If you are looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines savory sausage, tender gnocchi, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce all cooked in one pot, making it a cozy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The balance of creamy textures and hearty ingredients creates a satisfying experience that feels indulgent without fuss, and the simplicity of the preparation will make it a fast favorite to have in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great results starts with simple, quality ingredients that bring out the best in this dish. The sausage adds rich, savory depth, while the gnocchi provides a pillowy bite that soaks up all the creamy flavors. Each component plays its role in creating a warm, inviting meal.
- 1 lb sausage: Choose your favorite sausage variety for a deliciously seasoned protein base.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and aroma that build flavor layers.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a robust, fragrant kick.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean warmth.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Offers acidity and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and savory background flavor for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky richness.
- 1 lb gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that absorb all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to lift the flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a bright, herbal pop of color and flavor.
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 is nicely browned. This step is crucial because it builds the foundational savory flavor for the whole dish. Make sure to break the sausage up as it cooks so you end up with bite-sized pieces throughout.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook together until the onion turns soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes aromatic. This soft base will blend beautifully into the creamy sauce later on.
Step 3: Stir in Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. These ingredients come together to make a rich, flavorful sauce that carries the whole dish. Give everything a good stir to combine all the elements evenly.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Simmer
Pour the gnocchi directly into the pot. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to cook through and the sauce to thicken to the perfect creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Once the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened, season with salt and pepper to your liking. The dish should have a balanced savory depth with a touch of brightness. This is the moment to taste and tweak so every bite is just right.
Step 6: Serve with Cheese and Parsley
To serve, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. These finishing touches add layers of flavor and a lovely visual contrast that make the dish feel extra special.
How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese makes the Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe truly shine. The parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note that lightens the richness, while the cheese brings umami and a hint of saltiness that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is beautifully satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides add refreshing textures and flavors that complement the richness of the gnocchi dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. You can also add toasted pine nuts or a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end for some extra texture and color pop. Presentation can be simple yet elegant with these personalized touches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more comforting. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing
Because of the rich cream sauce and delicate gnocchi, freezing this dish is possible but does affect texture slightly. If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and consume within two months. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or breaking up the gnocchi. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge, bringing back that fresh-from-the-pot creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just use the same quantity and adjust seasoning as needed since turkey sausage is often milder in flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free only if you choose gluten-free gnocchi or make your own from scratch. Check the sausage label as well, since some sausages contain fillers with gluten.
Can I make this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian version. The creamy sauce and gnocchi will still deliver all the comfort you crave.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Traditional potato gnocchi works fantastic here because of its pillowy texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully. Fresh or store-bought gnocchi both work well—just adjust cooking times slightly if using frozen.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
For sure! Spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers stirred in towards the end of cooking add nutrition and a fresh pop of color without overpowering the main flavors.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting warmth of a creamy, hearty meal like this Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi Recipe. It’s so easy to make yet feels special enough to impress family and friends. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner hero or just craving something cozy and flavorful, this recipe has you covered with both simplicity and rich taste. Give it a try—you might just have found your new favorite go-to meal!
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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
Description
This Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi recipe is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender gnocchi is simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with flavorful Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this hearty dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb sausage
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Canned Goods
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 1 lb gnocchi
Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks for even browning and flavor.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and soft, which enhances the dish’s aromatic base.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and heavy cream to combine all the flavors into a creamy sauce base.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference, adjusting the seasoning to balance the richness of the cream and the savoriness of the sausage and broth.
- Finish and serve: Ladle the creamy sausage gnocchi into bowls and garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat in your dish.
- You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the recipe flexible.
- Fresh gnocchi can be used if available for a more tender texture; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
