Print

Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Gnocchi

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful dish with tender gnocchi enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, savory sausage, and vibrant spinach.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 to 5 chicken sausages (Italian or Spicy Italian preferred), sliced
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 pound gnocchi (or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or substituting with 1 cup frozen thawed peas)
  • 1–2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to garnish
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves, julienned

Instructions

  1. Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat and adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced chicken sausage. Sauté the sausage until golden brown, approximately 3–5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a large plate and set it aside.
  2. In the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil, then add the diced shallots, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook these ingredients until the shallot is tender, which should take about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Next, stir in the Italian seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute just until the tomato paste deepens in color.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or coconut milk), followed by the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  5. Add the gnocchi, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the gnocchi is tender, about 3–5 minutes.
  6. Return the sautéed sausage to the skillet, then gently fold in the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
  7. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Garnish with julienned basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Substitute traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummyfirst.com/creamy-italian-sausage-spinach-gnocchi/