Description
This creamy one pan gnocchi with sausage and zucchini is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner bursting with fresh flavors. Italian sausage is browned and cooked with onions and garlic, then combined with tender zucchini, diced tomatoes, and soft gnocchi. The dish is finished with baby spinach, fresh basil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 16 ounces sweet or mild Italian sausage
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces zucchini, quartered and cut into ½ inch pieces (about 3 cups)
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ¼ cup water
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 5 ounces baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for topping if desired
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and onions: In a 5 to 6 quart Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage together with diced onions, breaking up large pieces of sausage with a spoon. Continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink and the onions begin to soften, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Cook the zucchini and garlic: Add the quartered zucchini and minced garlic to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes and ¼ cup water into the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the gnocchi: Stir in the potato gnocchi to combine evenly. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking.
- Add greens and finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and chopped fresh basil until the spinach wilts. Then, mix in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Turn off the heat and cover the pan for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve and garnish: Stir the dish well before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve in shallow pasta bowls topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- A steaming bowlful of creamy one pan gnocchi with sausage and zucchini is just what you need for dinner this week.
- Easy to make and minimal cleanup thanks to using only one pan.
- Use sweet or mild Italian sausage according to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or simmer uncovered for a few minutes before adding the cream.
- Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor, but you can substitute dried basil if fresh is unavailable, using about 1 tablespoon dried.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.75 cups
- Calories: 521 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 921 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
