Creamy One-Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious, then you’re going to adore this Creamy One-Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe. This recipe brings together tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and fresh zucchini all in one skillet, simmered in a luscious creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new go-to weeknight favorite!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend beautifully to create a rich and satisfying dish. When shopping, look for good-quality Italian sausage and fresh zucchini for the best flavor. The gnocchi does a fantastic job soaking up all the creamy sauce!

• Italian sausage: Sweet or mild works best; you want that savory flavor without overpowering spice.
• Onion: A diced medium onion adds just the right touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Zucchini: Quartered and cut into pieces, it adds freshness and texture.
• Diced tomatoes (canned): Use undrained to keep things saucy without extra fuss.
• Water: Just a little to help the sauce simmer and prevent sticking.
• Potato gnocchi: Fresh or store-bought both work—be gentle when stirring to avoid tearing.
• Baby spinach leaves: Adds vibrant color and mild earthiness.
• Fresh basil: Both chopped inside and extra for garnish for a fragrant finish.
• Heavy cream: Essential for that dreamy, creamy texture.
• Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty cheese brings everything together beautifully.

Variations

I love playing around with this Creamy One-Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe to suit whatever mood or pantry I have. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add extras to keep it exciting.

• Vegetarian: Try swapping sausage for seasoned mushrooms or plant-based sausage; it still gets that hearty vibe.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat—I find it wakes up the whole dish.
• Cheese swaps: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or Asiago if you want a melty, stringy texture.
• Seasonal greens: Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard depending on availability.

How to Make Creamy One-Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften Onions

Start by heating a good-sized Dutch oven over medium heat, then add your sausage and diced onion. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. You’ll want to keep stirring until the sausage loses its pink color and the onions start to turn translucent, which takes around 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the foundation—don’t rush it because that caramelized flavor makes all the difference.

Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini and Garlic

Next, toss in the zucchini and minced garlic. Cook these for another 5 to 6 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften but still has a slight bite. Keep the heat medium so the garlic doesn’t burn—burnt garlic can turn bitter, and that’s the last thing you want in this creamy dish.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Water, and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes + their juices along with a splash of water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This lets the flavors meld while keeping the sauce nice and saucy for the gnocchi to absorb.

Step 4: Incorporate Gnocchi and Cook Till Tender

Now add your gnocchi straight into the pan. Give it a good stir to coat the gnocchi in sauce. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 6 to 7 minutes. Stir it every now and then to stop sticking—but be gentle! You want the gnocchi tender and plump, not falling apart.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Basil, Cream, and Parmesan

Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the baby spinach and fresh basil until the spinach starts to wilt. Then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese. Turn the heat off, cover again, and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and let those flavors come together. Stir well one last time to incorporate all the creamy goodness.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Give your dish a taste and adjust seasonings if needed—sometimes a pinch of salt or extra Parmesan takes it over the top. Serve it up in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and basil sprinkled on top. You’ll be amazed at how rich and full-flavored this one-pan wonder is!

How to Serve Creamy One-Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with extra freshly shredded Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil leaves—those little touches bring brightness and a lovely herbaceous aroma. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving for a silky finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy gnocchi with a crisp side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans lighten things up nicely, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in rustic shallow bowls and added a poached egg on top—once you break that yolk, it adds an incredible richness. Another fun idea is to layer the dish in a casserole dish with extra cheese and broil it for a few minutes, creating a golden bubbly crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the creaminess can thicken. Just add a splash of milk or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay if you’re careful. I recommend freezing before adding the spinach and cream — both fresh spinach and dairy don’t thaw as well. When ready to eat, defrost overnight, add the spinach and cream fresh, and warm through gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. Adding a splash of cream or broth helps revive that creamy sauce consistency. Microwave works too, but I prefer the stovetop for more even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy One-Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for busy evenings when I want hearty comfort food without the fuss. The combination of creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and fresh veggies always just hits the spot for me and my family. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this as much as I do—don’t forget to top it with plenty of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that extra special touch!

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