Creamy One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely drool over this Creamy One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe. It’s one of those dinners that feels luxurious but comes together so quickly —perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want comfort food without a million pots to clean up. I love how the creaminess wraps around pillowy gnocchi, peppered with savory sausage and fresh zucchini. Trust me, you’re gonna want to stick around for all the tips and tricks to nail this one every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe lies in simple ingredients that pack a punch together. When I shop for them, I look for fresh zucchini that’s firm and smooth-skinned, plus high-quality Italian sausage to build richness.

• Italian Sausage: I prefer sweet or mild varieties; they add just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Onion: A medium yellow or white onion works great to build that savory base.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are best here for that aromatic punch.
• Zucchini: Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini and cut into bite-sized pieces so they soften evenly.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned): I go for canned with juice included — it creates a perfect sauce base.
• Water: Just a splash to help simmer everything together.
• Potato Gnocchi: Fresh or frozen store-bought gnocchi saves time; just make sure not to overcook them.
• Baby Spinach: Adds great color and a mild, fresh flavor; it wilts beautifully in the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped for stir-in and garnish for vibrant herbal notes.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to making the whole sauce wonderfully creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and umami boost.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Creamy One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tossed in different veggies or swapped proteins depending on what’s in my fridge.

• Spicy Twist: I added a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage for a subtle heat that my husband loved.
• Vegetarian Version: I sometimes skip the sausage and use mushrooms or vegetarian sausage for a meatless but still hearty dish.
• Change the Greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you want a more robust green that holds up longer.
• Cheese Variations: Mix in some mozzarella or fontina along with Parmesan to make it extra cheesy and melty.

How to Make Creamy One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion

Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage and diced onion. As it cooks, break up the sausage with a wooden spoon so it browns evenly. You want to see the sausage lose its pink color and the onions soften, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add Zucchini and Garlic

Stir in your diced zucchini and minced garlic, cooking them for another 5 to 6 minutes until the zucchini just starts to soften. I love when the zucchini keeps a bit of bite rather than getting mushy—adds a nice texture contrast.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Water

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and add a splash of water to loosen the mixture up. Bring this to a gentle simmer. The tomatoes meld with the sausage and zucchini, creating the sauce’s tangy base.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Simmer Covered

Time to add the gnocchi! Just stir it right in, cover your pan, and drop the heat to low. Let it simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi becomes tender and plump. Be careful not to overcook or the gnocchi can get mushy; check it a minute or two early if you’re unsure.

Step 5: Stir in Greens and Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Once your gnocchi is perfectly tender, stir in baby spinach and chopped basil until the spinach just begins to wilt—this only takes a minute or so. Then fold in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for that deliciously creamy finish. Turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for five minutes—this resting time lets the flavors marry and the sauce thicken beautifully. A quick stir before serving brings it all together.

How to Serve Creamy One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I always grab some extra shredded Parmesan and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Sometimes, I drizzle a little good quality extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. It just feels special and fresh that way—plus, it looks gorgeous served straight from the Dutch oven.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is so filling and complete, I often keep sides simple—maybe a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted garlic or a bowl of olives also round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this for dinner guests, I love plating it in shallow white bowls to show off the creamy sauce and vibrant greens. Adding a Parmesan crisp on the side or a sprinkle of chili flakes gives a fun touch. For a cozy date night, lighting a candle and serving alongside a crisp white wine totally elevates this feel-good dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2-3 days. The cream sauce thickens up when chilled, so I always stir in a splash of milk or water when reheating to loosen it back up—makes it just like freshly made.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing this dish is possible but the texture of the cream sauce and gnocchi changes slightly. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra cream or broth to bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the stovetop over the microwave. A gentle sauté over low heat with a splash of cream or water helps the sauce regain silky smoothness without drying out the noodles or greens. If you use a microwave, do it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy One Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Zucchini Recipe is definitely one of those meals that sticks with you—in the best way. It’s eaten regularly in my house because it’s just that good but also so easy to pull together. I love how versatile it is and how it feels like a hug in a bowl after a long day. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.

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