If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in a flash, this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. The rich cream sauce, savory Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and bright bursts of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress, this dish never fails to satisfy cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in delivering an irresistible dish. From the Italian sausage that brings robust, savory depth to the delicate gnocchi that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly, every element enhances the final flavor and texture.
- 11 ounces Italian sausages (crumbled): Provides a hearty, flavorful protein base for the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a warm, aromatic kick to elevate the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps build a savory, light foundation for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luscious, rich texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet burst of color and flavor.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy pasta that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1.5 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Introduces freshness and a mild, leafy bite.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness to finish the dish.
- Fresh basil (optional) (to taste): Gives a lovely herbal fragrance and freshness if you choose to include it.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the sausage meat from its casings and crumbling it into a deep skillet. Cooking the sausage over medium-high heat until nicely browned not only develops deep savory notes but also forms the flavorful base of the sauce. Be sure to break it up as it cooks so you get little flavorful morsels throughout.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the sausage is beautifully browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just long enough—around 30 seconds—for it to release its fragrant aroma without burning. This little step infuses the entire dish with warmth and depth that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Ingredients
Next, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice, then add the sun-dried tomatoes and potato gnocchi to the pan. Give everything a good stir to combine. This mixture begins building that rich, luscious sauce the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is loved for.
Step 4: Simmer Covered
Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan. Let everything cook gently for about 5 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi absorbs the flavors of the sauce while slowly softening to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
After the gnocchi has softened, give it a stir, then stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cover the pan once again for 1 to 2 minutes to let the spinach wilt perfectly—adding a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the cream.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
To finish, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil if you’re using it. This elevates the dish with a wonderfully cheesy depth and herby brightness that makes every bite sing. Make sure the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To make your plate look restaurant-worthy, consider garnishing with a few fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of extra parmesan, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These touches add freshness and a lovely aroma that makes the dish even more inviting. Cracked black pepper on top adds a hint of bite and visual appeal as well.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe stands well on its own, but you can complement it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also fantastic to mop up that luscious cream sauce—highly recommended if you love savoring every drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the gnocchi in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with colorful sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach leaves. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a dash of chili flakes for extra texture and heat. This dish’s creamy, rustic beauty makes it perfect for cozy dinner parties or special family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option for quick lunches or dinners. Just be mindful that the sauce may thicken as it chills.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so without the fresh spinach, as it can become mushy when thawed. Portion the gnocchi and sausage mixture into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to maintain that silky texture the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor. Just be sure to check the seasoning, as turkey sausage can be milder, so you might want to add a pinch of Italian herbs or extra garlic to boost the taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream substitute, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The dish will still have that creamy texture and rich flavor with these adjustments.
What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?
Traditional potato gnocchi works best for this recipe because of its tender, pillowy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully. You can find fresh or frozen gnocchi at most grocery stores, and both work well.
Can this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, such as cremini or portobello, to mimic the savory depth. It’ll still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
How do I know when the gnocchi is fully cooked?
Gnocchi cooks quickly—usually when they float to the top of the liquid or become tender when pierced with a fork. In this recipe, cooking covered for 5 minutes should be sufficient, but feel free to taste one to ensure perfect softness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the comforting creaminess and bold flavors wrapped up in this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe. It’s effortless, hearty, and utterly delicious—a winning combination that I can’t recommend enough. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi smothered in a savory sauce with Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. This quick and flavorful recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 11 ounces Italian sausages, casings removed and crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1.5 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, optional, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage meat from casings and crumble it into a deep skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking it apart continuously until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and potato gnocchi. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook and absorb the flavors.
- Add Spinach: Stir the gnocchi gently, then add the fresh baby spinach. Cover again and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil if using. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes to thicken the sauce and ensure the gnocchi is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a nice herbal brightness to the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
