Name: One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. mild Italian chicken sausage; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup onion (diced); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 32 oz. chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 lb. gnocchi; 1 bunch kale (chopped and stems removed); 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated); Red pepper flakes to taste

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Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that dances in the air like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. The delightful mingling of savory chicken sausage and vibrant greens, all coated in a creamy parmesan sauce, create a dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. Picture yourself stirring this one-pot wonder, watching each piece of gnocchi soak up that luscious sauce while the kale wilts until it’s tender and perfectly incorporated. It’s a dish that you could enjoy curled up on the couch after a long day or share with loved ones over laughter-filled dinner conversations.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale

Every bite brings a wave of nostalgia for me — it reminds me of gathering around the table with my family during winter holidays, filled with warmth and laughter. The creamy texture and delightful flavors are simply irresistible, and the best part? It takes only 25 minutes to make this delightful One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale! I can guarantee that once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your home. So grab your pot, and let’s whip up this delicious meal together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, this wholesome meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, earthy kale, and creamy sauce delivers a mouthwatering taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or vegetarian by swapping the sausage and gnocchi.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb. mild Italian chicken sausage: This adds a flavorful, savory base to the dish. You can swap it for turkey sausage or a meat alternative for a lighter option.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, bringing together the flavors beautifully. Substitute with avocado oil for a different taste.
1 cup onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth. Red onion or shallots can be used for a sweet twist.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic elevates the aroma. Fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced can save time.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the dish perfectly. Feel free to mix your own for a personal touch.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all other flavors. Adjust according to taste preferences.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a creamy sauce. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.
32 oz. chicken broth: This provides a savory base to the sauce. Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version.
½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
2 lb. gnocchi: The star of the dish! Fresh or packaged gnocchi work well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi.
1 bunch kale (chopped and stems removed): Adds nutrition and vibrant color. Spinach is a good alternative if you prefer.
1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): For a cheesy finish that melts perfectly into the dish. Nutritional yeast can be an option for a vegan twist.
Red pepper flakes to taste: Add a kick of heat! Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

How to Make One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale

Cook the Sausage: Begin by heating a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the mild Italian chicken sausage, using a wooden spoon to break it into pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently until it’s cooked through and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon, allowing excess grease to drain while leaving some in the pan for flavor.

Sauté the Aromatics: To the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is tender and translucent. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt, stirring for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a beautiful flavor base for your sauce.

Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the fragrant onion and garlic mixture, whisking continuously for about 1 minute until the flour turns a lovely light golden brown. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream, whisking briskly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy roux. Keep the heat on medium until the mixture reaches a low boil, letting the flavors mingle beautifully.

Add the Gnocchi: Once boiling, add the gnocchi to the pot. Stir gently to ensure they’re all coated with the creamy sauce. Cook the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes until they float, which indicates they’re done. This quick cooking helps them soak up that creamy goodness while remaining delightfully tender.

Incorporate the Greens: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped kale. The residual heat will wilt the kale to perfection. Give it about a minute, and you’ll see the vibrant green deepen in color, brightening the dish!

Finish and Serve: Finally, fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s well incorporated and melted into the sauce. Return the cooked sausage to the pot, mixing it all together. For an extra touch, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and more cheese right before serving. Enjoy this comforting bowl right away!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers of your One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale, let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help revive the creamy texture. Keep in mind that the gnocchi may soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the sausage; it should be browned but not dry.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting texture and flavor.
If the sauce seems too thick, adjust it with a little more broth or cream.
Feel free to add extras like diced tomatoes or other vegetables for variety.
For a creamier sauce without adding more cream, a splash of the pasta cooking water can help.
This dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated for an easy dinner option!

The creamy texture, savory sausage, and fresh kale of this One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale are sure to win over your family and friends. Not only is it nourishing, but it’s also quick enough for a weeknight dinner after a long day. Experiment with ingredients, get creative, and let your taste buds guide you — cooking should be fun and delicious! I can’t wait for you to enjoy every last bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer great alternatives that work well in this recipe while still allowing you to enjoy all the comforting flavors.

Can I use fresh kale instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh kale is not only perfectly suitable but also helps retain a lovely texture and vibrant color in your dish. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly, chop out any tough stems, and add it as directed in the recipe; it will wilt down nicely without any loss of flavor.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you find yourself short on heavy cream, don’t worry! You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk with a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Coconut milk is also a fantastic non-dairy alternative that adds a lovely creaminess and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Sure! For a vegetarian spin on One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale, swap the chicken sausage for your favorite meat substitute, such as plant-based sausage or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Serve with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the rich flavor.