This creamy Tuscan sausage gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food! Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, cream, and fresh basil make the most amazing sauce.
My husband loooved this recipe, and he doesn't even like creamy sauces. I had steak planned for dinner on the day I made this recipe, and I couldn't stop sneaking bites of this despite the very real risk of ruining my dinner. 😛
This recipe was inspired by my Tuscan sausage pasta, which has been a big hit - especially with my Instagram audience.
To make this recipe, I use the shelf-stable gnocchi found in the dry pasta aisle. I've had readers test similar recipes with fresh homemade gnocchi, and the one pan technique does not seem to work as well, so I would stick with the dry stuff.
I used half of a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages. Feel free to use hot Italian sausages if that's your thing! Oh, and if you feel so inclined, replace the chicken broth with white wine... it'll taste amazing.
I list basil as optional because the sauce is flavorful enough without it, but in my opinion, fresh basil is one of the true joys of life, so I use it whenever I can. I do not have a green thumb at all, but I look forward to growing fresh basil in my plant pots every year. Just use a small handful in this recipe and it's elevated to another dimension of OMGthisisgood.
More one pan gnocchi recipes you may like:
- Chicken Bacon Gnocchi
- 15 Minute One Pan Creamy Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Gnocchi
- One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage (it's quite similar to this recipe!)
- Creamy Tomato Gnocchi
- Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi
These one-pan gnocchi recipes are just so good and easy to make that there's sure to be one that suits everyone's tastes. I've had a lot of happy readers use this gnocchi cooking method, so I'm always encouraged to keep the recipes coming. 😉
What to serve with Italian sausage gnocchi
It's quite rich and filling, so I recommend a salad or steamed veggies on the side.
This "Tuscan" sauce is pretty popular on the internet these days, and so I certainly jumped on that bandwagon. The Olive Garden made it famous, and for good reason. There's something magical about this flavor combo.
Love this sauce? Try these Tuscan-inspired recipes:
Let me know if you've made this Tuscan gnocchi recipe!
Questions? Leave me a comment below.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 8.8 ounces Italian sausages crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1.5 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional) to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take the sausage meat out of the casings and crumble it into a deep skillet. Sauté the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go along, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes, and gnocchi to the pan. Give it a good stir.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Give the gnocchi a stir and then add in the spinach. Cover the pan again for 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Stir in the parmesan and basil (if using). Ensure the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking (cook for another minute or two if necessary). Season with salt & pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- There is no need to pre-cook the gnocchi. It cooks right in the sauce and the starch released from the potatoes will thicken the sauce.
- Anything around the 8.8 oz ballpark for the sausages will work. I bought a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages and used half of it. Feel free to just buy sausage meat if that's easier.
- I used the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes that come in a jar. I drained the oil prior to adding them to the skillet.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Justin R. Apakian says
Everyone loved it! It came out looking exactly like the picture, took no time at all to cook, and tasted amazing. If you like real authentic Italian food, this dish will not disappoint! Thank you
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 🙂
Mary says
I made this recipe for a friend when it was posted about a year and a half ago. Turns out she is still thinking about it because she just asked for the recipe. I'm glad she reminded me of it because I'll put it back in my dinner recipe rotation now that our schedule is getting back to normal.
I can't always get fresh produce but frozen spinach works well for this, I just wring out as much water as possible before adding it in.
Natasha says
I love that!! 🙂 So happy it's back in your rotation and on your friend's mind too. 😉
Katherine says
We make this every other week for our family and looooove it. Our fav!
Question- I need to tripple it for a group dinner next month. How long should I cook the gnocchi before adding the spinach when I’m using three times as much
Natasha says
Excellent! So glad it's a regular for you guys. 🙂 I would probably just use a pot/dutch oven type thing and perhaps stir it more often, but I don't think it'll need a lot more cooking time.
Sandra says
Absolutely delicious. Forgot the lemon but I think it turned out great
Natasha says
Thank you!!
natalie says
I never leave a comment on recipes but this is SO good. Added some sour cream in there and that took it to a whole new level. Big fan, will definitely be making it again!
Natasha says
I really appreciate you reviewing this recipe - it helps us bloggers out! So glad you liked it! 🙂
Karen Riegelman says
So good! I had refrigerated gnocci so that's what I used. Out of Parmesan cheese, but it tasted delicious without it. Will be making again!
