Name: One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Mild Italian Chicken Sausage (1 lb); Olive Oil (2 tbsp); Onion (1 cup diced); Garlic Cloves (4, minced); Italian Seasoning (1 tsp); Salt (½ tsp); All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup); Chicken Broth (32 oz); Heavy Cream (½ cup); Gnocchi (2 lb); Kale (1 bunch, chopped with stems removed); Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated); Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)

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As you enter your kitchen and put this One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale on your stove, imagine the rich aroma wafting through the air—a delightful blend of savory sausage, earthy kale, and nutty parmesan. Each bubbling minute brings you closer to a creamy bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture it: spooning that velvety sauce onto tender gnocchi, steam swirling up as you can’t help but take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your homemade meal.

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

This recipe effortlessly brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter danced around the table, as the comforting flavors embraced us like old friends. Perfect for any day of the week, whether it’s a fun weeknight gathering or a relaxed Sunday treat, this dish is designed to make sharing a joy. If you’re ready to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds, let’s cook up this One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy sauce blends beautifully with the garlic, sausage, and kale for a satisfying bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful kale adds a pop of green, making your dish Instagram-worthy!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or impressing guests at a gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute the chicken sausage for a plant-based option for a delicious twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mild Italian Chicken Sausage (1 lb): This adds flavor without being too spicy. Feel free to swap for turkey sausage or vegan sausage based on your preference.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Essential for sautéing your ingredients to release their natural flavors.
Onion (1 cup diced): A foundational ingredient that adds sweetness; yellow or white onions work best.
Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic signature flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): This blend of herbs pulls everything together; use fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Helps thicken the sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency without clumping.
Chicken Broth (32 oz): Use low-sodium chicken broth for a more controlled flavor.
Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds richness; you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Gnocchi (2 lb): Fresh or shelf-stable works. Look for potato-based gnocchi for the best flavor.
Kale (1 bunch, chopped with stems removed): Adds nutrition and color; you can also use spinach if that’s what you have.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): This gives the dish a savory flair; Pecorino Romano can be a nice substitution.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a gentle heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance.

How to Make One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale

Cook the Sausage: Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the mild Italian chicken sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep stirring until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and set it aside—don’t worry, the flavors are just getting started!

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes fragrant and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Sauté for another minute, allowing those aromas to intertwine. It’s like a magic spell for your kitchen!

Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, whisking continuously for one minute until the flour gets a light golden color. This is essential for thickening your sauce later. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle low boil and watch it bubble; it’s a sign that magic is happening!

Add Gnocchi: Once the sauce is bubbling, add the gnocchi, stirring gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. They’ll start to float to the top, which is your cue that they’re almost ready. Turn off the heat, then introduce the chopped kale into the skillet. Stir until the kale wilts, which should take about a minute. Just look at that vibrant color!

Finish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the contents of the skillet, stirring to melt the cheese into the luscious sauce. Add the cooked sausage back in and mix until well combined. For an added pop of flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes to your liking. Serve it warm, perhaps with some additional cheese on top—enjoy every comforting bite!

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers of this delightful One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat; you may need to add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce’s creamy texture. While the flavor remains, the freshness of the kale may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they only need a few minutes in the sauce to become tender.
To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time: chop your onion and garlic, and measure out your spices.
For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand—nothing beats that freshness!
Taste as you go—add more salt or red pepper flakes according to your preferences for a fun twist.
Consider making a little extra to enjoy for lunch the next day; everything tastes even better after the flavors meld!

A bowl of One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale brings together comfort and flavor, perfect for any occasion. Don’t shy away from making it your own—experiment with different greens or proteins to keep things fresh and exciting.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi or shelf-stable gnocchi?

Yes! Both fresh and shelf-stable gnocchi work wonderfully in this recipe. Fresh gnocchi tends to be a bit softer, while shelf-stable gnocchi has a firmer texture. Just be mindful of cooking time; fresh gnocchi often takes only a few minutes to cook.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Easily! Just substitute the chicken sausage with a plant-based sausage or leave it out entirely. You can also add more vegetables for bulk, like zucchini or mushrooms, to keep it hearty.

What can I serve with this dish?

This One Pot Gnocchi with Sausage and Kale is a complete meal on its own. However, if you’re looking for sides, a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread would pair nicely to soak up that creamy sauce!

How do I reheat leftovers without losing flavor?

To reheat, place your desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir occasionally until heated through to help retain that creamy texture and avoid drying it out.