Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi: Comfort in Every Bite

Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. This dish combines hearty sausage, soft gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup and minimal effort. It’s a cozy, filling meal that can satisfy even the most demanding appetites, while still being quick and simple to prepare. The savory sausage and the pillowy gnocchi are enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, making every bite an indulgent experience. Whether you’re craving something warm and creamy on a chilly evening or need a comforting dinner after a long day, this dish is a go-to. With just a few pantry staples and 35 minutes, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a five-star kitchen. It’s the ideal meal for those busy nights when you want something satisfying without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy One-Pot Meal

This dish is made entirely in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time spent enjoying your meal.

2. Rich and Creamy

The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and sausage perfectly.

3. Hearty and Filling

With sausage and gnocchi as the main ingredients, this dish is both hearty and satisfying, making it a complete meal on its own.

4. Quick to Prepare

In just 35 minutes, you can have a comforting, flavorful meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, switching the sausage for a different protein, or changing the seasonings to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

• Sausage
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Gnocchi
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and use plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-filled dish.
• Add Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach at the end of cooking for an extra dose of greens.
• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy, umami flavor that complements the sausage and gnocchi.
• Spicy Kick: If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to bring some heat to the dish.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Liquids

Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Sausage: Fresh sausage with no fillers works best for this recipe. You can use either pork or turkey sausage depending on your preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it while simmering to avoid overcooking.
• Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy sauce, you can add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese to make it richer.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer slowly so it can thicken and develop its flavors without burning.
• Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy one-pot sausage gnocchi as a complete meal on its own or with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. It’s rich and filling, so a light side is all you need to accompany it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb the sauce, so it may become thicker upon reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the dish by allowing it to cool completely and then transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a pot over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream if needed to thin out the sauce. You can also microwave the dish, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage as an alternative.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi, which is available at many grocery stores.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be a bit less rich.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Be sure to monitor the gnocchi as it cooks and remove it from the heat once it’s tender but not overcooked.

6. Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well. Just add it directly to the pot and cook it according to the package instructions.

7. How spicy is this dish?

The dish is not spicy unless you add spicy sausage or red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your liking.

8. Can I substitute the chicken broth with something else?

You can use vegetable broth or even water if you prefer a lighter version of the dish, but chicken broth adds more depth of flavor.

9. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve more people. Just be sure to use a large enough pot to accommodate the increased ingredients.

Conclusion

Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. This dish combines flavorful sausage, tender gnocchi, and a creamy sauce in one pot, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With a few simple ingredients and just 35 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this creamy gnocchi recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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