Description
This easy one-pan dinner features tender potato gnocchi cooked with savory Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. With a creamy broth addition and fresh herbs, it’s a comforting yet quick meal 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
Pantry Items & Seasonings
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 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, approximately 1-2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, preparing it for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain its delicate aroma.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly into the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop golden, crispy edges on the bottom.
- Finish the gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi to flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s lightly crisped on all sides, adding texture to the dish.
- Add peas and adjust moisture: Stir in the frozen peas to the skillet. If the mixture looks too dry, pour in the chicken broth or heavy cream to create a saucier consistency and keep everything moist.
- Season the dish: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, stirring well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the dish.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve the gnocchi warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
- For a richer, creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Fresh peas can be used instead of frozen, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi.
