Smoked Sausage & Gnocchi in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Picture this: plump, soft potato dumplings and smoky, savory sausage all swimming in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. It’s the kind of hearty, feel-good meal that tastes like it simmered on the stove all afternoon, but the secret is it comes together in almost no time. This isn’t about fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients; it’s about combining a few simple, humble components to create something that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a little bit of a gourmet twist, and trust me, your family is going to ask for it again next week.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Recipe

You know those nights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels special? This smoked sausage and gnocchi dish is your answer. It’s incredibly quick, taking well under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a true weeknight warrior. But the speed doesn’t mean you sacrifice flavor. The smoked sausage infuses the entire dish with a deep, hearty smokiness, while the creamy tomato sauce is just so luxurious. It’s also surprisingly flexible. Got a different protein in the fridge? A different type of pasta? You can make it work. Honestly, the ease and the flavor make this one of my absolute go-to dinners when life gets hectic. So good.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 1 (12-14 ounce) package smoked turkey sausage, sliced into rounds: Provides a smoky, savory heartiness without pork.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential punch of flavor.
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Creates the rich, tangy base of our sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herbal notes.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create the sauce (a great non-alcoholic alternative to wine).
• 1 (16 ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi: The soft, pillowy star of the dish.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Adds saltiness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season everything to perfection.
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: For a fresh, colorful garnish.

Step by Step Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Give it all a good stir, scraping up any of those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce come to a simmer.
4. Once simmering, gently stir in the entire package of gnocchi. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will cook right in the sauce, absorbing all that amazing flavor.
5. Uncover the skillet. The gnocchi should be tender and floating to the top. Stir in the browned sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through and beautifully creamy. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with plenty of fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top.

Equipment Needed for Preparation

You don’t need anything fancy here, just a few trusty kitchen workhorses. A large skillet or Dutch oven with high sides is absolutely essential. You’ll need enough room to brown the sausage and then simmer the gnocchi and sauce without any messy overflow. A good sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the onion and garlic will make things go smoothly. And finally, a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula is perfect for stirring and scraping up all those flavorful bits from the pan. That’s really it!

Creative Variations to Try

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity. For a veggie boost, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end, just until it wilts. If you’re feeding a crowd, a can of drained and rinsed white beans can stretch the meal further and add creaminess. Love a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic will do the trick. And if you can’t find smoked turkey sausage, any pre-cooked chicken or beef sausage will work beautifully. For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be a touch less rich.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This dish is a complete meal all on its own, it’s so hearty and satisfying. But I love starting dinner with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to brighten things up. A side of garlic bread is never a wrong answer for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce. And if you’re looking for a drink pairing, a simple glass of iced tea with lemon or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

Leftovers? They reheat like a dream! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce up again. You can microwave it too, but be sure to cover it and stir it halfway through to heat it evenly. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate and the gnocchi may become mushy when thawed.

Doneness Test for Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi

The best way to know your gnocchi is perfectly cooked is to look for the float! When gnocchi is done, it will puff up slightly and float to the top of the sauce. You can also taste-test one (careful, it’s hot!). It should be tender all the way through and soft, not doughy or tough in the center. If you bite into it and see a raw, white center, let it simmer for another minute or two. It’s a pretty forgiving process, so don’t stress.

FAQs About This Recipe

• Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable? Absolutely! Fresh refrigerated gnocchi works wonderfully. Just note that it may cook a minute or two faster, so keep an eye on it and use the float test to check for doneness.
• What are some other easy meals I can make with smoked sausage? Smoked sausage is a star for quick dinner ideas. Try it sautéed with bell peppers and onions for sandwiches, sliced into a quick jambalaya with rice, or added to a simple bean soup.
• Is this considered a healthy dinner recipe? It’s all about balance! By using smoked turkey sausage and controlling the amount of cream and cheese, you can create a healthier dinner option that’s still packed with flavor. Adding spinach is a great way to get in extra nutrients, too.
• My sauce is too thick. How can I fix it? No problem at all! Just stir in a little more chicken broth or a splash of cream until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce thickens as it sits, so you may need to do this when reheating leftovers as well.