Craving a comforting and delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this one-pan Italian sausage and gnocchi skillet! This recipe combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the pillowy goodness of gnocchi, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with a touch of cream for richness. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up. This recipe is easily customizable to your liking, allowing you to swap out vegetables or add a little spice. Let’s get cooking!
**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in just one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** Italian sausage and a rich tomato sauce create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Comforting:** The pillowy gnocchi and creamy sauce make this a truly comforting meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables or adjusting the level of spice.
* **Minimal Clean-Up:** One-pan meals are a dream when it comes to cleaning up after dinner!
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound, sweet or spicy (or a combination!), removed from casings
* **Gnocchi:** 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi (or homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious!)
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced
* **Bell Pepper:** 1, any color, chopped
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons
* **Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth):** 1/2 cup
* **Heavy Cream (or Half-and-Half):** 1/4 cup
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for spice)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Fresh Basil:** Chopped, for garnish (optional)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated, for serving (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Large Skillet (at least 12 inches)
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Remove the Italian sausage from its casings. If using links, slice them lengthwise and remove the meat.
* Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
* If using fresh basil, chop it and set it aside for garnish.
2. **Brown the Sausage:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure that the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
* Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet for added flavor.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Build the Sauce:**
* Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato paste.
* Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
5. **Add the Gnocchi and Sausage:**
* Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet.
* Add the gnocchi to the skillet. There’s no need to boil the shelf-stable gnocchi beforehand; it will cook directly in the sauce.
* Stir to combine everything well, ensuring the gnocchi is coated in the sauce.
6. **Simmer and Thicken:**
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth to thin it out.
7. **Add Cream and Finish:**
* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) until well combined.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. **Serve and Garnish:**
* Serve the Italian sausage and gnocchi skillet hot.
* Garnish with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Sausage:** Feel free to use any type of Italian sausage you prefer. Sweet sausage will give a milder flavor, while spicy sausage will add a kick. You can also use turkey Italian sausage for a lighter option.
* **Gnocchi:** While this recipe uses shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience, you can certainly use refrigerated or frozen gnocchi. If using frozen gnocchi, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
* **Vegetables:** Get creative with your vegetables! Add spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Add leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking so they wilt slightly.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you don’t like spice, simply omit them altogether.
* **Cheese:** Besides Parmesan, you can also use mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago cheese. Sprinkle the cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or rice flour.
* **Add Wine:** For a deeper, richer flavor, add a splash of dry red or white wine to the skillet after sautéing the vegetables. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two to reduce before adding the tomatoes.
* **Broth Alternatives:** Vegetable or chicken broth are recommended, but beef broth can also add a richer, savory flavor. You can also use water in a pinch, but the flavor will be less pronounced.
* **Herbs:** While Italian seasoning is a great all-purpose blend, you can customize the herbs to your liking. Try adding fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
* **Cream Cheese:** For an extra creamy and decadent sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes for an intense burst of flavor.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for added protein.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve this Italian sausage and gnocchi skillet as a main course.
* Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
* Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
**Storage and Reheating:**
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate):**
* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 70-90mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 20-25g
**Conclusion:**
This Italian sausage and gnocchi skillet is a simple, yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its flavorful sauce, tender gnocchi, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know what you think! We encourage you to experiment with the recipe and make it your own.
**Enjoy your delicious one-pan creation!**