Ingredients
Protein
- 4 to 5 chicken sausages, sliced (Italian or Spicy Italian)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 shallot, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or substitute 1 cup frozen thawed peas)
- ¼ cup basil leaves, julienned
Pantry Staples & Dairy
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the chicken sausage: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced chicken sausages and sauté until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the browned sausages to a large plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the shallots are tender and fragrant.
- Add seasoning and tomato paste: Stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and develop a richer flavor.
- Create the sauce: Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth followed by the heavy cream or coconut milk. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir everything to combine well.
- Cook the gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring occasionally until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and sausage: Incorporate the chopped spinach and cooked chicken sausage back into the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly combined. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash or two of chicken broth to adjust consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with julienned basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, optionally with garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can use cauliflower gnocchi as a low-carb alternative to regular gnocchi.
- Substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream to make this dish dairy-free.
- Italian or spicy Italian chicken sausages work best for flavor, but any chicken sausage variety can be used.
- If you prefer a saucier texture, add more chicken broth during cooking to reach your desired consistency.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian