Description
This One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage is a comforting and quick weeknight dinner that combines protein-packed Italian chicken sausage with tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a flavorful and hearty meal the whole family will enjoy, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauté
- 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
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 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 (regular or cauliflower gnocchi)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen thawed peas as substitute)
- 1-2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup basil leaves, julienned
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken Sausage: 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 per side. Transfer cooked sausage to a large plate and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Warm an additional tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook until the shallots are tender and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Tomato Paste: Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute until the tomato paste deepens in color, releasing more flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Slowly stir in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream or coconut milk and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finish with Spinach and Sausage: Stir in the chopped spinach and the cooked chicken sausage. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Consistency: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a saucier dish, add a splash or two more of chicken broth until desired creaminess is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh julienned basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, optionally with garlic bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peas for spinach if preferred.
- Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower carb option.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your sausage and broth.
- For a dairy-free version, use full fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
