I am always quick to admit that gnocchi is a favorite of mine. How can you go wrong with potato dumplings? In my mind, you can't! This Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Spinach and Sausage makes an awesome weeknight meal as it is so easy to put together.
If you want to try some more pasta dishes, let me suggest a couple of recipes I love. My pan-fried pesto gnocchi is similar to this one, and I think you will love it. These homemade pasta are easier to make than you might think. Homemade Kamut Pasta is pasta made with ancient grains. Or how about handmade orecchiette?? I love this little pasta. If you want something a little more challenging, what about laminated pasta?
What Makes This Recipe Work?
It is a delicious blend of creamy gnocchi, tasty spinach, sausage, and a delicious blend of spices. This all comes together into one amazing dish!
This is so simple to make. I made my gnocchi homemade, but if you use storebought gnocchi it is even easier!
This recipe can be for anyone. The flavors are so good, but also that are mild enough that anyone will love them!
Ingredients
- Gnocchi- Again, you can make this yourself or buy them. This depends on your time and desire.
- Olive oil- You can use any other oil you like, but I prefer olive oil.
- Butter- I love the blend of olive oil and butter in this recipe.
- Sausage- I used smoked turkey sausage, but you can use whatever type of sausage you like for this.
- Garlic powder- You can also use fresh garlic if you want!
- Oregano and basil- I used dried as it is what I had on hand, but you can also use fresh if you have it.
- Crushed red pepper- I always add it in for a bit of spice. You can leave this out if you aren't into it.
- Baby spinach- You can use frozen, but I really like fresh better.
- Grated Parmesan- It doesn't take much but is worth it.
How To Make
Start by boiling your gnocchi. I cooked mine for about 1 minute. It won't take long. While they are cooking, preheat the pan you will fry them in.
Drain the gnocchi. Add the olive oil and butter to your pan and heat. Add the gnocchi to the sausage. Let it cook until the gnocchi is browned. Gently flip it over and cook the other side.
Add in the spinach and let it cook until it has wilted. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper. Mix gently.
That is it! The dish is done. It easily comes together in about 15-20 minutes. I like to serve it with a side salad and some type of bread- sourdough, biscuits, or even cornbread.
Notes
There are a few things to note about this recipe. It is simple to make, but let me share a few things that will help you nail it the first time.
- Do not boil the gnocchi for too long. Remember it will also be pan-fried, so don't boil it too long or it will fall apart in the pan.
- I like to mix this with a fork for flipping then a rubber spatula. Be gentle with the gnocchi.
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can use vegetarian sausages, or even just load this up with veggies. I love using mushrooms, bell peppers, squash, etc.
- This can be used for meal prep. Cook it in batches and package it up. It will hold well for up to 5 days. It is easy to reheat in the microwave.
- If you want to make homemade gnocchi ahead of time, freeze it after making it in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then when you are ready to use it, thaw and boil.
What Is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dumpling made with potatoes. They are light, tender, and delicious.
They are made simply with a blend of potatoes, flour, salt, and eggs. I have seen recipes where you add spices and cheese to the mix, but traditionally they are just the 4 ingredients.
Gnocchi is simple to make. If you want to try something new, I recommend trying these!
Is gnocchi potato or pasta?
Technically is it a dumpling? But, most people will use it as pasta- myself included. Honestly, it works well whatever you choose to categorize it as!
Pan-fried gnocchi with spinach and sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 5 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 pound sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces I used a smoked turkey link sausage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½-1 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper I am leaving this as a variable. If you don't like spice, you can leave it out.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring your water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil. Once it is boiling, add in the gnocchi. Let this boil for 1-2 minutes. It won't take long. Drain.
- In a skillet, add the butter and oil and heat over medium heat until it is hot. Add in the gnocchi and sliced sausage. Let this cook until it is browned on one side. Flip it over and cook on the other side as well. Add in the spinach and cook, stirring gently until the spinach is wilted.
- Sprinkle with the basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Taste. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Dish it up and sprinkle it with the remaining parmesan.
- Serve on its own or with your favorite salad and bread.
Notes
- Do not boil the gnocchi for too long. Remember it will also be pan-fried, so don't boil it too long or it will fall apart in the pan.
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can use vegetarian sausages, or even just load this up with veggies. I love using mushrooms, bell peppers, squash, etc.
- This can be used for meal prep. Cook it in batches and package it up. It will hold well for up to 5 days. It is easy to reheat in the microwave.
- If you want to make homemade gnocchi ahead of time, freeze it after making it in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then when you are ready to use it, thaw and boil.
BranSpran says
Loved it!
admin says
It is such a simple and delicious meal. I am so glad you love it as much as we do!
Nicole Held says
Would Italian sausage work in this recipe?
Amy Sandidge says
It sure would and that would be so good! I will need to try that next time myself.
Debbie says
Hi, in the recipe you have garlic powder, but you don’t mention it in any of the written instructions. Do we use it and if so can we use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Thanks
Deb
Amy Sandidge says
You can use fresh garlic in this recipe. Add it in with the spinach, which is towards the end of the cooking time. This will keep it from burning.
Angie says
Was delicious!! Perfect weeknight meal. I added grape tomatoes.
Amy Sandidge says
I am so glad you liked it. I have got to try it with the grape tomatoes-yumm!
Janis says
Tried this with gluten free gnocchi. It was definitely a hit for us! Will be adding it to our dinner rotation! So good!
Amy Sandidge says
I am so happy to hear this! I have not tried this with gluten-free gnocchi, but need to give it a try.
Wendy says
Quick and easy meal…tastes great!
Amy Sandidge says
I am so glad you liked it! My family loves this recipe.
Sweena says
So easy to make and flavorful! I used Parmesan and black pepper chicken sausage. Towards the end, I added a little half and half for some creaminess.
Amy Sandidge says
I love the addition of half and half and will need to try it one of these days! Yum!
Robin says
I really enjoyed the flavor, but calories compared to serving size didn't work for my dietary needs.
Amy Sandidge says
I am glad you liked the recipe, even thought it doesn't work for your dietary needs?