Pin It A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
I have always enjoyed preparing this skillet dish as it brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table, making it a beloved family favorite.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- Onion: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g), roughly chopped
- Thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried
- Potato gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g), shelf-stable or refrigerated
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml), low-sodium
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), grated
- 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.
Pin It This recipe always brings a special family moment when everyone gathers at the table, enjoying the rich flavors and comforting texture of the gnocchi skillet.
Required Tools
Large oven-proof skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gnocchi), Milk (cream Parmesan), possibly Egg (gnocchi), and Pork (sausage)
Nutritional Information
Calories 540 Total Fat 32 g Carbohydrates 43 g Protein 20 g per serving
Pin It This Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe is perfect for those cozy evenings when comfort food is a must.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the sausage with a different protein?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage work well as lighter alternatives and provide a similar savory flavor.
- → What type of mushrooms is best for this dish?
Cremini or button mushrooms are recommended for their earthy flavor and texture, but wild mushrooms can also add a more robust taste.
- → How should I cook the gnocchi to avoid sogginess?
Toast the gnocchi lightly in the skillet before adding liquids to help maintain a firm texture and prevent sogginess.
- → Is it possible to make this vegetarian without losing flavor?
Omit the sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms with smoked paprika to add depth and a smoky note.
- → What wine pairs best with this skillet meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the creamy sauce and savory sausage beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components in advance and combine them before cooking to preserve texture and flavor.