One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale
The aroma wafting through your kitchen as this dish simmers is simply irresistible! Picture creamy, herb-infused gnocchi blending beautifully with juicy sausage and vibrant kale; it’s like a hug in a bowl. Each bite captures the perfect combination of flavors—savory sausage, tender greens, and luscious sauce—all from just one pot. With the chilly breeze of autumn settling in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to gather around with loved ones.
Table of Contents
Growing up, my family often had one-pot meals during cozy family nights, and this One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale reminds me of those moments. There’s something magical about convenience without sacrificing flavor, and I’m thrilled to share this comforting dish with you. You’ll not only relish the taste but also enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it a fantastic weeknight option. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory Italian sausage and creamy parmesan creates a delightful taste explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright green kale against the creamy sauce makes for a visually stunning dish.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s dinner, a casual lunch, or even a cozy brunch, this recipe fits all occasions.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute ingredients easily—think turkey sausage for a lighter option, or gluten-free gnocchi for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb. mild Italian chicken sausage: The star of this dish; the flavor is rich yet not overpowering. You can substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided): Adds a nice depth of flavor; use extra virgin for a stronger taste.
- 1 cup onion (diced): Sweet and aromatic, it forms the savory base. Yellow or white onions work well here.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses fantastic flavor; don’t skimp on this! Fresh is best, but jarred can work in a pinch.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives that familiar Italian taste; if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own mix!
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; adjust according to your dietary needs.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create that creamy texture.
- 32 oz. chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor; low-sodium variations are available for a healthier option.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This makes the dish beautifully creamy; for a lighter version, half-and-half can be used.
- 2 lb. gnocchi: The chewy, pillowy pasta that takes center stage here. Fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi works just fine.
- 1 bunch kale (chopped and stems removed): A nutritional powerhouse that adds color and texture; feel free to substitute with spinach if preferred.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): The finishing touch that adds cheesy richness; always opt for fresh for the best flavor.
- Red pepper flakes to taste: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle to your liking!
How to Make One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale
Cook Sausage: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken sausage, using a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook until no longer pink and fully cooked through, approximately 5–7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease behind to build flavor!
Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in your diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring that all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture in the skillet, whisking continuously for about 1 minute until it turns a lovely golden color. This will help to elevate your sauce to creamy perfection! Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking at the same time to create a rich roux, ensuring there are no lumps.
Add Gnocchi: Once the mixture begins to simmer and bubbles around the edges, it’s time to add your gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes; you’ll know it’s done when they float to the surface. This step is crucial; watch for that bubbling of deliciousness!
Incorporate Greens and Cheese: Now turn off the heat and fold in the chopped kale. Stir gently until the kale wilts, which should take about a minute. Finally, stir the cooked sausage back into the pot along with the grated parmesan cheese for a melty finish. You will just love the creamy goodness of this dish!
Serve and Enjoy: At this point, you can add red pepper flakes to your taste for an extra kick. Serve hot, adding a bit more parmesan on top. Enjoy your one-pot masterpiece with garlic bread or a light salad to balance out the richness!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. If you’re looking to extend its life, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate it into portioned sizes in freezer-safe bags. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce’s consistency since it may thicken during storage.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Common mistakes include overcooking the gnocchi—remove them from heat when they float!
- Fry the sausage until golden for extra flavor, but don’t let it go too dry.
- Experiment with other greens—Swiss chard or spinach are delightful alternatives.
- If you want a lighter dish, swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Making it ahead? Opt to mix everything minus the gnocchi and freeze, then add the gnocchi when you’re ready to serve!
With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this comforting One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale is sure to wow everyone at your table. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste, as cooking is all about personal touch and creativity. I can’t wait for you to experience all that this comforting dish brings to your dinner table, so roll up those sleeves and make this delightful meal tonight!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of gnocchi?
Absolutely! If you prefer traditional pasta, just adjust the cooking time accordingly; follow package instructions for al dente perfection. Gnocchi adds a particular texture, but regular pasta can work wonderfully, too. Be ready to adjust the amount of broth based on the pasta you choose!
What can I substitute for kale?
Kale is hearty and lovely in this dish, but you can absolutely substitute it with spinach or even Swiss chard. If you decide to go with spinach, add it closer to the end of the cooking process because it wilts much faster than kale.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily swap the chicken sausage for plant-based sausage or sauté some mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty veggie twist, using vegetable broth instead of chicken. This will still give you that comforting feeling without the meat.
What should I serve it with?
This creamy gnocchi dish is a complete meal on its own, but serving it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread complements the meal wonderfully. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper on the salad can echo the spice from the dish beautifully!
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📖 Recipe Card
One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy creamy gnocchi, savory sausage, and vibrant kale in this easy one pot meal. Perfect for chilly nights and quick dinners, it’s a comforting dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. mild Italian chicken sausage
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 cup onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 32 oz. chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 lb. gnocchi
- 1 bunch kale (chopped and stems removed)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Cook sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up until fully cooked.
- Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Sprinkle flour over onion mixture, whisk in broth and cream to create a roux.
- Add gnocchi; cook until they float to the surface.
- Turn off heat, fold in chopped kale and cooked sausage, then stir in parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, adding red pepper flakes and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
