Name: Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 4 to 5 chicken sausages, sliced; 1 shallot, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk; 1 pound gnocchi; 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1-2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; 1/4 cup basil leaves, julienned

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Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This recipe combines tender gnocchi with savory chicken sausage, vibrant spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings to every bite. The result is not just a meal but an experience that comforts the soul and satisfies the palate. Incorporating the robust aromas of garlic and the freshness of basil, this dish is perfect for family dinners or a cozy evening at home. It’s worth making because it’s simple yet elegant, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the greatest benefits of this creamy Italian dish is its ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you can whip up a delicious meal without the fuss. Designed to entice even the pickiest eaters, the flavors are neutral yet savory enough to please everyone in the family. Whether you choose the option of traditional potato gnocchi or a lighter cauliflower version, this dish adapts to your needs while keeping cooking time minimal.

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

Now that you’re excited about making Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 to 5 chicken sausages (Italian or Spicy Italian preferred), sliced
1 shallot, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus more as needed)
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
1 pound gnocchi (or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option)
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or sub 1 cup frozen thawed peas)
1-2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup basil leaves, julienned

Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, diced shallots, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook these ingredients together until the shallot becomes tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Next, stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste; cook this mixture for 1 minute, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and flavor.
Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk) to the skillet, mixing well. Incorporate the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Introduce the gnocchi to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook, while stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Now it’s time to return the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Add in the chopped spinach and cook until the spinach wilts, stirring everything together.
Finish the dish by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Garnish with julienned basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serve your creamy delight with some warm garlic bread for dipping, and enjoy every savory bite!

Tips & Tricks

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering. If you like a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove or two. Feel free to toss in seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for variety. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage option. Lastly, remember to taste along the way and adjust seasoning to suit your personal preference!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To elevate your dining experience, serve the Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet in warm bowls drizzled with extra olive oil. A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only beautifies the dish but also complements the flavors. Pair this meal with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream. A glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a non-alcoholic herbal tea makes a refreshing drink to complete your meal.

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional information can vary based on specific brands and quantities used, a serving of this dish typically contains approximately 450-500 calories. It offers a good balance of protein from the chicken sausage and fiber from the spinach and gnocchi. Consider swapping heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter dairy-free option.

Storing Tips & Variations for Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

You can store any leftovers of this dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a sealed container, although note that gnocchi might change texture once thawed. You can also explore variations by using different proteins or greens—like turkey sausage or kale—making this recipe versatile and a great base for experimentation.

Conclusion for Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

Ready to dive into a plate of Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet? This delicious dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that invites anyone nearby. With comforting flavors and a rich creamy sauce, it’s an inviting meal that everyone will love. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and try this delightful dish today!

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe! Cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily substitute chicken sausage with a variety of plant-based sausage options or omit it entirely for a vegetable version.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a rich consistency without dairy.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to enhance the nutrition and flavor of your dish.
How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet in a skillet over medium heat with a little chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dish combining tender gnocchi with savory chicken sausage and vibrant spinach in a luscious creamy sauce.

Instructions

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, diced shallots, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Cook together until shallot becomes tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, mixing well and incorporating the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Introduce the gnocchi and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook until the gnocchi is tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Return the cooked sausage back to the skillet, add chopped spinach, and cook until spinach wilts.
Finish by stirring in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Garnish with basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes while simmering. Substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based options for a vegetarian dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian