Pin it A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
This dish quickly became a family favorite the moment I served it on a chilly weeknight, warming us all up from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g), mild or spicy, casings removed
- Cremini or button mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g), 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—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 My family loves gathering around the table for this meal especially on cool nights when nothing else feels quite as satisfying.
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). Double-check gnocchi and sausage for specific allergen content.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 540 calories, 32 g total fat, 43 g carbohydrates, 20 g protein.
Pin it 
Enjoy this rich and satisfying skillet dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies all on the dinner table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy with casings removed, provides a flavorful base that crisps well when browned.
- → Can I use other mushrooms?
Cremini or button mushrooms are suggested for their earthiness, but other varieties like shiitake or oyster can add unique flavors.
- → How to achieve a creamy sauce without curdling?
Simmer gently after adding heavy cream and broth, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling and ensure a silky texture.
- → Can I substitute the gnocchi?
Potato gnocchi provides a soft, pillowy texture. For variation, try sweet potato gnocchi or fresh homemade versions.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine balances the richness and earthiness of the skillet meal perfectly.