Natasha says
Wonderful!!
Michele says
This recipe is delicious! I substituted half and half for heavy cream and used 1 pound of sausage. It was perfect and so easy to make. Can you please supply the nutrition values.
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Michele! Just updated it to include the nutrition info for you. Please keep in mind it'll vary based on ingredients you use and how well you actually measure it out (nutrition is for 1/4 of the recipe), so just take it as an estimate.
Annie Mills says
This recipe was easy to follow and turned out amazing! The whole family ate it, even the littles!!
Natasha says
Fantastic! That's what I like to hear. 🙂
Allison says
Natasha- thank you for sharing! This dish is so easy and absolutely delicious! I used smoked chicken Italian sausage and it came out perfectly. My husband just said it’s one of the top meals I have ever made so I will definitely be making again! Thank you! 🙂
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 🙂 Love that.
Ruth says
This was fab! I subbed Conecuh slices for the ground sausage - easier for the vegetarian to pick out. Served with an extra squeeze of lemon and basil on top.
Natasha says
Excellent! 🙂
Jules says
How do you recommend reheating left overs? (party of one over here lol)
Natasha says
Hi! I'd reheat them in a covered saucepan over a fairly low heat, stirring every so often. You may need to add a splash more cream or broth just to restore the sauce's consistency if it seems a bit thick. 🙂
Angela says
This has been my sleeper recipe for years!! I also use diced ham or sausage and vary gnocchi or tortellini. I use Asiago cheese. Something in the mix of cheese, cream and lemon creates such a rich buttery tasting sauce.
Natasha says
Awesome!! So glad it's a favorite of yours. XO
Angelina says
Hi, we love this meal! Can it be frozen? I'd like to bring dishes to some new moms and would love if they could toss it in the freezer for when they really need it.
Natasha says
I'm so pleased you like it!! I haven't actually tested freezing it. In theory, it should be fine... but I'm a little concerned the sauce could go a bit gloopy/or separate when reheated. I'd definitely warm it up on a low heat and probably add a little more broth and/or cream to restore the sauce to its former glory.
Keira says
Love your website and all of your recipes! This one has become a regular thing in my house. Everyone loves it! I serve it with a salad and usually broccolini or another veg so we don't feel so guilty 😉 This is a heavy one for sure, but it makes us feel so warm and happy in the colder months.
Natasha says
Thank you so much!! I'm so glad that you guys enjoy it. Yup, it's definitely rich haha... good call on the salad and veg!!
Carleigh says
So delicious! I used half pound of mild italian ground sausage and added additional red pepper flakes. Super tasty and a great weeknight meal.
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Le Ann Helm says
This was amazing- I used s pound of hot Italian sausage- a definite hit!!!
Natasha says
Wonderful!!
Kat says
Making this again because I still have sausage! Impressed my husband and myself honestly!
Natasha says
Awesome!! 😀
Tess says
Delicious! I put in all five sausages I bought and it was too much sausage. Definitely just use three or so. Definitely recommend this recipe though as a comfort food.
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!!
Kathryn says
Could you use Italian Chicken Sausages for this recipe?
Natasha says
For sure!
Shar says
Easy and delicious
Natasha says
🙂
Jill says
I have made this just about once a week for the last 2 years.....and now just reviewing! As is, it is a total crowd pleaser. Since I've made it a bazillion times, here are my tweaks: We grill sausages outside and chop and add them at the last minute. We like everything super saucy, so I double the cream and broth. I fry up some bacon with the garlic to get it going in the beginning. Thank you for the inspiration!
Natasha says
Wow that's great!! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. XO
Kody says
Awesome dish!
Natasha says
Thank you! 🙂
Catherine says
Second time making this recipe- it’s a keeper!
Natasha says
Wonderful!
Tricia says
I have never had gnocchi before. Not sure if it was the brand or I just didn’t cook it right, I’m not a fan. The sauce is absolutely delicious though. I will make again but use cheese tortellini instead.
Natasha says
I'm glad you liked the sauce at least! Yeah, the store bought gnocchi isn't to everyone's taste. I encourage you to try the fresh stuff one day (like from a restaurant) and you may like it better! I think it'll work great w. tortellini. 🙂
Rebecca says
wow that's yummy. I've never made anything Tuscan style before. I love it!
Natasha says
So happy to hear that!!
