Woodsy Sausage Mushroom Gnocchi

A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.

I first served this dish on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite, perfect for warming up after a long day.

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

Instructions

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

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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.

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

Check price on Amazon

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe brings the family together, creating cozy moments around the dinner table.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms plus a pinch of smoked paprika.

Pairings

Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gnocchi), milk (cream, Parmesan), possibly egg (gnocchi), and pork (sausage). Double-check gnocchi and sausage for specific allergen content.

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Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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Enjoy this rich and satisfying skillet meal that’s both simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I substitute the Italian sausage with other meats?

Yes, turkey or chicken sausage works well for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

→ What mushrooms are best for this dish?

Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for their earthy taste and tender texture when sautéed.

→ Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?

Omit the sausage and increase mushrooms, adding smoked paprika for a smoky depth to maintain a rich flavor profile.

→ What cooking equipment is recommended?

A large oven-proof skillet is essential to brown the sausage and cook the gnocchi evenly while developing a flavorful sauce.

→ How do I know when the gnocchi is perfectly cooked?

The gnocchi becomes tender and lightly toasted after simmering in the sauce for 5–7 minutes and absorbing its flavors.