Pin it A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
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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)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) grated
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and freshly ground 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 
Pin it This dish brings warmth and comfort to any table making it a perfect meal for cooler months.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another meat?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter flavor without sacrificing texture.
- → What type of mushrooms work best in this dish?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal due to their earthy flavor, but wild mushrooms can add extra depth.
- → How should I cook the gnocchi for the best texture?
Toast the gnocchi briefly in the skillet before adding liquids to enhance flavor and achieve a slight crispness.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sausage and mushrooms in advance and combine before heating through and finishing with creamy sauce.
- → What wine pairs well with this skillet meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the savory sausage and creamy sauce beautifully.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative for this meal?
Omit the sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms and smoked paprika to replicate a smoky, rich flavor.