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    Home » Pork

    Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi

    Published: Jun 7, 2021 / Updated: Apr 25, 2022 / 23 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This spicy Italian sausage gnocchi recipe is comforting, creamy, and has a great kick! It's made in one pan for a fast and easy dinner.

    spicy Italian sausage gnocchi skillet on a marble background surrounded by fresh basil, a package of DeLallo potato gnocchi, and a jar of DeLallo chopped calabrian chili peppers

    This post is sponsored by DeLallo – thank you for supporting the brands that keep Salt & Lavender cooking! I only work with brands whose products I love. All opinions are my own.

    One pan meals are great because who doesn't want fewer dishes?

    If you've been a reader here for any length of time, you'll know that some of my favorite recipes to make involve gnocchi. Those pillowy bundles are little bites of heaven. Making gnocchi from scratch can be a fun project, but when you need to get dinner on the table fast, I always use shelf stable gnocchi. DeLallo's potato gnocchi cooks up perfect every time. For this recipe, you don't even need to boil it first. It cooks right in the sauce!

    DeLallo potato gnocchi package and a jar of DeLallo chopped calabrian chili peppers in a jar

    If you're not familiar with DeLallo, they are a family-owned Italian foods company that has been producing and importing delicious Italian and Mediterranean products for over 60 years now. They're still based in Pennsylvania, where it all started back in 1950. DeLallo sells everything from pasta to olives, charcuterie, cookies, and other gourmet goodies.

    spicy Italian sausage gnocchi in a white bowl surrounded by fresh basil, a package of DeLallo potato gnocchi, and a jar of DeLallo calabrian chili peppers

    How to make spicy Italian sausage gnocchi (overview):

    Start by sautéing the crumbled sausage meat and chopped onion in a skillet until it's nicely browned. You then stir in the garlic, Dijon mustard, and the chopped Calabrian chili peppers. Pour in the chicken broth and cream and scrape those delicious browned bits off the bottom of the pan to give this recipe even more flavor. Add in the gnocchi and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. The potatoes in the gnocchi release starch to quickly thicken the sauce. Stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh basil, season to taste, and enjoy! (Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below)

    DeLallo Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers in a jar with a spoon inside

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • The Calabrian chilies have a good kick, so if you're a bit unsure about the spice level, I'd use a bit less than suggested and add more if needed. You could also use mild Italian sausages vs. hot ones.
    • You can use a 50/50 chicken broth/white wine mix instead of just using chicken broth. I suggest using a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.
    • This recipe would be delicious served with some crusty bread or a side salad.
    • DeLallo products are available in grocery stores across the U.S. and on their website.

    You may also like...

    • Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
    • Sausage Pesto Pasta
    • Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce
    • Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi
    close-up of spicy Italian sausage gnocchi in a skillet

    Questions about this spicy Italian sausage gnocchi recipe? Talk to me in the comments below! 

    spicy Italian sausage gnocchi skillet on a marble background surrounded by fresh basil, a package of DeLallo potato gnocchi, and a jar of DeLallo chopped calabrian chili peppers

    Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi

    This spicy Italian sausage gnocchi recipe is comforting, creamy, and has a great kick! It's made in one pan for a fast and easy dinner.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian American
    Servings 4
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 10.6 ounces Italian sausages see note
    • 1/2 medium onion chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon DeLallo Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers or to taste
    • 1.5 cups chicken broth or 50/50 chicken broth and dry white wine
    • 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 1 pound DeLallo Potato Gnocchi uncooked
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + extra for serving
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or to taste
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Take the sausages out of their casings and crumble them into a deep skillet, along with the onion. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sausage has nicely browned.
    • Stir in the garlic, Dijon mustard, and Calabrian chili peppers, and cook for 30 seconds.
    • Add in the chicken broth and cream. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Stir in the gnocchi (no need to cook it first!). Continue cooking (uncovered) for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce has thickened and the gnocchi are cooked through.
    • Take the pan off the heat and stir in the parmesan and basil. Season with salt & pepper as needed and enjoy immediately with extra parmesan grated over top if you wish.

    Notes

    • I used 3 sausages out of a 5-pack of Italian sausages (use mild or hot depending on your preference). Feel free to use anything in that ballpark weight-wise.
    • The Chopped Calabrian Chili Peppers are quite spicy, so if you're more sensitive to spice, start by adding in half the suggested amount and then add more if needed.
    • The gnocchi will release starch as they cook, and that's what will thicken the sauce (and it'll continue to thicken as it cools).
    Keyword Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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    1. Trista says

      May 8, 2023 at 5:30 PM

      5 stars
      Thank you for this recipe! It's one of my favorites and we must eat it twice a month! It's super easy and just comforting!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 8, 2023 at 11:05 PM

        You're very welcome, Trista! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Tessa says

      January 4, 2023 at 2:52 PM

      5 stars
      I added peas and it was delicious!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 4, 2023 at 9:07 PM

        Fantastic!!

