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Easy One-Pot Sausage and Pumpkin Gnocchi Skillet: Best 30-Minute Dinner

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This quick and easy one-pot meal combines savory Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy pumpkin sauce for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed if using links)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage (remove casings if using links) and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, dried sage, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth and combined.
  4. Sear the gnocchi: Add gnocchi directly to the skillet. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes without stirring to allow them to get golden and crispy on the bottom. Then stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Simmer and finish: Return cooked sausage to the skillet. If using spinach, add it now and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until gnocchi is tender and sauce has thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh sage if desired.

Notes

The gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. If making ahead or reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free gnocchi.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, sausage, pumpkin, gnocchi, skillet, 30-minute dinner, fall recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-one-pot-sausage-and-pumpkin-gnocchi-skillet-best-30-minute-dinner/