Anna Banana says
Sooooooooo good! I didn't have Italian sausage so i put the Andouille I had in there and it kicked it up a notch. 🙂
Natasha says
Wonderful! Love Andouille!
Claire says
Oh my goodness, this is so good! It's very rich and comforting, definitely not low calorie, but so delicious it is worth the it. I've never made a dish with gnocchi (for reasons I cannot explain, I think maybe I thought it was more difficult? Which is nuts because it could not be easier...)
Natasha says
Yup, it's definitely a treat meal haha. I'm so happy you liked it!! Yes, I was so happy when I came up with this one pan technique a few years back... prior to that I also hadn't done gnocchi because I didn't want to make it from scratch.
Candace says
I've made this dish several times. It is so good and easy to make. I have one daughter who does not like carbs so we tried using cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joes. It was sooo good! You cant tell the difference!
Natasha says
I'm so glad it worked out with the cauliflower gnocchi!
Erin says
I can't wait to try this! Huge fan of the Tuscan type sauces!
Natasha says
Enjoy!!
Barb says
I had to make this recipe; it has all my favorite ingredients. So, tasty. Mild Italian sausage, (I used the entire package.) and garlic, gnocchi and the other ingredients. What a delicious meal, and you talk about comfort food. Definitely a winner!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Barb!
Bonnie says
Yum!
Natasha says
🙂
Gail E Martin says
This was one of the best things I have ever tasted!!!!!
Natasha says
I'm so glad to hear that, Gail!
Jennifer Hines says
One of the easiest and best meals I've ever made. This is going on my weekly routine. Everyone loved it!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe! And it is so easy to substitute items. I didn't have sundried tomatoes to I added fresh diced san marzanos and it was delish!
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!
Penny says
Question for now...I don't have access to fresh spinach...would frozen spinach work, or should I just leave it out ?
Natasha says
Hi! I’d probably leave it out since I’m worried it would go a bit mushy.
Karen says
So quick and so delicious! One pan to wash is a bonus. The whole family liked it.
Natasha says
So glad to hear it, Karen! 🙂
Savannah Hicks says
This is SO delicious and has become one of our household staples. Recommend doubling or even tripling the spinach for some more green goodness. I also divide the cream into half cream, half milk to reduce calories a little bit.
Natasha says
Great tips! So happy you like the recipe so much! XO
Robert Wilson says
One question...
My wife has a reaction to milk products. What can be substituted for the heavy cream?
Natasha says
I heard Silk brand makes a dairy-free whipping cream... maybe you could try that?
Michelle says
Sooo delish! I doubled all ingredients except for gnocchi (gnocchi came in a 1 lb package but had 16 oz. of sausage and plenty of the other ingredients). Even better because we always like plenty of sauce and seasoning!
Natasha says
That's great!! So happy you enjoyed it! XO
Darren Kostival says
Made this tonight and it was AMAZING! I will definitely make this again! Thank you for posting this!!
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Darren!
Denise says
I don’t eat pork so I made this using chicken sausage and it turned out super yummy. Thank you!
Natasha says
I'm so glad it worked out! Thanks for commenting, Denise 🙂
Jodi says
Made this for a dinner party I hosted and this dish was amazing! It is very rich so I would definitely recommend serving with steamed broccoli and bread (to dip in the amazing sauce). I used white wine instead of chicken broth and added some lemon zest in addition to the lemon juice for added freshness. AMAZING and all my guests raved about it. Also was super easy to make so I pre-measured everything out and was able to entertain as I cooked the dish as well. A+.
Natasha says
Awesome!! I'm so glad it worked out so well! 🙂
Wendy says
"This is like eating at a nice restaurant. You should make this for company." - my husband
Seriously so good! Thank you
Natasha says
Wonderful!! I'm so glad it was a hit. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Larry Naeyaert says
I made this recipe this weekend and it was amazing. I will definitely try more of your recipes.
Natasha says
So glad to hear that!! Thanks, Larry!
Devon says
I’ve never cooked with sun dried tomatoes. Is there a certain kind you recommend?
Natasha says
Hi! I like the ones packed in oil (I drain them prior to adding them to recipes). I don’t really have a fav brand, but if you can find Delallo ones you may want to give them a try. I’ve worked with the brand and I love all the products of theirs I’ve tried so far.
