Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is a quick, cozy skillet meal made with soft potato gnocchi, savory sausage, sweet peas, and a light creamy sauce. It feels hearty like pasta night, but it cooks faster because gnocchi only needs a few minutes.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights, simple family dinners, or anytime you want something warm and filling without using many dishes. The sausage adds flavor, the peas bring a little sweetness, and the sauce pulls everything together.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Quick dinner: It comes together in about 30 minutes.
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One-skillet friendly: Most of the cooking happens in one pan.
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Family-friendly: Soft gnocchi, sausage, and peas are easy to enjoy.
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Comforting but simple: It tastes rich without needing a long ingredient list.
Equipment Needed
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Large skillet
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Medium pot
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Colander
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Cutting board
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Knife
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients List
For the Gnocchi
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1 pound potato gnocchi
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1 tablespoon salt, for boiling water
For the Sausage and Sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot, casings removed if needed
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup frozen peas
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
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Salt, to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
How to Make Gnocchi With Peas And Sausage Step by Step
Step 1: Boil the water
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Most gnocchi are done when they float to the top.
Step 2: Drain the gnocchi
Drain the gnocchi and set it aside. Save about 1/4 cup of the cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Cook the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Add onion and garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add peas and broth
Stir in the frozen peas and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.
Step 6: Make it creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 7: Add the gnocchi
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss until coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved gnocchi water.
Step 8: Taste and serve
Taste and add salt if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve warm.
Tips for the Best Gnocchi With Peas And Sausage
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Do not overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly and can get too soft if boiled too long.
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Brown the sausage well: A little browning adds more flavor to the whole dish.
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Use frozen peas straight from the freezer: No need to thaw them first.
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Keep the heat low after adding cream: This helps the sauce stay smooth.
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Save some gnocchi water: It is useful for thinning the sauce without making it watery.
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Taste before adding salt: Sausage and Parmesan can already be salty.
Variations to Try
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Use chicken sausage: A lighter option that still works well.
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Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
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Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or chopped kale near the end.
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Use half-and-half: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Try different cheese: Pecorino Romano or an Italian cheese blend can replace Parmesan.
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Add lemon: A little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Gnocchi With Peas And Sausage is filling enough to serve on its own. For a balanced meal, pair it with a green salad, roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or steamed green beans.
If you want a cozy dinner plate, serve it with a simple Caesar salad and warm bread. The bread is nice for scooping up any extra sauce.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
This dish is best served fresh because gnocchi can soften as it sits. Still, leftovers store well for quick lunches.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended because the creamy sauce may separate and the gnocchi can become mushy after thawing.
To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, cream, or milk. Stir gently until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each one.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 560
Fat: 32g
Carbs: 43g
Protein: 24g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Gnocchi With Peas And Sausage
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
For the Sausage and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed if needed
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the water
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Most gnocchi are done when they float to the top.
Step 2: Drain the gnocchi
- Drain the gnocchi and set it aside. Save about 1/4 cup of the cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Cook the sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Add onion and garlic
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add peas and broth
- Stir in the frozen peas and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the peas are warmed through.
Step 6: Make it creamy
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 7: Add the gnocchi
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss until coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved gnocchi water.
Step 8: Taste and serve
- Taste and add salt if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve warm.
FAQs
Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes. Shelf-stable gnocchi works well and cooks quickly. Follow the package directions.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes. You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a little cream cheese mixed with broth for a lighter sauce.
What kind of sausage is best?
Mild Italian sausage is a good family-friendly choice. Hot Italian sausage works if you want more spice.
Can I cook the gnocchi directly in the skillet?
Yes, but boiling first gives a softer texture. If cooking in the skillet, add extra broth and simmer until the gnocchi is tender.
Conclusion
Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is a simple, hearty meal that brings together soft gnocchi, savory sausage, sweet peas, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It is quick enough for a weeknight and comforting enough to make again and again.