Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi

Featured in: Everyday Suppers

This comforting dish combines tender gnocchi with browned Italian sausage, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce enhanced by garlic, onion, and fresh basil. The easy cooking method ensures a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for weeknights. Optional spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition. Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a rich, savory touch.

The sauce’s blend of oregano and chili flakes delivers subtle warmth, while the olive oil base enriches the texture. The gnocchi, cooked until tender, absorb the sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying and balanced plate ideal for busy evenings or casual gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:06:00 GMT
Creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, a close-up shows fluffy gnocchi with sausage in a rich, red sauce. Save to Pinterest
Creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, a close-up shows fluffy gnocchi with sausage in a rich, red sauce. | sonicskillet.com

A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.

Ingredients

  • Pasta & Dairy: 500 g (1 lb) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade), 100 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 40 g (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
  • Oils & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 45 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 3:
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and chili flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 23 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
Step 6:
Add the spinach (if using) and basil, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Step 7:
While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface (about 23 minutes).
Step 8:
Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 12 minutes.
Step 9:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with extra basil.
Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
A beautiful bowl of creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, garnished with fresh basil, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
A beautiful bowl of creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, garnished with fresh basil, ready to enjoy. | sonicskillet.com

Warm, flavorful creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, a comforting Italian-inspired meal for a weeknight. Save to Pinterest
Warm, flavorful creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, a comforting Italian-inspired meal for a weeknight. | sonicskillet.com

Recipe Questions

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works well and cooks quickly until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.

What sausage can I substitute?

Italian chicken or turkey sausage are lighter alternatives, while plant-based sausage suits vegetarian diets.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Stir in heavy cream gently over low heat and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers can add depth, and baby spinach can be stirred in for freshness.

How should I season the dish?

Use salt, black pepper, oregano, and optional chili flakes to enhance flavor, adjusting to personal taste.

What cheese complements this dish?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding rich, savory notes.

Product image
Juice whole fruits and vegetables easily for fresh drinks, sauces, and nutrient-rich recipes.
Check price on Amazon

Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi

Pillowy gnocchi in velvety tomato-cream sauce with savory Italian sausage and fresh basil.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details None specified

Needed Ingredients

Pasta & Dairy

01 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
02 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Meats

01 10 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
04 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional)
05 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus additional for garnish

Oils & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1/2 tsp dried oregano
03 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Step 02

Cook sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables and seasonings: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and chili flakes; cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 04

Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer the sauce gently for 5 minutes.

Step 05

Incorporate cream and reduce heat: Stir in the heavy cream and lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and cohesive.

Step 06

Add greens and herbs: Fold in baby spinach (if using) and chopped fresh basil, stirring until the spinach wilts.

Step 07

Cook gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi in the boiling salted water according to package instructions until they float to the surface, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 08

Combine gnocchi with sauce: Drain the gnocchi and add directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 09

Finish with cheese and serve: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve immediately garnished with extra basil.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and talk to a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gnocchi), milk (cream, Parmesan), and may contain egg depending on the gnocchi brand.
  • Sausage may contain additional allergens; verify product labels.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutritional info is here for reference and doesn't replace expert advice.
  • Total Calories: 530
  • Total fat: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 19 g