Easy One Pan Gnocchi Recipe: Dinner Magic in a Flash

Weeknight dinners demand delicious shortcuts, and this one pan gnocchi recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Soft potato pillows dance with golden-brown edges in a skillet that turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Crispy, tender gnocchi absorb rich herbs and spices, creating a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Pantry staples come together in less than 30 minutes, making this dish a weeknight warrior.

Each bite promises comfort and satisfaction without hours of complicated preparation.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into an irresistible meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your skillet and let’s make dinner delightfully easy.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just thaw them completely before cooking and pat dry to ensure they crisp up nicely in the pan.

• What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage is ideal, but you can also use breakfast sausage or chorizo for different flavor profiles. Choose a variety with good seasoning.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your sausage choice. If you want more heat, select a spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of traditional broth for a meat-free version.

What’s the Appeal of Quick Pan Gnocchi?

• Whip Up Quickly: This gnocchi recipe delivers a delicious meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap sausage for chicken or make it vegetarian, allowing flexible meal preparation that suits different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Pack with Nutritious Greens: Loaded with spinach and mushrooms, this dish offers a balanced meal that sneaks extra vegetables into a hearty, satisfying dinner everyone will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking technique make this recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a long day.

Quick Pan Gnocchi – All the Ingredients You Need

• Sausage: A flavorful ground meat that adds richness and depth to the dish.

• Mushrooms: Earthy and savory fungi that provide additional texture and umami flavor.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty foundation of the recipe.

• Spinach: A nutrient-packed green that adds color and freshness to the dish.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Sauce, Broth: Ingredients that create a moist and flavorful cooking environment.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's taste.

• Fresh Thyme: A fragrant herb that provides a final touch of aromatic brightness.

• Oil: A medium for cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

Step-By-Step for Quick Pan Gnocchi Success

Step 1: Warm Up The Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Sauté Mushroom Magic

• Mushrooms

Toss mushrooms into the hot skillet and cook them for 3-5 minutes until they turn golden and release their rich, earthy flavor.

Remove and set aside for later.

Step 3: Brown The Sausage

Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until it’s nicely browned and fragrant.

Step 4: Remove Excess Grease

Carefully drain the excess fat from the skillet to ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.

Step 5: Build The Base

Add gnocchi, minced garlic, and your favorite seasonings to the pan, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 6: Create The Sauce

Pour in pasta sauce and chicken broth, allowing the liquids to mingle with the ingredients.

Step 7: Simmer And Bubble

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the gnocchi to become tender.

Step 8: Introduce Leafy Greens

Toss in fresh spinach and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, letting the greens wilt and incorporate into the dish.

Step 9: Blend The Flavors

Stir the mixture gently, ensuring the spinach is evenly distributed and fully wilted.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your preference.

Step 11: Finish With Flair

Top the dish with the previously cooked mushrooms and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful and aromatic finish.

Pan Gnocchi Tips to Keep It Simple

• Swap Sausage Easily swap pork sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for different dietary needs.
• Control Spice Adjust red pepper flakes to make the dish mild or extra spicy based on your preference.
• Maximize Mushroom Flavor Sauté mushrooms separately with a touch of herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance their natural taste before adding back to the dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients Choose fresh spinach and high-quality gnocchi for the best texture and flavor profile.
• Quick Cooking Trick Use pre-cooked gnocchi to reduce overall cooking time and ensure perfectly tender pasta.

Flavor Combos to Elevate Quick Pan Gnocchi

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu, using vegetable broth for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream sauce or tomato-based sauce, omit cheese toppings, and ensure all ingredients align with dairy-free requirements.

Best Ways to Serve Quick Pan Gnocchi

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty gnocchi dish as a comforting main course for the whole family.
• Rustic Italian Feast: Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Reheat gently the next day for a quick and satisfying work lunch that tastes even better.

Gnocchi Storage Advice for Busy Cooks

• – Refrigerate Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• – Preserve Refrigerated gnocchi stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly with a tight-fitting lid.
• – Reheat Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out and restore moisture.
• – Freeze Allow gnocchi to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it can last up to 2 months for best quality.

One Pan Gnocchi Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one pan gnocchi delivers comfort with Italian countryside charm, blending rich flavors and simple ingredients. Convenient cooking brings authentic taste directly to your plate, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) uncooked gnocchi
• 15 ounces (425 grams) Italian sausage, crumbled
• 8 ounces (227 grams) crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh spinach

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 13 ounces (369 grams) tomato sauce or marinara
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté mushrooms for 3-5 minutes until golden and slightly crisp, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Crumble sausage into the pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes, rendering fat and developing rich flavor.
4. Carefully drain excess grease to prevent dish from becoming overly oily.
5. Introduce gnocchi directly into the skillet, along with minced garlic and selected seasonings, stirring to coat evenly.
6. Pour sauce and broth into the pan, creating a fragrant liquid base.
7. Increase heat and allow mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes, allowing gnocchi to absorb flavors.
8. Gently fold fresh spinach into the skillet, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes until leaves soften and wilt.
9. Ensure even distribution of ingredients, letting spinach integrate completely with the sauce.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
11. Elegantly finish the dish by scattering reserved mushrooms on top and garnishing with delicate fresh thyme sprigs.

Notes

• Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish completely gluten-free and accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Opt for low-sodium broth and monitor salt additions to create a heart-friendly meal option for dietary restrictions.
• Fresh thyme can be replaced with dried herbs if needed, ensuring the recipe remains flexible for kitchen availability.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg