Save A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
This dish brings warmth to any table and was a hit the first time I prepared it for friends on a chilly night.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy casings removed
- Cremini or button mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cleaned sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g) roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon dried
- Potato gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g) shelf-stable or refrigerated
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) grated
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage breaking it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same skillet add another tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes until softened then add the mushrooms. Cook stirring occasionally until mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated about 5 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add garlic and thyme to the skillet cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the gnocchi letting it toast slightly for 2 3 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the sausage to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6:
- Fold in the spinach and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 7:
- Simmer uncovered for 5 7 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are tender.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve hot.
Save Our family gathers around this skillet dish often; it’s a simple, heartwarming meal perfect for sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
For a vegetarian version omit sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms plus a pinch of smoked paprika. Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine.
Required Tools
Large oven-proof skillet Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gnocchi), Milk (cream Parmesan), possibly Egg (gnocchi), and Pork (sausage). Double-check gnocchi and sausage for specific allergen content.
Save 
Enjoy this comforting skillet gnocchi as a satisfying weeknight meal that brings everyone to the table.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, works well. You can also substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- → Can I use different mushrooms in the skillet?
Yes, cremini or button mushrooms are suggested, but wild mushrooms can add more earthy flavor if preferred.
- → How can I prevent the gnocchi from sticking while cooking?
To avoid sticking, toast the gnocchi briefly in the skillet with olive oil before adding liquids, allowing a slight crust to form.
- → Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Omit the sausage and add sautéed wild mushrooms along with a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
- → What wine pairs best with this skillet meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or rustic red wine complements the creamy and savory flavors beautifully.
- → How do herbs like thyme affect the flavor?
Fresh thyme adds an aromatic, slightly minty and earthy note that enhances the woodland taste of the dish.