Description
This one-pan Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is a quick and hearty dinner option that combines tender potato gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, and sweet peas in a savory skillet meal. With a lightly crisped gnocchi texture and creamy Parmesan finish, it’s an easy stovetop dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Pasta 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)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to warm up.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the sausage in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent.
- 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 evenly and let cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so the bottoms develop a golden, crisp edge.
- Continue crisping gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi gently and continue cooking another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing more pieces to crisp up and gain a nice texture.
- Add peas and liquid: Stir in the frozen peas. If the pan looks dry or the gnocchi need moisture, add the chicken broth or heavy cream to create a light sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage and optionally adding more red pepper flakes.
- For a creamier dish, use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly, so watch closely to avoid burning.
- This recipe is flexible with herbs—fresh basil or parsley works great for garnish.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
