Easy Pork Sausage Gnocchi Recipe

You know, I always thought gnocchi was one of those fancy Italian dishes that required hours in the kitchen and a degree from culinary school. My first attempts were pretty rough – those little potato dumplings came out more like chewy rubber balls than the soft, pillowy pieces I was hoping for.

Then I discovered this pork sausage gnocchi recipe, and it changed everything. It turns out, store-bought gnocchi paired with savory Italian sausage makes for an easy weeknight dinner that even my pickiest eaters enjoy. No complicated techniques needed – just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time.

What Kind of Pork Sausages Should I Use?

Italian-style pork sausages are your best bet for this gnocchi dish, but don’t worry if you can’t find them – regular pork sausages from your local grocery store will work just fine. Sweet or mild Italian sausages will give you a classic flavor, while hot Italian sausages can add an extra kick if you like things spicy. If you’re buying from the butcher counter, look for sausages that contain fennel seeds or Italian seasonings, as these will complement the other flavors in the dish. Just make sure to remove the casings before slicing them into pieces – this helps the sausage break down better while cooking and blend more evenly with the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy pasta dish is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can switch up if needed:

• Gnocchi: While potato gnocchi gives this dish its signature texture, you can use regular pasta like orecchiette, shells, or penne if that’s what you have. Just cook according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.
• Pork sausages: Any type of Italian-style sausage works here – try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure to remove the casings before cooking if they’re not pre-sliced.
• Spinach: Out of fresh spinach? Use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), or try kale or Swiss chard instead. If using kale, add it a few minutes earlier as it needs more time to soften.
• Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano make good swaps for Parmesan. If you’re out of hard Italian cheese, try using shredded mozzarella – though the flavor will be milder.
• Fennel seeds: These give the dish its classic Italian flavor, but if you don’t have them, use dried Italian herbs or a pinch of dried oregano instead.
• Chicken broth: Vegetable broth works just as well, or you can use water with a bit more stock cube for flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when cooking gnocchi is timing – adding them too early or cooking them too long can turn these potato dumplings into a mushy disappointment, so add them to the sauce only in the final 3-4 minutes of cooking until they float to the surface.

A common mistake with sausage is not getting a proper sear – make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the sausage pieces, and resist the urge to stir them constantly, giving them time to develop a golden-brown crust that adds amazing flavor.

When it comes to the sauce, don’t rush reducing the liquid – allowing the chicken broth and tomatoes to simmer for at least 10 minutes helps concentrate the flavors and creates the perfect consistency to coat the gnocchi.

Pro tip: Add the spinach only at the very end of cooking, letting it wilt naturally from the residual heat, which keeps its bright color and prevents it from becoming too wilted and losing its fresh texture.

What to Serve With Sausage Gnocchi?

This hearty Italian-inspired dish is pretty filling on its own, but a few simple sides can really round out the meal. A basic green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the sausage and gnocchi. For something warm, try some roasted broccoli or green beans – they’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate. If you’re feeding a crowd, pick up a loaf of crusty Italian bread to serve alongside – it’s great for mopping up all that tasty tomato sauce!

Storage Instructions

Keep: This sausage gnocchi dish stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually get even better the next day as everything mingles together! Just keep in mind that the gnocchi might absorb more of the sauce over time.

Freeze: You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. While the texture of the gnocchi might change slightly after freezing, it’s still totally enjoyable. Just make sure to let it cool completely before popping it in the freezer.

Warm Up: To enjoy your leftovers, gently heat them in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until it’s heated through. Add fresh Parmesan on top after reheating for the best taste!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	15-20 minutes
Total Time	25-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 40-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 pork sausages, sliced into pieces
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
• 500g gnocchi
• 250ml chicken broth (using ½ a stock cube)
• 1 can chopped tomatoes (400g)
• 150g fresh spinach
• 30g parmesan cheese, shaved

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté or frying pan over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt and gently fry for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Remove the onion and garlic mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausages

In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high.

Fry the chunks of pork sausages until they are browned all over, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the fennel seeds and, if desired, optional chili flakes.

Cook everything for an additional minute to release the flavors.

Step 3: Cook Gnocchi and Create the Sauce

Add the gnocchi to the pan with the browned sausages.

Cook for a couple of minutes until the gnocchi starts to take on some color.

Pour in the chicken stock and chopped tomatoes, then add the cooked onion and garlic back into the pan.

Once the mixture begins to bubble, cover the pan and let it cook for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish Cooking

Stir through the young spinach, then cover the pan again, allowing the spinach to wilt and the gnocchi to become tender, which should take another 2 minutes.

Season the dish with black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked to your satisfaction, divide the dish between serving bowls.

Top each portion with shavings of Parmesan cheese for an added savory touch.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious gnocchi and sausage dish!