Description
This one-pan Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a creamy Parmesan finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty skillet meal offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Dry and Dairy
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasonings
- ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream (for a saucier dish)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking, approximately 1-2 tablespoons)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to coat the pan evenly, preparing for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, building flavor.
- 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 the gnocchi evenly and let it sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to allow golden edges to form on the gnocchi pieces.
- Stir and crisp gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi gently and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes so the gnocchi become lightly crisped all over.
- Add peas and broth or cream: Stir in the frozen peas, ensuring they combine well with the sausage and gnocchi. If the skillet seems dry, pour in chicken broth or heavy cream to achieve the desired sauciness.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting for personal preference.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet to allow gnocchi to crisp properly.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your flavor preference.
- Fresh herbs add a bright finishing touch and can be substituted with dried herbs if necessary.
