If you’re craving a comforting, full-flavored meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, this Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pillows of gnocchi pan-seared until golden, mingling with juicy Italian sausage and bursts of sweet peas, all coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings delightful textures and flavors into perfect harmony without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dinners for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory sausage to the bright green peas, these essentials come together to create a truly satisfying skillet meal.
- 12 ounces Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy based on your preference; removing casings helps the sausage cook evenly in crumbles.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch to the dish.
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi: The star ingredient that soaks up flavors and crisps nicely in the skillet.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of natural sweetness and lovely green color.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Adjustable to taste, enhances all flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and balance.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the gnocchi for creamy, salty goodness.
- ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream: Use broth for lighter sauce or cream for decadence.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for those who love a little spicy kick.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Bright, fresh herb garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage and break it into smaller pieces with your spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, which releases all that rich, savory flavor. Drain excess grease if there’s too much—it keeps the dish from feeling oily but keeps all those meaty juices.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the finely diced onions. Let them soften and become fragrant, around 3 to 4 minutes. The onions add natural sweetness that balances the sausage perfectly. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for just about 30 seconds until you can smell that garlicky aroma—overcooking garlic will turn bitter, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Crisp the Gnocchi
Now for the fun part—add the potato gnocchi straight into the skillet. Spread them out evenly and resist stirring for 2 to 3 minutes. This technique lets the gnocchi develop a golden, slightly crispy crust. After that, stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes so all sides get a little love. This texture contrast elevates the dish and keeps it exciting bite after bite.
Step 4: Add Peas and Finish the Sauce
Sprinkle in the frozen peas and give everything a good stir to combine. If the skillet looks dry at this point, pour in some chicken broth or cream depending on how rich you want the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking, and let it all come together for a moment. The peas warm through, adding bursts of freshness and sweetness that cut through the richness beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the warm gnocchi and sausage mixture. It adds that irresistible creamy, salty note that seals the whole dish. Finish by scattering fresh parsley or basil on top for a bright, herbaceous lift and, if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds a burst of color but infuses a fresh taste that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. If you want to amp up the flavor, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan make excellent additions.
Side Dishes
This skillet dinner is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies. A simple garlic bread would also complement the dish perfectly and soak up every last bit of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, serve this gnocchi skillet family-style right from the pan so everyone can help themselves. You could also plate it elegantly by placing a nest of the gnocchi in the center of each plate, topped with fresh herbs and a dusting of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to resist eating it all), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the best texture of the gnocchi is right after cooking.
Freezing
This Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe doesn’t freeze as well once combined because the gnocchi texture can become mushy upon thawing. It’s better to freeze cooked gnocchi separately or freeze the cooked sausage mixture without the gnocchi, then combine fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help restore the crispy gnocchi edges. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the gnocchi gummy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works wonderfully and cooks up quickly in the skillet. Just be sure not to thaw it ahead of time—add it straight from the freezer for best results.
What kind of sausage is best for this dish?
Italian sausage is preferred for its flavor depth and seasoning, but feel free to use mild or spicy depending on your taste. Removing the casing ensures it breaks apart nicely during cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add smoked paprika for a smoky element. The peas and gnocchi keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Is there a way to make this dish creamier?
Definitely. Substitute the chicken broth with heavy cream in step 4, or add a splash of cream at the end to get a rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is moderately mild, but you can adjust spiciness by choosing spicy Italian sausage and adding red pepper flakes to your liking when garnishing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on your plate, this Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe is such a winner. It’s easy enough for busy nights, yet special enough to impress anyone at your table. Once you whip it up, I’m sure it’ll become a cherished staple in your dinner rotation too.
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Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan dinner featuring golden sautéed gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, sweet peas, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream (for a saucier dish)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Pantry
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking, about 1-2 tablespoons)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant to release its aroma.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so it can develop nice golden, crispy edges.
- Toss the gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until it is lightly crisped on all sides.
- Add peas and liquid: Stir in the frozen peas. If the pan appears dry, pour in the chicken broth or heavy cream to create a slight sauce and keep the dish moist.
- Season: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- You can substitute heavy cream with chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust the spice level by changing the type or amount of sausage and red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet to preserve the crispiness of gnocchi.
