Save to Pinterest A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
This dish quickly became a weeknight favorite in my house thanks to its ease and comforting flavors.
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)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and 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 to Pinterest My family gathers eagerly around the skillet as the creamy sauce bubbles away, making for warm, cherished meal times.
Notes
Add a splash of white wine with the broth for extra depth. Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine.
Required Tools
Large oven-proof skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Calories: 540, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 43 g, Protein: 20 g per serving
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This skillet dish brings comfort and ease together perfectly for any night of the week.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of sausage works best in this dish?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy with casings removed, adds rich flavor and pairs well with mushrooms and creamy sauce.
- → Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cremini or button?
Yes, fresh cremini or button mushrooms are recommended for their earthy flavor and texture, but other varieties like portobello can work too.
- → How do I ensure the gnocchi doesn’t get mushy?
Toast gnocchi briefly in the skillet before adding liquids to help them hold shape and develop a slight crispness.
- → Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Substituting turkey or chicken sausage and reducing cream can make the dish lighter while maintaining flavor.
- → What wine pairs well with this skillet meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the savory sausage and creamy mushroom flavors beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Omitting sausage and using sautéed wild mushrooms plus a touch of smoked paprika creates a rich vegetarian version.