        Reply
    3. Jen says

      July 14, 2022 at 9:14 PM

      5 stars
      Made this and it was super easy, even with a fussy one year old running around. I used hot Italian sausage since my grocery store didn’t have the peppers. I subbed roasted red peppers, still tasted good and the peppers looked nice. Super happy to have another one pot recipe in the dinner rotation. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 14, 2022 at 11:44 PM

        I'm so glad it was a hit! 🙂 You're welcome! Thanks for your review.

        Reply
    4. Alyssa says

      June 22, 2022 at 12:44 PM

      Hi! I’m dairy free, any recommendation on a substitute for the heavy whipping cream? This recipe looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 22, 2022 at 1:06 PM

        Hi! Some readers have had luck subbing cream with Silk's dairy-free whipping cream, but I have not personally tested it. Others use coconut milk, but it definitely isn't quite the same.

        Reply
    5. Juanita says

      May 10, 2022 at 2:01 PM

      I live in a very small town so I don't have access to the peppers. What could I use as a substitute?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 10, 2022 at 3:45 PM

        Hi! Hmmm maybe crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat? Hope you enjoy the recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Sarah says

      February 19, 2022 at 10:41 AM

      5 stars
      I made this for lunch today and it was very good! I didn’t have the chilis but I did use hot Italian sausage and it gave it a nice kick to it! Would definitely make this again!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        February 19, 2022 at 11:16 AM

        Awesome to hear, Sarah!!

        Reply
    7. Leslee says

      January 28, 2022 at 10:28 AM

      Hi, do you think this would freeze well? Thanks…

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 28, 2022 at 10:33 AM

        Hi! You could try freezing a portion or two of leftovers if you happen to have some, but this isn't the type of dish that I would generally call freezer friendly. It has a cream sauce which can separate, and the gnocchi may take on a different texture after it's been thawed and reheated. The gnocchi will also continue to release starch when you reheat it, so be sure to reheat over a low heat and add a splash more liquid to the sauce (I recommend cream) if needed.

        Reply
        • Leslee says

          January 28, 2022 at 10:36 AM

          Thank you!!

          Reply
    8. Holly says

      January 14, 2022 at 4:45 AM

      5 stars
      I made this the other night for dinner and absolutely loved it. My husband even enjoyed it. Super simple and quick to make. I added fresh spinach at the end of the cooking time. I used 3 sausage links this time, but I think that when I make it again I will use a 5. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 14, 2022 at 10:40 AM

        Excellent!! I'm so pleased it was a hit!

        Reply
    9. Kimberly McCune says

      October 7, 2021 at 2:40 PM

      5 stars
      We really enjoyed this dish. I didn't have the peppers so I used red pepper flakes instead. The mustard was the key ingredient to a really nice flavor. I tossed in some spinach at the end of the cooking time. It's a winner!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 7, 2021 at 3:34 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Kimberly!! 🙂 Thanks for writing me a review!

        Reply
    10. AngelaML says

      July 12, 2021 at 6:23 PM

      5 stars
      I *finally* made this tonight after eyeing it for weeks. It's my 3rd gnocchi recipe of yours that I have made, and none of them disappoint! I am not a spicy person at all, so I used sweet chicken sausage with kale and had red pepper flakes available on the table for those that wanted to kick it up a notch. My grocery store does not have any brand of Calabrian Chili Peppers... but Hubby enjoyed nonetheless!

      I did my usual substitutions due to health reasons, light cream for the heavy cream and half of the parm cheese (more available on the table for those that wanted). I also added a 5 oz bag of spinach at the end to wilt in and make it a complete meal. I used all 5 sausage links and a whole vidalia onion, so added more of the broth & cream to compensate. It was so delish!!!

      Loved it so much! Again, for some reason I always only got gnocchi at restaurants and never ever made at home, but it's so easy and tasty! I've really been missing out.

      Thank you so much! 😍

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 12, 2021 at 8:14 PM

        Yay!! I'm so glad you had the chance to try it. 🙂 Thanks for your detailed review as always. XO

        Reply
    11. Isa says

      June 7, 2021 at 3:13 PM

      5 stars
      Looks amazing! Love Dellallo and thanks for your recipes!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 7, 2021 at 3:16 PM

        Thank you so much!! I hope you enjoy this one! 🙂

        Reply

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