Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

There’s something magical about Italian comfort food; it’s warm, rustic, and always full of heart. I first tried Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe during a trip to northern Italy, where gnocchi (pronounced NYOH-kee) is a beloved staple, especially in regions like Piedmont and Trentino-Alto Adige.

Traditionally made from potatoes and flour, gnocchi perfectly absorbs rich, velvety sauces. This dish beautifully captures Italy’s love for simple, flavorful ingredients, combining sausage, tomatoes, and cream into a cozy, indulgent meal that feels like a warm Italian hug in every bite.

Ingredients

Here are the key components you’ll need for this delicious one-pan meal. Using quality ingredients really makes the flavors pop.

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage – You can use ground sausage meat or buy links and remove the casings. The sausage provides the main savory, spiced flavor.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – A sweet or yellow onion works best to add a layer of aromatic sweetness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Always use fresh garlic for the best, most pungent flavor. Don’t be tempted by the jarred kind.
• ⅓ cup dry white wine – A splash of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio deglazes the pan and adds a touch of acidity and complexity to the sauce.
• 1 (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes – Canned tomatoes bring a robust tomato flavor and form the base of the sauce. Don’t drain them; you’ll want the juices.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This is essential for creating that luxurious, creamy texture. I don’t recommend substituting it with milk or half-and-half.
• 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi – The kind you find in the pasta aisle works perfectly and cooks right in the sauce.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Grating your own cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without any clumping.
• A handful of fresh basil, torn – Adds a final burst of fresh, peppery flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Season at the end to adjust the final flavors perfectly.

Note: This recipe yields several servings, typically enough for 4 people.

Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also fun to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for an extra kick.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale at the very end of cooking. Let it wilt into the sauce for a minute or two to add extra nutrients and color.
• Change the Protein: This recipe works well with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Just be sure to season it well.
• Booze-Free Option: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. A small squeeze of lemon juice at the end can help replicate the acidity.

Cooking Time

This dish is a true 30-minute meal, making it an ideal choice for a busy schedule.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need much to pull this recipe together, which is part of its charm.

• Large Skillet or Braiser: A 12-inch skillet with deep sides is perfect for cooking everything in one pan without making a mess.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For breaking up the sausage and stirring the sauce.
• Garlic Press: A helpful tool for mincing garlic quickly and easily.
• Cheese Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese fresh.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe?

The best part about this recipe is that the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, which not only saves you from washing an extra pot but also helps thicken the sauce with its starches. 

Brown the Sausage and Aromatics

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 7-10 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and the onion has softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Create the Sauce Base

Pour the white wine into the skillet. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where so much flavor is hiding. Let the wine bubble and reduce for about a minute. Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), the heavy cream, and the uncooked gnocchi. Stir everything together until well combined.

Simmer and Thicken

Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This initial covered cooking time helps the gnocchi start to soften. After 5 minutes, uncover the skillet, give everything a good stir, and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes. The sauce will thicken, and the gnocchi will become plump and tender.

Finish the Dish

Once the gnocchi is cooked and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the torn basil leaves. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier. Give the dish a final taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Your creamy sausage gnocchi is now ready to be served hot.

🇮🇹 Italy: The Heart of Comforting Flavors

When you travel through northern Italy, especially regions like Piedmont and Trentino-Alto Adige, you’ll quickly discover that gnocchi is more than just a dish; it’s a piece of Italian heritage. 

These soft potato dumplings are cherished for their simplicity and ability to carry rich, creamy sauces.

In local trattorias, creamy sausage gnocchi is a favorite, combining regional ingredients like Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cream, a comforting taste that perfectly represents Italy’s rustic culinary traditions and family warmth. 

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take this dish from great to absolutely perfect.

• I really insist on removing Italian sausage from its casings if you can’t find it in bulk. The texture is much better, and it incorporates into the sauce more evenly than sliced sausage.
• Don’t skip deglazing the pan with wine! This step adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It really elevates the sauce from simple to sophisticated.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered for the last few minutes. This is my key to getting the perfect consistency. It allows excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a sauce that beautifully coats every single piece of gnocchi.
• I always save a little extra basil to sprinkle on top right before serving. The contrast of the fresh herb against the warm, creamy sauce is just wonderful.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Gnocchi?

In Italy, gnocchi holds deep cultural roots, often served during family gatherings or festive occasions. Each region has its own version, some made with ricotta, others with semolina or pumpkin.

This creamy sausage gnocchi represents the hearty, northern Italian style where comfort and richness take center stage.

Serve it hot in shallow bowls, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan, and enjoy it with crusty bread and a glass of Pinot Grigio just as locals do in the hills of Piedmont. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹

Nutritional Information

Here is a general estimate of the nutritional values per serving.

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 kcal
• Protein: Around 25g
• Carbohydrates: Around 45g
• Fat: Around 35g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious. Here’s how to handle them.

Storing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but it will loosen up again upon reheating.

Freezing

I generally do not recommend freezing this dish. Cream-based sauces have a tendency to separate when thawed, and the texture of the gnocchi can become undesirably soft and mealy. It’s much better to make it fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to thin out the sauce as it heats up. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the gnocchi rubbery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to adore this simple yet elegant dish.

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect low-effort, high-reward meal.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: This recipe is incredibly fast, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table quickly.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, tangy tomatoes, and rich cream creates a complex flavor profile that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: With its pillowy gnocchi and luscious sauce, this dish is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s warming, hearty, and deeply satisfying.