Katie says
I cannot stop making this dish! We’ve had it two different back to back nights for dinner. Its so amazingly good and “the best thing I’ve ever made by a landslide” said my husband. I caught him literally licking the bowl! So so good!
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!! 🤗♥️
Holly says
This was a huge hit with my family! I used a half can of garlic and olive oil petite diced tomatoes in place of the sun-dried tomatoes. Such a hearty, delicious recipe! Thank you!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you all enjoyed it! XO
Sharee says
Just made this tonight for supper. I didn't have cream, so I used half-and-half instead and I added a little white wine to thin the sauce just a tad. It came out really wonderful! After the first bite my husband said "This is a 5(-star). You can make this again any time!" You hit the nail on the head with this comfort-food-style dish.
Thank you! 👏👏😊😊
Natasha says
I'm so glad it worked out!! 🙂 You're very welcome!
Kristina says
Wondering if the half and half separated at all?
Evie says
Natasha,
This recipe is amazing! Thank you so much. I didn't have any sun-dried tomatoes. So I will have to make again, soon!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!
Melissa says
I have fallen in LOVE with this recipe. Wanted to see if you knew of any healthier alternatives to the cream that could work?
Natasha says
I'm so glad you like it!! Honestly, it's so tasty because of the cream... I wish the best things in life were lower in calories too lol. You could try half-and-half and see if you still like it... that'll take out some of the calories, and the sauce should still thicken up somewhat because of the potato starch. Let me know!
Matt G says
Im making this tonight for dinner and I’m super excited! My question for you is this: my wife could only find frozen gnocchi...should I thaw them first?
Natasha says
Hi Matt! I think it will be fine to add them frozen. It may take another few minutes to cook, but I'm worried they will go soggy if you thaw them first. Let me know how it goes!
Amy Goldberg says
The family loved this recipe!! The flavors are great together. I always forget to add salt, it has become a daily joke in the family.
Natasha says
So happy to hear it was a hit, Amy!! Lol on the salt. It's the reverse in my house. 😀 I add too much if anything haha.
Jani says
I’m a foodie who loves to cook. I have been able to cross a lot of recipes and ideas off my to-make list while [...]. I was eager to get to this one. Wholly gnocchi!!! This dish took me back to a restaurant I visited in the Chianti region of Tuscany last November. I loved it and so did my mom (who is the beneficiary of all my cooking). The flavor was on point. I used turkey Italian sausage and potato & spinach gnocchi, added shallots to the pan while browning the meat, and added dried basil and freshly cracked black pepper at the end. This recipe’s a keeper. Grazie! 🙂
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!! So glad you enjoyed it and it reminded you of Italy. 🙂 (I edited your comment since bloggers have been advised not to use words associated with the current situation as it could impact our search rankings).
Mae says
Can I use whole milk instead of cream?
Natasha says
There's a chance the sauce will separate, and it may not thicken up as well.
Lexi says
Holy crap! My boyfriend and I made this together through FaceTime (he lives in another state) It was not just simple but incredibly delicious! We got to sit and enjoy our home cooked dinner together. Thank you for this recipe. Will definitely make again!
Natasha says
Aww I like how you did that for date night! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
Shandi says
Is there something I can substitute the sausage for? Beef?
Natasha says
Beef should be good!
Amelie says
Thanks for the recipe, it was so good! My boyfriend is hard to please and he loved it!!!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!
DAS says
Hi - what’s your favourite brand name of ready-made gnocchi? I too live in Alberta so was wondering what you use? Thanks!
Natasha says
Hi! I used to buy the one sold at Safeway... but they stopped selling it. the brand name is now slipping my mind. 🤦♀️ I now buy the President’s Choice one from Loblaws and it’s not bad.
Tovie says
This is really really good! Can't have dairy so I subbed almond milk for the cream (normally I would use like an almond creamer but don't have and I'm not going out) and Daiya mozzarella for the parmesan. Now all it needs is a crusty loaf of bread...
Natasha says
So glad it worked out for you!!
SG says
Have you ever tried making the recipe with TJs cauli gnocchi? If not, do you think it would work?
Natasha says
Hi! I don't live in the States, so unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to try TJ's gnocchi. I think you could try, but since it's cauliflower, there's no starch to thicken the sauce. You may need to cook it a bit longer to reduce the sauce. I know some people have tried the TJ gnocchi with my recipes and they have liked it. Let me know how it goes!
