Delicious Easy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe to Savor Tonight

I’ve gotta spill the beans about this Sausage Gnocchi that totally blew me away the first time I took a bite. Imagine pillowy potato gnocchi with sausage that’s juicy and a little spicy, all tossed in a rich, savory sauce that hits sweet and umami notes perfectly. It’s like comfort and fancy met in your mouth and immediately became best friends. The sausage gnocchi combo is SO satisfying that I found myself craving it over and over again, which sparked my entire mission to recreate this at home until it was just right.

The first time I had this, the sausage was cooked with herbs and a hint of heat, and the gnocchi were tender clouds soaking in that meaty goodness. Every bite was like a little flavor bomb—sweet sausage juices mingling with soft gnocchi, finished off by a cozy tomato sauce with a touch of garlic and fresh basil. It was the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug but tastes way better than a hug ever could.

If you’re all about a sausage pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting, this Sausage Gnocchi recipe is about to become your new obsession. I’m psyched to share this drool-worthy Italian gnocchi recipe with you. Seriously, anyone who loves the perfect balance of soft potato gnocchi with sausage will be all over this. Plus, I’m including my absolute must-know gnocchi cooking tips to make sure your kitchen smells insane and every bite hits the spot.

And trust me, once you get a little Sausage Gnocchi cooking downstairs, dinner will never be the same. Ready to dive in? Let’s get you eating something unforgettable tonight.

Here’s your flavor squad for the best Sausage Gnocchi experience:

Quick shopping tip: grab fresh basil and garlic from the produce section, and if you want to upgrade your sausage gnocchi, try swapping regular sausage for a fennel-spiced Italian sausage or add smoked paprika for a smoky twist. I like to go heavy on the garlic and red pepper flakes to give mine a little heat and a ton of flavor!

Need a shortcut? Use pre-minced garlic that’s good quality or pre-chopped onion to save time but keep the authentic flavors. Store gnocchi in the fridge and sausage in a cold section for freshness, since nothing kills good sausage gnocchi vibes like old ingredients.

These ingredients make this Sausage Gnocchi absolutely crave-worthy!

1. Brown the sausage – Start by heating that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula so it cooks in little crumbles. The smell of the sausage mingling with its fat rendering out is where the magic of this Sausage Gnocchi begins. Cook until it’s golden and caramelized, about 6-8 minutes.

2. Add onion and garlic – Once your sausage is looking gorgeous and golden, add in the chopped onion and let it soften for 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen is gonna smell like a little piece of Italy right now. Seriously, this step gives your sausage gnocchi the depth and aroma that everyone will be counting down for.

3. Tomato time! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir it together with the sausage mix. Add salt, pepper, and if you want a little zip, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. This is your base for that beloved gnocchi with tomato sauce combo.

4. Cook the gnocchi – While your sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Drop in your potato gnocchi in batches. They cook super fast—when they float to the surface, scoop them out quick with a slotted spoon. Be gentle; gnocchi are delicate and pillowy in that wonderful Sausage Gnocchi way!

5. Finish the sauce – If using cream, stir it in now for that silky touch that makes this sausage pasta dish so drool-worthy. Toss in torn basil leaves for freshness right before serving.

6. Combine gnocchi + sauce – Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sausage tomato sauce. Let everything mingle over low heat until your Sausage Gnocchi is steaming hot and perfectly coated. If you want to check out a similar creamy sausage gnocchi recipe that’s one-pan and quick, Julia’s Album has a fantastic version that’s super comforting.

Pro tip: don’t overcook your gnocchi or they’ll get mushy—a quick float test is your friend! And always brown the sausage well so you get those crispy bits that amp up flavor.

This Sausage Gnocchi comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight craving satisfy-out. Trust me, you’re going to have everyone asking what’s for dinner with this aroma in the air!

Serving Sausage Gnocchi is a total joy because it’s so versatile. My favorite way? Just pile a generous scoop on a plate, sprinkle with extra fresh basil, and serve with a crisp green salad for a simple meal. The balance of rich sausage and soft gnocchi pairs like a dream with something bright and fresh.

