Description
This one-pan Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner option that combines tender potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Cooked entirely in a skillet, this meal offers crispy edges on the gnocchi and a creamy finish for a comforting yet easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream (for a saucier dish)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Base Ingredient
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
Seasonings and Garnish
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for cooking, about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to warm up.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pan if necessary.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly into the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer and let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to allow them to develop golden, crispy edges.
- Continue crisping gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi gently, then cook for another 3–4 minutes until the gnocchi are lightly crisped all over.
- Add peas and liquid: Stir in the frozen peas to combine. If the mixture looks dry, pour in the chicken broth or heavy cream to add moisture and create a slight sauce.
- Season: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your preference. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer, creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning works well as a garnish substitute.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking gnocchi to ensure crisp edges.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
