Description
A delicious and easy one-pan dinner featuring tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and sweet peas, all cooked together in a skillet for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe combines creamy Parmesan cheese and optional chicken broth or cream to create a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Aromatics
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 cup frozen peas
Seasonings and Garnishes
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth or heavy cream (for a saucier dish)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat up before adding other ingredients.
- 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 too much oil in the pan.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely diced onion to the cooked sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly into the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop golden edges and a slightly crisp texture.
- Continue cooking gnocchi: Stir the gnocchi and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to crisp lightly on other sides.
- Add peas and liquid: Stir in the frozen peas. If the mixture seems dry, add the chicken broth or heavy cream to create a saucier consistency and help keep the peas tender.
- Season: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a creamier dish, substitute chicken broth with heavy cream.
- Make sure to cook gnocchi undisturbed at first to develop texture — this adds a delicious golden crust.
- If you prefer vegetarian, omit the sausage and add mushrooms or a plant-based sausage substitute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
