Description
This delicious one-pan gnocchi with peas and Italian sausage is a quick and satisfying dinner option that combines tender potato gnocchi, savory sausage, and sweet peas in a flavorful skillet dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or ease.
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)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream (for a saucier dish)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, allowing it to warm up.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet, spreading them out in an even layer. Let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust on the bottom.
- Crisp the gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi and cook for another 3–4 minutes, allowing more sides to crisp up lightly.
- Add peas and sauce: Stir in the frozen peas. If the skillet looks dry, pour in the chicken broth or heavy cream to create a light sauce and help steam the peas.
- Season: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Finish off: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve warm: Plate the gnocchi immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using chicken broth will yield a lighter sauce, while heavy cream offers a richer, creamier texture.
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or increase red pepper flakes.
- Ensure the gnocchi develops golden edges by not stirring too frequently when you first add them to the skillet.
- If desired, swap fresh peas for thawed frozen peas.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately to keep the gnocchi crisp.