For sides, garlic bread or roasted veggies are my go-tos, but you can’t go wrong with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon to cut through that richness. This sausage pasta dish shines for cozy dinners but also makes a killer dish for casual dinner parties. It’s the kind of food that disappears fast—yep, that’s right, it’s party-approved.

Leftovers? Oh yes, I love tossing leftover sausage gnocchi into a hot skillet with a smidge more olive oil and spinach for a quick next-day meal. If you want to switch it up seasonally, swap out tomato sauce for a pumpkin cream sauce in the fall or add zucchini and fresh herbs in the summer to keep it light.

If you want a fresh take on Sausage Gnocchi with tomato sauce, Our Balanced Bowl has a recipe you’ll want to bookmark. And for a quick one-pan creamy sausage gnocchi option, Simple Home Edit’s recipe is crazy convenient and delicious.

Serving this up will have your friends and family coming back for seconds before you can say “Sausage Gnocchi.”

How do I make this Sausage Gnocchi extra flavorful?
I swear by browning the sausage super well and adding fresh basil right at the end. A pinch of red pepper flakes amps up the flavor too. You can also swap regular Italian sausage for fennel-spiced sausage to deepen the taste.

Can I meal prep this Sausage Gnocchi?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive that sauce. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep gnocchi from getting mushy.

What’s the best way to reheat Sausage Gnocchi without losing quality?
Reheat on the stove over medium low with a little olive oil or broth. It keeps the gnocchi tender but prevents them from sticking or turning gummy. Your kitchen will fill with those wonderful sausage gnocchi aromas all over again.

Can I use store-bought gnocchi, or should I make my own?
Store-bought gnocchi works great for a quick, crave-worthy bite. If you want to try homemade potato gnocchi with sausage, that’s next-level but more time-consuming. Either way, this sausage pasta dish shines!

Is Sausage Gnocchi gluten-free?
Check labels carefully. Traditional gnocchi has wheat, but some brands offer gluten-free versions. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free potato gnocchi for an allergy-friendly meal.

What variations of Sausage Gnocchi do you recommend?
Try creamy versions with heavy cream, spinach, and mushrooms, or tomato-based with lots of fresh herbs. Our Balanced Bowl and Julia’s Album have awesome takes if you want inspiration.

Can I freeze this Sausage Gnocchi?
Cooked gnocchi doesn’t freeze well because it gets mushy, but you can freeze the sausage sauce separately. Just thaw and cook gnocchi fresh when you’re ready.

If you want a shortcut for sausage flavor, check out my cheesy Rotel sausage balls recipe on FoodieDishes—it’s a clever spin on sausage for game day.

This Sausage Gnocchi recipe has earned a permanent starring role in my dinner lineup. Soft potato gnocchi with sausage and tomato sauce is the ultimate crave-worthy combo that works for weeknight meals or impressing guests. My Foodie Tips? Always brown your sausage extra well for those crispy bites, don’t skip the fresh basil at the end, and trust quick cook times for gnocchi to keep that perfect pillowy texture.

Three versions that always get rave reviews: classic tomato sauce sausage gnocchi, creamy garlic sausage gnocchi, and loaded sausage gnocchi with spinach and mushrooms. Each one brings a unique spin to this sausage pasta dish, and I encourage you to tweak the spice, sauce, or herbs to match your mood.

I’m so pumped for you to try this Sausage Gnocchi recipe. Your taste buds are in for a serious party! Cooking up this dish means dinner is sorted, cozy, and ridiculously delicious. Go ahead, invite your fellow foodies over or keep it all to yourself—the flavor will speak for itself.

If you’re curious about creamy, one-pan versions, definitely check out the quick Creamy Sausage Gnocchi on Julia’s Album and Simple Home Edit. And for a tomato sauce twist, Our Balanced Bowl has a killer recipe to round out your Sausage Gnocchi repertoire.

Ready to make the magic happen? Your next binge-worthy meal is waiting!