why make this recipe
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is a delicious and comforting meal that brings together savory flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of Italian sausage, potato gnocchi, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it only requires one skillet, which means less clean-up for you!
how to make Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi start to turn golden, about 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2–3 minutes. Serve hot.
how to serve Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
Serve this dish hot out of the skillet for a cozy meal. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a lovely touch.
how to store Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave until heated thoroughly.
tips to make Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
- For a bit of heat, choose spicy Italian sausage.
- You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers or zucchini would work well.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi. You want them to be tender but still have a slight bite.
variation
You can also make a vegetarian version by skipping the sausage and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or bell peppers. For a creamy twist, you can stir in a bit of cream or cream cheese before adding the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prep the ingredients and cook it a few hours in advance. Just reheat it gently before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a light soup. Enjoy it with a glass of wine for a complete meal!

Italian Sausage Gnocchi Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and comforting dish featuring Italian sausage, potato gnocchi, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi start to turn golden, about 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2–3 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
For a bit of heat, choose spicy Italian sausage. You can also use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar or provolone. Consider adding veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
