One Pot Sausage Gnocchi (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, comforting, minimal cleanup, and something the whole family will actually eat—this One Pot Sausage Gnocchi is it.
This is one of those meals I come back to again and again on busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pan (yes, really), which means fewer dishes and less stress at the end of the night. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor from the Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and a rich, velvety sauce.
And the best part? My kids love it. The soft gnocchi and creamy base make it super kid-friendly, while the crispy parmesan topping adds just enough texture to keep it interesting for everyone else.
It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need something fast but still homemade.
For the Gnocchi:
2 tbsp salted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground mild or hot Italian sausage
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
2 (16 oz.) packages gnocchi
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
3 cups chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
3 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For the Crispy Parmesan Topping
1 tbsp salted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Directions
1. Make the crispy topping
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in panko, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until golden and crispy (about 7–9 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in panko, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until golden and crispy (about 7–9 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Brown the sausage
In the same skillet, cook sausage and onion until browned. Add tomato paste, remaining garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
In the same skillet, cook sausage and onion until browned. Add tomato paste, remaining garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Build the sauce
Pour in chicken broth. Add gnocchi, diced tomatoes, and cream cheese. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5–10 minutes, until gnocchi is tender.
Pour in chicken broth. Add gnocchi, diced tomatoes, and cream cheese. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5–10 minutes, until gnocchi is tender.
4. Make it creamy
Stir in spinach until wilted. Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Stir in spinach until wilted. Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with crispy parmesan breadcrumbs. Serve warm and enjoy!
Spoon into bowls and top with crispy parmesan breadcrumbs. Serve warm and enjoy!
