Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, and a vibrant sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s a comforting dish that comes together easily and pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
- Avocado oil cooking spray
- 1 (12-ounce) package chicken sausage links, sliced
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 (15-ounce) jar sun-dried tomato sauce (or 2 cups marinara sauce)
- ½ cup water
- 5 ounces (1 bag or carton) baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, mist generously with avocado oil cooking spray.
- Step 2: Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add the gnocchi and sun-dried tomato sauce to the skillet. Add the water to the sauce jar, screw on the lid, shake well, then pour the water into the skillet. Stir to combine everything.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture just to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the gnocchi are soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in the baby spinach and chopped basil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the skillet with Parmesan cheese and additional basil before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice, mild heat.
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomato sauce, marinara sauce works well as a substitute.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Yes, fresh gnocchi can be used. Since fresh gnocchi cooks faster, adjust the cooking time accordingly, usually 2-3 minutes until tender.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
You can omit the cheese for a dairy-free option or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.
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Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet featuring tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, complemented by fresh spinach and basil, and topped with Parmesan cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Avocado oil cooking spray
- 1 (12-ounce) package chicken sausage links, sliced
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 (15-ounce) jar sun-dried tomato sauce (or 2 cups marinara sauce)
- ½ cup water
- 5 ounces (1 bag or carton) baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, mist generously with avocado oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and prepare for cooking.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is lightly browned, which enhances flavor and texture.
- Add Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the shelf-stable gnocchi and sun-dried tomato sauce to the skillet. Pour ½ cup water into the sauce jar, screw on the lid, shake to loosen the sauce remnants, and then add the water to the skillet. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Simmer Gnocchi: Bring the mixture just to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi becomes soft and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Greens and Herbs: Stir in the baby spinach and chopped fresh basil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts thoroughly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving to add creaminess and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Shelf-stable gnocchi is used here for convenience and easy cooking.
- For a spicier version, choose chicken sausage with added herbs or spices.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken sausage gnocchi, skillet dinner, quick meal, easy pasta recipe, sun-dried tomato sauce, spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese
