Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi brings the warm, earthy flavors of the Italian countryside to your dinner table in a hearty one-pan meal that’s both elegant and comforting. This dish combines pillowy potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all brought together in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of white wine. What makes this recipe truly special is how it captures the essence of Tuscan cooking – simple, high-quality ingredients that are allowed to shine through careful preparation and traditional techniques. The magic happens when the sausage renders its flavorful fat, which becomes the base for a silky sauce that clings to every piece of gnocchi. This recipe serves 4-6 people generously and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying and restaurant-quality without the fuss.
Main Ingredients
For this rustic Tuscan feast, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds fresh potato gnocchi
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Flavor and Finishing Elements
To complete this Tuscan-inspired dish:
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Building the Flavor Base
Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and cooked through with some crispy edges.
The rendered fat from the sausage is liquid gold for this dish – it carries incredible flavor and will become part of your sauce. Don’t drain it off; instead, push the cooked sausage to one side of the pan to make room for the aromatics.
Add the diced onion to the empty side of the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. The onion will absorb some of that delicious sausage fat while adding its own sweet, aromatic qualities to the dish.
Adding Aromatics and Depth
Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, stirring everything together with the sausage and onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the sun-dried tomatoes start to soften and release their concentrated flavors.
The sun-dried tomatoes are key to achieving that authentic Tuscan taste – they add intense tomato flavor and a slight sweetness that balances the savory sausage perfectly. If they seem too dry, the oil they’re packed in adds extra richness to the dish.
Deglazing and Building the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and let it bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These caramelized bits are pure flavor and will dissolve into the sauce, adding incredible depth.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. The mixture should come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Cooking the Gnocchi
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions – usually 2-3 minutes for fresh gnocchi. They’re done when they float to the surface and feel tender when tested with a fork.
Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining the gnocchi. This starchy water is perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed later.
Bringing It All Together
Add the cooked gnocchi directly to the skillet with the sausage and cream sauce. Gently fold everything together, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some of the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts down completely. The spinach adds color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor that complements the rich sausage and creamy sauce beautifully.
Final Seasoning and Cheese
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter, which adds extra richness and gives the sauce a glossy, restaurant-quality finish. Add the grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and oregano, stirring until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remember that the sausage and parmesan already provide plenty of salt, so start with just a pinch and add more if needed.
Serving Your Tuscan Creation
Serve the Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Divide between warm bowls and top each serving with additional grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Drizzle each portion with a little extra virgin olive oil for authentic Italian flavor and visual appeal. The oil adds richness and helps bring all the flavors together in each bite.
Perfect Pairings
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, and a glass of Italian red wine like Chianti Classico or Sangiovese complements the sausage and herbs perfectly.
For a complete Tuscan meal, start with some bruschetta or antipasto, serve the gnocchi as the main course, and finish with fresh fruit or a simple gelato.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While this dish is best served immediately for optimal texture, you can prepare the sausage and sauce base up to a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then reheat gently and add the cooked gnocchi and spinach just before serving.
Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though the gnocchi may absorb more sauce and become softer. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Turkey sausage works well as a leaner alternative, and you can add other vegetables like roasted red peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you can’t find fresh gnocchi, frozen works perfectly – just cook according to package directions. You can also substitute the spinach with arugula, kale, or Swiss chard for different flavors and textures.
This Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi recipe embodies everything wonderful about Italian comfort food – it’s hearty, flavorful, and made with love using simple, high-quality ingredients. The combination of savory sausage, creamy sauce, and tender gnocchi creates a dish that’s both satisfying and sophisticated, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with your Italian cooking skills. Every bite delivers the warm, rustic flavors of Tuscany, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
