One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi
This One-Pan Creamy Sausage Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food! Pillowy potato gnocchi, spicy Italian sausage, and fresh kale are tossed together in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. The best part? It all cooks in one single skillet in under 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Boiling Required: The gnocchi cooks right in the skillet sauce, absorbing all the incredible flavors.
- One Pan Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time relaxing after dinner.
- Hearty and Comforting: The perfect robust, warming meal for cold nights.
Ingredients You Need
You can use either spicy or sweet Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. The fresh kale wilts down beautifully into the cream sauce, providing a great earthy balance to the rich cheese.
How to Make It
Brown the Italian sausage in your skillet. Add garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Toss in the uncooked store-bought gnocchi—it will cook directly in the simmering liquid, releasing starches that help thicken the sauce perfectly. Finally, stir in the kale and parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
Use the shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle for this recipe. Do not use frozen gnocchi, as it will make the sauce too watery.
Variations
Storage & Reheating
FAQ
Can I substitute the kale?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach is a perfect substitute if you aren’t a fan of kale. Just add it at the very end, as spinach wilts much faster.

Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the skillet. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 5 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender.
- Remove the lid and stir in the chopped kale. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the kale is wilted and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired.