Lisa says
Hi!
I just tried it with TJ cauliflower gnocchi and it was delicious. My boyfriend couldn’t even tell anything different about it!
Natasha says
That's great to hear!
Amanda Hewer says
I've made this several times over the past few months and it's so good. Just tried the same recipe but swapped out the sun dried tomatoes for pesto and it's also delicious if you're looking for another alternative. 🙂 Thanks for all the delicious recipes!
Natasha says
Ooh good idea on the pesto!
Lindsay H says
Damn this was good! I didn’t change a thing. Making a double batch for visitors tonight. I LOVE this recipe blog site!!!
Natasha says
So glad to hear it, Lindsay! XO
Victoria says
So yummy! I doubled the sausage (because that’s how it came packaged and it would be wasted if I didn’t use it) but I didn’t think it was too sausage-y!! Will definitely make again!
Natasha says
That's awesome!! Can't go wrong with more sausage. 😀
Robo Sutherland says
One of the easiest and best recipes I’ve made from your blog. Thank you.
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that!! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Cait Bradley says
We tried this recipe for the first time last week and we are OBSESSED. We love hot sausage so we did use hot sausage and it was delicious. We love it so much I invited my in-laws over for dinner this week so I can cook it for them as well. This will be a staple in our home from now on. Thank you for sharing the recipe!!
Natasha says
Aww so glad to hear it! 😀
Alli says
This is one of our household's favorite recipes currently. We've made it three times in the past three weeks! I use an entire pack of sausage (it's really sausage-y, which my husband loves), but otherwise I follow the recipe exactly. Thank you for another awesome recipe!
Natasha says
That's awesome!! Thanks for letting me know, Alli! 🙂
Amanda morgan says
Are the sun dried tomatoes supposed to be in oil or the dry packaged ones?
Natasha says
I buy the ones in oil, but either will work! Let me know if you try this recipe, Amanda 🙂
Christina says
Made this for my boyfriend and I this past Saturday, OMG it was AMAZING!! We are big on flavor and this did not disappoint, there were no leftovers and we loved it so much we made another batch for dinner on Sunday! Thank you for such a delicious meal! 🙂
Natasha says
That's so great!! Thanks for letting me know 😀
Liz Romero says
Hi! I decided to add the fresh basil but wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be chopped or whole ? What do you suggest ?
Natasha says
Hi! I usually just tear it into smallish pieces (or you can slice it). It's pretty delicate, so chopping it can kinda crush it. But it's all good. 🙂
MH says
Made this tonight, but with just regular pasta. It was so good and had so much flavor! Definitely making again soon!
Natasha says
So happy you liked it!
Holly Roose says
Five stars for sure! Thank you so much for the recipe! It was an absolute hit at our house!!
Natasha says
You are very welcome, Holly!
Marion says
Loved it looking forward to cooking some more recipe,s
Natasha says
Great! Thank you 🙂
Deborah Tower says
Question? Did you buy frozen gnocchi and cook first? Or thaw?
Natasha says
Hi! I bought the dry stuff that you get in the pasta aisle (I explain in the post). I think it would work with frozen gnocchi. You may need to give it an extra minute or two. Let me know how it goes. ❤️
Dana Tagliafico says
Can’t wait to try this one! The one from last week was a hit! I used half and half instead of cream since I had in hand and at first the sauce curdled but once finished it came together. Have you ever used evaporated milk instead of heavy cream?
Natasha says
Hi Dana! So glad you liked the other recipe. 🙂 Nope, I haven't used anything besides heavy (or whipping) cream. I've had curdling problems before too, that's why I use it, as well as IMO the taste is just richer and better. I don't often cook with evaporated milk, but let me know if you give it a try.
Leighann Ferguson says
One of the most delicious recipes I’ve tried in a long time.
Easy and quick to make but so so tasty.
Made for the family and it was clean plates all round.
Can’t wait to try more of these recipes
Natasha says
I am so happy you liked it!! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
Love this recipe! Such a flavor bomb!
Natasha says
Thanks so much, Meghan!
Donna says
If I could give this 100 stars I would it’s that good! Wow, my taste buds are overjoyed! I had 2 servings and I am not gonna feel guilty about it either! Thank you so much for sharing your recipe and this will definitely become a regular menu item!
Natasha says
Aww thank you!! 🙂 So happy you liked it so much.