick preparation, and minimal cleanup, which is a rare combo that makes weeknight dinners feel special. I truly hope you give it a try and let it become one of your go-to dishes for cozy, satisfying meals!
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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 combines savory sausage, tender gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful cream sauce for a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare all in one pot.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb sausage
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Carbohydrates
- 1 lb gnocchi
Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, heavy cream, and gnocchi, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference, stirring well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the creamy sausage gnocchi into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- This recipe uses one pot for easy cleanup and faster cooking.
- For a spicier kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- Gnocchi can vary in cooking time; test for tenderness before finishing.
- Use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh parsley adds freshness—cilantro or basil can be used as alternatives.
