One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Recipe
This one pan creamy tomato gnocchi with chicken sausage is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner combining tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect protein-packed meal that the whole family will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 to 5 chicken sausages, sliced (Italian or Spicy Italian recommended)
- 1 shallot, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
- ½ cup heavy cream or full fat coconut milk
- 1 pound gnocchi (or cauliflower gnocchi as a substitute)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or substitute 1 cup frozen thawed peas)
- 1-2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish
- ¼ cup basil leaves, julienned
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced chicken sausages. Sauté each side until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove and transfer to a plate, setting aside for later.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add the diced shallots, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook until the shallots become tender and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly, allowing its rich flavor to bloom.
- Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while stirring. Then add the heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk) along with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Spinach and Sausage: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and browned chicken sausage slices. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts and the sausage is warmed through.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. If a saucier consistency is desired, add a splash or two of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with julienned basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, ideally alongside garlic bread for dipping.
Notes
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken sausage and substitute with vegetarian broth.
- You may substitute cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or Italian seasoning to taste.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
