Save A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite, especially on chilly nights when we crave comfort food that doesn't take hours to make.
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Ingredients
- Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button, cleaned and sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g), roughly chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Potato gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g), shelf-stable or refrigerated
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes until softened, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add garlic and thyme to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the gnocchi, letting it toast slightly for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the sausage to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6:
- Fold in the spinach and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 7:
- Simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are tender.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve hot.
Save Making this meal always brings the family together, sharing stories while the delicious aroma fills the kitchen.
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Variations
For a vegetarian option, omit sausage and add sautéed wild mushrooms with a pinch of smoked paprika to maintain richness.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine for an elevated dining experience.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Save 
This one-pan skillet is the ultimate comfort food that is both simple to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As
- → Can I substitute the sausage with a different meat?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage can be used as lighter alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
- → What type of mushrooms work best in this dish?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for their earthy flavor and tender texture when sautéed.
- → Is there a way to add more depth to the sauce?
Adding a splash of white wine along with the broth enhances the sauce’s richness and complexity.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the sausage and increase wild mushrooms, adding smoked paprika for a smoky, savory note.
- → What wine pairs well with this skillet meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or rustic red wine complements the creamy sauce and savory flavors beautifully.
