Pin to Board A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce&mdashperfect for cozy evenings.
I first served this dish on a chilly fall night and it quickly became a family favorite, perfect for warming up after outdoor adventures.
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)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- 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&ndash3 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&ndash7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are tender.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve hot.
Pin to Board This meal always reminds me of cozy family dinners gathered around the table sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms plus a pinch of smoked paprika.
Pairings
Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 540 Calories, 32 g Total Fat, 43 g Carbohydrates, 20 g Protein.
Pin to Board 
Enjoy this delicious skillet meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Common Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, balances the rich mushrooms and creamy sauce well. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- → Can I use fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi?
Both fresh and shelf-stable gnocchi work well. Toasting them in the skillet first adds a pleasant texture before simmering in the sauce.
- → How do I enhance the sauce flavor?
Adding a splash of white wine with the broth can deepen the sauce’s flavor, along with fresh thyme and garlic for aromatic richness.
- → What can I substitute for mushrooms?
Cremini or button mushrooms are preferred for their earthiness, but wild mushrooms or a blend can add more complex flavors.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Omit the sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms with smoked paprika to create a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the creamy sauce and savory sausage flavors nicely.