Description
This One-Pan Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is a quick and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Italian sausage is browned and combined with tender potato gnocchi, sweet peas, and savory Parmesan cheese in a single skillet, creating a comforting dish with crispy and creamy textures all in one pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Liquids and Garnishes
- ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream (for a saucier dish)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to warm it up, ensuring an even cooking surface for the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid sogginess.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, which helps develop flavor.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet. Spread them evenly and let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to allow the bottoms to crisp and brown.
- Continue cooking gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi gently and cook for another 3–4 minutes until they have golden, slightly crisp edges on multiple sides.
- Add peas and liquid: Stir in the frozen peas until combined. If the pan looks dry, add the chicken broth or heavy cream to create a saucier texture and prevent sticking.
- Season the dish: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with additional chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or mild sausage if you prefer less heat.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried parsley or basil can be used instead.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Ensure gnocchi is cooked just enough to develop a crispy outside without turning mushy.
