Healthy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi
Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi is a rich and comforting one-pan meal made with tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, garlic, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It's an easy weeknight dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes and delivers classic Tuscan-inspired flavors the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater for Parmesan
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 package potato gnocchi 16 ounces
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned and no longer pink.
Step 2: Add onion and garlic
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the flavor
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well so the sausage gets coated with the tomato paste and seasonings.
Step 4: Add the broth, cream, and gnocchi
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir, then add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet. Make sure the gnocchi is mostly covered by the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer until tender
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 6: Add spinach and Parmesan
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until wilted. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve warm
- Serve right away with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if you like.