If pillowy gnocchi smothered in a creamy tomato sauce is your idea of the best meal ever, then you'll flip for my version of gnocchi and sausage in vodka sauce. This gnocchi recipe is an easy dinner because it uses pre-made gnocchi found in most grocery stores. This quick dinner is ready in about 30 minutes.
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Busy weeknights are no joke. That's why I created this easy recipe that tastes like you cooked all day.
One-pan recipes are a wonderful solution to getting dinner on the table quickly without the hassle of cleaning a lot of pots and pans afterwards. That's why it's become one of our favorite recipes, especially when paired with this air fryer garlic bread.
The next time you're craving the ultimate comfort food, make this creamy gnocchi and sausage! I'm sure it will become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for exact amounts and printable recipe card.
Extra Virgin olive oil - Olive oil gives this gnocchi and sausage recipe the best flavor, but use what you have on hand if you don't have olive oil.
Italian sausage - I used a mild sausage, but you might like spicy Italian sausage. I used raw pork sausage, but chicken sausage is a good choice if you're watching your fat and calories. Pre-cooked sausage is another option, just slice it. If you choose ground beef or ground turkey, be sure to add Italian seasoning, some red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage.
Fresh garlic cloves - Freshly chopped garlic will have the best flavor.
Tomato paste - Adds intense tomato flavor.
Vodka - Vodka can enhance the flavor of the tomatoes, which is exactly what we want in this sauce. It also helps make a cohesive sauce. If you don't want to use vodka, you can leave it out. Or you can try some chicken broth, lemon juice, white or red wine instead.
Crushed tomatoes - I think using Italian tomatoes gives the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are the best, but it's okay to use what you can get your hands on at the grocery store.
Heavy cream - for that creamy texture we all crave.
Potato gnocchi - store-bought gnocchi is a great quick and easy option. DeLallo brand is my favorite. If you have homemade gnocchi, then that would be amazing!
Fresh spinach - I like to add a couple handfuls of fresh baby spinach here just to bump up the nutritional value.
Parmesan cheese - you can try any cheese you like instead.
Fresh herbs - I love adding some fresh basil that's been sliced or torn.
Directions
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage meat into pan and cook until golden brown and completely cooked through.
Reduce to medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and tomato paste and cook for one minute.
Add vodka and simmer for 30 seconds. Add the heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, and uncooked gnocchi and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes or until gnocchi is tender.
Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese and spinach. When spinach wilts, top with chopped fresh herbs and serve!
Tips
Raw sausage must be cooked through before eaten.
No gnocchi on hand? Cook your favorite pasta noodles to al dente and add to the sauce.
Add some chopped bell pepper or onions when cooking the sausage for some added nutrition.
Use a jar of marinara or your favorite pasta sauce in place of the crushed tomatoes.
If you find the sauce too thick, thin it out with some chicken stock or vegetable broth. Simmer and stir until incorporated.
More pasta recipes
- Stuffed Pasta Shells with Meat and Ricotta
- Easy Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Casserole
- Meatless Baked Ziti
- Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole
📖 Recipe
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Gnocchi and Sausage in Vodka Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet, mild, hot
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup vodka wine, broth, water, tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream half and half
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes; canned preferably from Italy
- 1 lb potato gnocchi preferably DeLallo brand
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach if desired
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage meat into pan and cook until golden brown and completely cooked through.
- Reduce to medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and tomato paste and cook for one minute.
- Add vodka and simmer for 30 seconds. Add the heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, and uncooked gnocchi and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes or until gnocchi is tender.
- Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese and spinach. When spinach wilts, top with chopped fresh herbs and serve!
Notes
- Raw sausage must be cooked through before eaten.
- No gnocchi on hand? Cook your favorite pasta noodles to al dente and add to the sauce.
- Add some chopped bell pepper or onions to the sausage for some added nutrition.
- Use a jar of marinara or your favorite pasta sauce in place of the crushed tomatoes.
- If you find the sauce too thick, thin it out with some chicken stock or vegetable broth. Simmer and stir until incorporated.
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