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Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender gnocchi is simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce with savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and vibrant basil, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a comforting and easy dish ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Protein & Dairy

  • 1 (12-ounce) package chicken sausage links, sliced
  • ½ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)

Carbohydrates

  • 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi (use gluten-free if needed)

Produce & Herbs

  • 5 ounces (1 bag or carton) baby spinach leaves
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

Pantry & Condiments

  • 1 (15-ounce) jar sun-dried tomato sauce (or 2 cups marinara sauce)
  • ½ cup water
  • Avocado oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to become hot. Generously mist the skillet with avocado oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and prepare for cooking the sausage.
  2. Cook Chicken Sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausage to the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is browned and cooked through, enhancing its flavor and texture.
  3. Add Gnocchi and Sauce: Stir in the shelf-stable gnocchi and sun-dried tomato sauce into the skillet. Pour ½ cup water into the sauce jar, screw on the lid, shake well to loosen all remaining sauce, then add the water to the skillet. Mix everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the skillet contents just to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi become soft and tender.
  5. Add Greens and Herbs: Stir in the baby spinach and chopped fresh basil. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and the flavors meld together beautifully.
  6. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil on top before serving. This adds a creamy, savory finishing touch to the dish.
  7. Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 4 days for best freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute sun-dried tomato sauce with marinara sauce if preferred.
  • Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Parmesan cheese can be omitted or substituted with a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days, making this recipe great for meal prep.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed based on the sausage and sauce saltiness.