Name: One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 to 5 chicken sausages, sliced (Italian or Spicy Italian); 1 shallot, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or substitute 1 cup frozen thawed peas); ¼ cup basil leaves, julienned; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 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 (or cauliflower gnocchi); 1-2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 28 reviews

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If you’re looking for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that bursts with flavor and warmth, this One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender gnocchi swimming in a luscious tomato cream sauce, perfectly paired with savory Italian chicken sausage and vibrant spinach, all cooked together in just one pan. It’s comfort food elevated, ready in under 35 minutes, and perfect for weeknight meals that satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with thick orange creamy sauce with small black specks, topped with a cluster of pale yellow gnocchi pieces floating on the sauce's surface. A wooden spoon is partially submerged in the sauce near the right side of the pan, showing some sauce on its surface. The pan has a gold-colored handle. Surrounding the pan are loose spinach leaves scattered on a white marbled surface, a white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves in the top left corner, and a small white bowl with browned sausage slices in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, from adding rich depth and savory notes to providing bright color and creamy texture. Get ready for a handful of staples that combine into something truly delicious.

Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Provides a fragrant base with healthy fats to brown the sausage and soften aromatics.
Chicken sausages (4 to 5, sliced): Offers a protein-packed, flavorful component—Italian or Spicy Italian varieties work wonderfully here.
Shallot (1, diced): Delivers a subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the sauce.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Essential for aromatic depth that makes the sauce crave-worthy.
Italian seasoning or dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a classic herbaceous kick that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances all flavors; seasoning in stages ensures perfect balance.
Tomato paste (¼ cup): Concentrates tomato flavor and brings a rich, vibrant color to the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth (1 ¾ cups, plus more as needed): Adds savory liquid to cook the gnocchi and thin the sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
Heavy cream or full fat coconut milk (½ cup): Creates that luscious, velvety richness that makes this dish so comforting.
Gnocchi (1 pound): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce perfectly; cauliflower gnocchi is a great substitute for a lighter option.
Fresh spinach (3 cups, chopped): Brings in a fresh, slightly earthy note and vibrant green color; frozen peas work as a tasty alternative.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1-2 ounces, plus more to garnish): Adds a salty, nutty finish that melds beautifully into the sauce.
Basil leaves (¼ cup, julienned): Provides a bright, herbal freshness as a final garnish for that extra pop of color and flavor.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced chicken sausage and sauté until each piece is gorgeously golden and caramelized, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. This step builds a wonderful depth of flavor early on, so don’t rush it! Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, warm the remaining olive oil over medium heat, then add diced shallots, minced garlic, and half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Sauté gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the shallots soften and become translucent, releasing their gentle sweetness. Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and flavor—a small step that transforms the sauce into something heavenly.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Gnocchi

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to incorporate every bit of flavor from the pan. Then add the heavy cream (or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free twist) along with the remaining salt. Give it a good stir and add your gnocchi directly into this creamy, tomatoey broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and perfect.

Step 4: Finish with Greens and Cheese

Finally, stir in the fresh chopped spinach along with the browned sausage pieces, letting the spinach wilt beautifully in the warm sauce. To bring everything together, fold in the Parmesan cheese, which enriches the sauce with its delightful savory character. If you love it saucier, don’t hesitate to add a splash or two more of chicken broth here—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle julienned basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately, and get ready to enjoy a plate of warm comfort that tastes effortlessly impressive.

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Recipe

A white pan with a gold handle is filled with creamy orange sauce covering soft gnocchi pieces. Bright green sliced basil is scattered on top, adding fresh color. A silver spoon rests inside the pan, partially in the sauce. Around the pan, there is a piece of yellowish parmesan cheese on a grater, a textured beige empty bowl with a spoon inside, a glass with light liquid, and slices of garlic bread with green herbs on a white plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with scattered basil leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil leaves adds vibrant green notes and an aromatic lift, while a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives each bite that irresistible salty tang. For an extra touch, a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper can give the dish a personal flair and a subtle heat.

Side Dishes

Pair this meal with crusty garlic bread for dipping into every luscious drop of sauce, or a simple crisp green salad to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or a medley of colorful peppers also complement this dish perfectly, rounding out a hearty yet fresh dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the gnocchi family-style right out of the skillet to keep things warm and inviting. For a special occasion, plate portions in shallow bowls, garnishing each with fresh basil and Parmesan, then serve alongside a glass of crisp white wine or a light sparkling beverage to elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the leftover gnocchi cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that gnocchi will soak up sauce over time, which can thicken the dish overnight.

Freezing

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Recipe freezes well. Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for up to 2 months. To preserve the texture, it’s best to slightly undercook the gnocchi when making the dish if you plan to freeze it.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep gnocchi from becoming too chewy or gummy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian chicken sausage adds a great flavor profile, you can opt for turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even a plant-based version. Just adjust cooking times if needed, especially for raw sausages.

What if I don’t have gnocchi on hand?

If gnocchi isn’t available, small pasta shapes like orecchiette, mini shells, or even tortellini can be fantastic substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you use since they’ll vary in texture and time needed.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to get that creamy richness without dairy. Use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter version.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely—this recipe is versatile. Adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can provide extra nutrition and texture. Just sauté them with the shallots to ensure they’re cooked perfectly.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on your sausage choice. Using spicy Italian chicken sausage will add a nice kick, but mild versions will keep it gentle for sensitive palates. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes when serving if you want more spice.

Final Thoughts

If you want a weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the One Pan Creamy Tomato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Recipe is your ticket to comfort without complication. It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a loved staple in your meal rotation. So, grab your ingredients, cook up this beauty, and prepare for compliments all around!

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