5-Ingredient Sausage Gnocchi Skillet

Pillowy potato gnocchi have long been a comforting staple of Italian home cooking. This one-pan skillet browns chicken sausage beside the dumplings, then finishes them in marinara with spinach and melted mozzarella.

Serves 4 · 5 min prep · 18 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 450 cal
• 26g protein
• 48g carbs
• 16g fat

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Ingredients

• 12 oz Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
• 1 lb shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 2 cups jarred marinara sauce
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. 1Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
2. 2Add the chicken sausage, breaking it into bite-size pieces with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. 3Push the sausage to one side and add the potato gnocchi in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes so the bottoms turn golden and crisp.
4. 4Stir the gnocchi together with the sausage. Pour in the marinara sauce and add a splash of water if the pan looks dry. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
5. 5Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once, until the gnocchi are tender and plump.
6. 6Uncover and fold in the baby spinach. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves wilt completely into the sauce.
7. 7Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover again for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey pockets.
8. 8Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 1 minute so the sauce thickens slightly.
9. 9Scoop into bowls while still bubbling and serve immediately as a five-ingredient weeknight win.