Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

Some dinners are made for lazy nights, and some are made for date night—but gnocchi with chicken sausage checks both boxes. It is fast and cozy, and it tastes like something you’d order at a wine bar that used to be a bookstore but now has an artisan olive oil menu. With pillowy potato gnocchi, golden browned sausage, garlicky shallots and a splash of white wine, this creamy one-pan wonder is an instant mood-lifter.

A handful of spinach provides a hint of healthy greens, and a swirl of heavy cream luxes up the dish. Plus, it comes together faster than you can scroll through your saved TikTok recipes. Serve it on weeknights when you’re short on time but high on cravings, or take it to the table to impress guests with “Oh, this? I just threw it together” energy.

Ingredients for Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

• Potato gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings are made from potatoes and flour—and yes, you can prep homemade potato gnocchi if you’re feeling ambitious. To keep things simple, we’re using shelf-stable gnocchi, which can be found in the pasta aisle, although frozen or fresh work too. If you don’t have gnocchi, try a short pasta shape like penne, rotini or farfalle.
• Olive oil: This quick saute starter gets everything going and keeps things golden but not greasy. Use whatever olive oil brand you have on hand.
• Italian chicken sausage: Italian chicken sausage is leaner than regular sausage and keeps the meal hearty without the heaviness. Slice the links into bite-sized pieces so each mouthful gets that burst of savory goodness.
• Shallots: These mild, sweet alliums are like onions with better manners. They saute quickly and add a more refined flavor without the sharp bite. Shallots are perfect for delicate sauces like this one, where you want depth, not dominance.
• Garlic: Nothing elevates a skillet dish like freshly minced garlic. It adds aroma, zing and a savory backbone—just be sure not to burn it (it doesn’t take much!).
• White wine or chicken broth: This serves as your deglazing liquid, lifting the flavorful browned bits off the pan and forming the base of your sauce. White wine adds a slightly acidic brightness and complexity, but reduced-sodium chicken broth is an excellent replacement if your wine supply is running low.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is one of our go-to ingredients for thickening sauces. It creates a luscious, velvety consistency. Whisk it into cold liquid to avoid clumping, then stir it into the skillet for a fast, foolproof finish.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Broth is used in this recipe as a mixer for the cornstarch. It also boosts the overall volume of the sauce and mellows the richness from the cream without watering down the flavor.
• Fresh baby spinach: This nutrient-packed green wilts beautifully into creamy sauces. It adds color, texture and a hit of freshness without overpowering the dish.
• Heavy whipping cream: This is the creamy dream of an ingredient that ties the whole dish together. It adds body and richness, turning your gnocchi into comfort food gold. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you could try half-and-half cream, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan is the salty, nutty and umami-packed finishing touch. If possible, shred the cheese yourself—as opposed to buying pre-shredded or grated cheese—since bags of cheese can contain anticaking agents that cause the cheese to not melt as smoothly. Sprinkle the Parm on top for that final savory flourish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the gnocchi

Cook the gnocchi according to package directions.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re using fresh or frozen gnocchi, keep a close eye on the timing—they cook quickly! When they float to the top of the boiling water, they are just about ready.

Step 2: Saute the sausage and shallots

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the sausage and shallots until the sausage is browned and the shallots are tender. Add the garlic and cook for one minute longer.

Step 3: Deglaze with wine

Stir in the wine or broth. Bring to a boil, and then cook until the liquid is reduced by half, three to four minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and broth until smooth, then stir into the sausage mixture. Return to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, one to two minutes.

Step 5: Add the spinach and cream

Add the spinach and cream; cook and stir until the spinach is wilted.

Step 6: Combine and serve

Drain the gnocchi and add it to the pan, heating it through. To finish, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME

Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Variations

• Swap in different sausage: Chicken sausage comes in a variety of flavors. Go spicy, fruity or cheesy for a fun twist.
• Add more veggies: For extra color and flavor, add halved cherry tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms or even peas.
• Try it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese for a lighter take on this one-skillet meal.

How to Store Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the cooled gnocchi with spinach and chicken sausage in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of broth or milk will bring it back to life when reheating.

How long does gnocchi with chicken sausage last?

It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. It’s perfect for lunch leftovers!

Can you freeze gnocchi with chicken sausage?

Yes, but the texture of gnocchi can get a little soft after thawing. If freezing, let it thaw completely first and reheat it gently, as opposed to throwing it into the pan or microwave dish while it’s still partially frozen.

How do you reheat gnocchi with chicken sausage?

Reheat this dish on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream. The microwave works too, just stir it halfway through to keep it creamy.

Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage Tips

JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you use fresh sausage for this recipe?

Sure! But before adding the shallots, cook it fully. Remove the casings, crumble it in the pan, and cook it until browned and cooked through.

What can you do with gnocchi and chicken sausage?

This combo is ultra-versatile. Use it in soups, sheet-pan meals or bake it under a layer of mozzarella for a bubbly casserole vibe.

What can you serve with chicken sausage gnocchi?

Make it an Italian feast: Dress a garden-fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette as the side, serve a focaccia barese to start, and finish the meal with a decadent affogato, featuring only the richest vanilla gelato.