Save A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
This meal quickly became a family favorite for cold nights.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button, cleaned and 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 Making this skillet dinner always brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Substitutions
Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. For a vegetarian meal, omit sausage and add sautéed wild mushrooms plus smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture.
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This dish is a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for any weeknight.
Recipe Q&A
- → What kind of sausage works best in this dish?
Italian sausage, mild or spicy, is ideal for its balance of fat and seasoning that complements the creamy sauce and mushrooms.
- → Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Yes, fresh potato gnocchi can be used; adjust cooking time slightly as fresh gnocchi cooks faster and is more delicate.
- → How do I prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy?
Cook mushrooms over medium heat without covering, stirring occasionally until golden and moisture evaporates to concentrate flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Omit sausage and increase mushrooms, optionally adding smoked paprika for depth to create a satisfying vegetarian version.
- → What wine pairs well with this skillet meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the creamy sauce and earthy mushrooms beautifully.