Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish combines tender potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage simmered in a velvety tomato and cream sauce. Onions, garlic, and herbs build a flavorful base, enriched by Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. The gnocchi are cooked simply until they float, then folded gently into the rich sauce. Optional spinach adds a fresh touch, making this a cozy and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare weeknight and sure to please a crowd.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:03:00 GMT
A warm bowl of creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, ready to be enjoyed as a comforting meal. Save
A warm bowl of creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi, ready to be enjoyed as a comforting meal. | pulseoven.com

A comforting, rich weeknight dinner featuring pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite for busy weeknights because it combines simplicity and creamy deliciousness in one pot.

Ingredients

  • Pasta & Dairy: 500 g (1 lb) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade), 100 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 40 g (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Meats: 300 g (10 oz) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
  • Oils & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Product image
Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
Check price on Amazon
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 4 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 3:
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and chili flakes cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
Step 6:
Add the spinach (if using) and basil, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Step 7:
While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface (about 2 3 minutes).
Step 8:
Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 1 2 minutes.
Step 9:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with extra basil.
Product image
Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| pulseoven.com

This dish always brings us together around the table and fills our home with warm, inviting aromas.

Required Tools

Large pot, Large skillet, Wooden spoon or spatula, Colander, Chefs knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gnocchi), Milk (cream, Parmesan), and may contain Egg (depending on gnocchi brand). Sausage may contain additional allergens please check labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories 530, Total Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 19 g (per serving)

Plump gnocchi swimming in a rich tomato-cream sauce with savory Italian sausage; a delicious Creamy Tomato and Sausage Gnocchi. Save
Plump gnocchi swimming in a rich tomato-cream sauce with savory Italian sausage; a delicious Creamy Tomato and Sausage Gnocchi. | pulseoven.com
Product image
Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon

Enjoy this creamy tomato and sausage gnocchi as a hearty meal any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

How should gnocchi be cooked for best texture?

Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface, typically 2-3 minutes, then drain gently to maintain their pillowy texture.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, Italian chicken or turkey sausage can be used for a lighter variant. Plant-based sausage also works for a vegetarian adaptation.

What adds creaminess to the sauce?

Heavy cream combined with Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and sausage beautifully.

Is spinach necessary in this dish?

Spinach is optional but adds a fresh, vibrant element that balances the richness of the sauce.

How can I customize the flavor profile?

Adding chili flakes imparts a gentle heat, and incorporating herbs like oregano and basil enhances the Italian-inspired aroma.

Creamy Tomato Sausage Gnocchi

A comforting dish featuring pillowy gnocchi, Italian sausage, and a smooth tomato-cream sauce.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Henry Baker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Pasta & Dairy

01 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
02 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Meats

01 10 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
04 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional)
05 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)

Oils & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1/2 tsp dried oregano
03 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare boiling water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Step 02

Cook sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and break apart with a spoon. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and chili flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Create tomato base: Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 05

Incorporate cream and simmer: Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Let simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce becomes creamy.

Step 06

Add greens and herbs: Mix in baby spinach, if using, and chopped fresh basil. Stir until spinach wilts.

Step 07

Cook gnocchi: Meanwhile, cook gnocchi in boiling water according to package instructions until they float to the surface, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 08

Combine gnocchi and sauce: Drain gnocchi and transfer directly to the sauce. Toss gently to coat and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 09

Finish with cheese and serve: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergens

Always review each ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare provider if you're not sure.
  • Contains wheat (gnocchi), milk (cream and Parmesan), and may contain eggs depending on gnocchi brand. Sausage may contain additional allergens; check labels.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Use this nutrition estimate as a guideline, but be sure to verify with a health expert if needed.
  • Calories: 530
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 19 g