Creamy Gnocchi and Sausage is an easy dinner recipe for any night of the week. Made with a simple creamy tomato sauce, fluffy potato gnocchi and Italian sausage, the whole fam will love this recipe. The best part is it is all made in one pan for simple cleanup.

Looking for other simple dinner ideas? Check out my recipes for One Pot Chicken Pasta Parmesan or One Pan Chicken and Veggies.

gnocchi pasta in a creamy tomato sauce with sausage and spinach

Creamy Gnocchi Dinner

Need a new go to dinner recipe? This gnocchi and sausage is one of our go to recipes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce comes together super easily and quick and the gnocchi only needs 2-3 minutes to cook.

Like this recipe for Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta, this gnocchi pasta recipe only takes a few simple ingredients and is always a fam favorite.

creamy tomato sauce with spinach and sausage and gnocchi

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is an Italian dumpling made of mashed potatoes, flour and eggs. These can be easily made at home by hand or, if you need a quick meal, buy the pre-made ones that are in the pasta section of the grocery store.

Gnocchi is delicious with a creamy sauce, tomato sauce, pesto or even try it with a browned butter sauce. It is versatile and always so yummy.

Sausage Gnocchi Ingredients

The ingredient list for this recipe is just as simple as the recipe itself. Nothing too special is needed to make this tasty dinner happen in under 30 minutes. To make this recipe for gnocchi you will need:

mild Italian sausage– I like to buy the kind that is not in casing like a hot dog. If you do buy the kind in the casing, simply remove it and add the sausage to the pan. If you want a spicer dish, you can purchase medium Italian sausage.
olive oil
yellow onion– yellow is a more mild onion and perfect for this recipe
garlic– fresh garlic adds a lot more flavor, but in a pinch I also like to use pre-minced garlic.
diced tomatoes– canned diced tomatoes, purchase the kind that already has the Italian seasonings in the can. If you just have regular diced tomatoes, add a tablespoon of Italian seasonings to the sauce.
heavy cream– adds thickness and creaminess
gnocchi– potato dumplings
spinach

How to Make Creamy Sausage and Gnocchi

The first step in making creamy sausage with gnocchi is to cook the sausage. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in some olive oil.

Add in the ground mild Italian sausage and onion. Cook and stir, breaking up the sausage until it is browned on all sides and cooked through.

gnocchi with sausage and tomatoes in a creamy sauce

Next, add in the minced garlic, salt and black pepper and cook for an additional 30 seconds before pouring in the cream, water and diced tomatoes.

Bring the liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add in the uncooked gnocchi and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender.

Continue to stir the pan as it cooks to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom of the pan and keep the liquid moving around in the pan.

gnocchi with a creamy tomato sauce with sausage and spinach

Continue to cook and stir in the pan until the sauce begins to thicken, this should happen while the gnocchi is cooking in the liquid.

Lastly, add the spinach to the pan and stir it into the sauce. It will begin to shrink and wilt as it is heated in the sauce.

Add parmesan cheese to the sauce, stir and serve while still warm.

gnocchi in a creamy tomato sauce with sausage and gnocchi

Tips and Storage

For a creamier sauce, add a little extra cream if desired.
Add fresh basil at the end for additional flavor
To make ahead, follow the recipe instructions, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then reheat over medium heat
Store any leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days