This Creamy Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage is loaded with tender potato dumplings, savory chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, peppers and onions, all tucked into a rich Parmesan cream sauce.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to balance the creamy sauce and bring all those delicious flavors together.
What makes this recipe irresistible
Everything cooks in one skillet, so there's no separate pot of water to boil and fewer dishes to wash. Fully cooked chicken sausage and frozen peppers and onions keep the prep work to a minimum, while everything simmers together in the savory sauce, building flavor and creating that rich, creamy consistency.
Creamy Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces kielbasa sliced
- 1½ cups frozen peppers and onions
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 16 ounces shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 14.5 ounce can of chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Add the frozen peppers and onions and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid released by the vegetables has evaporated.
- Add the garlic, cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the gnocchi and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat it in all those good flavors.
- Pour in the entire can of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the gnocchi is tender. Making sure the gnocchi stays submerged in the liquid.
- Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is hot.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Let the gnocchi rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes. You can use it straight from the freezer without thawing first. It may need a few extra minutes of cooking time, so check that it's tender before adding the remaining ingredients.
No. Add them straight from the freezer. Cook until they're tender and the excess moisture has evaporated before continuing with the recipe.
Deb's top tips
Don't rush the frozen peppers and onions. Let them cook until most of the excess moisture has evaporated before adding the remaining ingredients. This keeps the extra liquid from watering down the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Test kitchen notes
I tested this recipe using a 14.5-ounce can of chicken broth and found it was just the right amount to cook the gnocchi without leaving the skillet soupy. Be sure to let the finished dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The sauce continues to thicken and cling to the gnocchi as it sits.
Additionally I've used both fully cooked turkey sausage, pork Italian sausage and kielbasa when I was testing the recipe. All are great choices. Choose a mild or spicy variety depending on how much heat you like. This recipe is very flexible!
More easy dinner recipes
If you love gnocchi, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a cozy, creamy meal. My Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake is another great choice when you're craving chicken, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, while Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is an easy, cheesy dinner that's always a family favorite.
What to serve with Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage
This creamy gnocchi is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, so simple sides are all you need. Serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich Parmesan sauce. A loaf of warm crusty bread or garlic bread is always a good addition too, especially when there's extra sauce left in the bottom of the skillet!
This is one of those recipes I couldn't wait to share with you! I made it for dinner and knew right away it was a keeper. I hope it earns a spot in your dinner rotation too. When you give it a try, leave a comment and let me know what you think. I always love hearing what's cooking in your kitchen!
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