Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage

Golden, pillowy gnocchi crisped in garlicky butter alongside juicy slices of seared sausage—this is weeknight comfort food with a serious flavor upgrade. Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage is one of those dishes that looks and tastes gourmet, but comes together in a single skillet in under 30 minutes. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came about on one of those nights when I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to wait an hour for dinner. I had a pack of gnocchi, a few links of sausage, and some butter in the fridge—and that’s all it took. After a quick sauté, my kitchen smelled like a dream and the flavor payoff was massive. Since then, it’s been in heavy rotation.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Gnocchi is a beloved Italian staple made from potato, flour, and sometimes egg, and while traditionally served in saucy dishes, it takes beautifully to pan-frying. Pairing it with sausage and garlic butter is a modern spin that captures the spirit of rustic Italian cooking with a bit of skillet-seared flair. It’s a fusion of simplicity and indulgence that’s quickly become a go-to meal worldwide.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage

This dish brings serious flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a total weeknight hero:

Versatile: Works with any kind of sausage—spicy, mild, chicken, or plant-based.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that go a long way.

Quick and Easy: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.

Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love golden gnocchi and garlic butter?

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep components ahead and reheat quickly.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want those gnocchi golden and crisp, not soggy? Here’s how to nail it:

• Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi—not frozen—to get a good sear.
• Don’t boil the gnocchi first. Pan-fry straight from the package for best texture.
• Cook sausage slices until nicely browned for deeper flavor.
• Let the butter brown slightly before adding garlic to deepen the flavor.
• Finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A one-pan wonder like this just needs a few basics:

Large Nonstick Skillet: Essential for searing gnocchi without sticking.

Tongs or Spatula: To flip sausage and gnocchi as they crisp.

Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing sausage and mincing garlic.

Grater or Zester: Optional, for adding Parmesan or lemon zest.

Serving Plates or Shallow Bowls: To show off all that golden goodness.

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage

Simple ingredients come together for a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Shelf-Stable or Refrigerated Gnocchi: 500g (about 1 lb) – Pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection.
2. Italian Sausage Links: 3 (about 300g) – Sliced and seared for flavor and protein.
3. Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons – Base of the garlic butter sauce.
4. Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – Brings deep, aromatic flavor.
5. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – Helps crisp the gnocchi and sausage.
6. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped – Adds color and freshness.
7. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – Brightens the rich butter.
8. Salt and Black Pepper: to taste – Essential for balance.
9. Grated Parmesan: optional, for serving – Adds salty umami to finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to adjust? Try these easy swaps:

Italian Sausage: Use chorizo, kielbasa, or plant-based sausage.

Butter: Substitute with vegan butter or ghee.

Parsley: Try fresh basil, thyme, or oregano.

Lemon Juice: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Ingredient Spotlight

Gnocchi: When pan-seared, these pillowy dumplings turn into golden bites with crispy exteriors and tender insides—a texture explosion.

Italian Sausage: Brings seasoning, fat, and deep flavor to the dish without needing extra herbs or spices.

Instructions for Making Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage

This skillet meal is fast, fun, and unbelievably satisfying. Here are the steps you’re going to follow:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Add sausage slices to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In the same skillet, add gnocchi (no need to boil). Sauté for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden on all sides.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Push gnocchi to one side of the pan and add butter and garlic to the empty side. Let butter melt and garlic cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Return the sausage to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Add chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss to combine.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Plate hot, sprinkle with Parmesan if desired, and dig in!

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Crispy gnocchi, juicy sausage, and a silky garlic butter that coats every bite—this dish hits all the right notes. The slight char on the gnocchi gives it a satisfying bite, while the garlic infuses the butter with bold flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Pat gnocchi dry before sautéing for the best crisp.
• Let the butter brown just a bit for extra nuttiness.
• Add a handful of spinach or peas in the final minute for extra greens.
• Use a splash of reserved pasta water or broth if you want a saucier finish.

What to Avoid

• Don’t boil the gnocchi—it will get mushy instead of crispy.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan; crisping needs space.
• Don’t let garlic burn. Lower the heat if it starts to brown too quickly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 560

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture. The sausage can be cooked ahead and stored separately.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage

Serve in shallow bowls with extra herbs and grated Parmesan. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Reheat with eggs for a savory breakfast hash.
• Toss with tomato sauce for a next-day pasta bake.
• Stuff into bell peppers and bake with cheese on top.

Additional Tips

• A dash of red pepper flakes adds heat.
• Use herbed butter or compound butter for more flavor.
• Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil for restaurant-style flair.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in a cast iron skillet at the table. Garnish with whole parsley leaves and lemon zest. Add toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Variations to Try

• Creamy Garlic Gnocchi: Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone.
• Spicy Gnocchi: Use hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.
• Veggie Boosted: Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms.
• Cheesy Gnocchi Bake: Top with mozzarella and broil until bubbly.
• Lemon Herb Gnocchi: Add lemon zest and thyme for a fresh twist.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi?

A1: Yes, but thaw and pat dry before pan-frying.

Q2: Is it okay to use pre-cooked sausage?

A2: Absolutely—just slice and brown it for texture.

Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?

A3: Use plant-based sausage and vegan butter.

Q4: Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?

A4: Nope! Just pan-fry straight from the package.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

A5: Not recommended, as gnocchi can become mushy when thawed.

Q6: What herbs go well with this?

A6: Parsley, basil, oregano, thyme—all work beautifully.

Q7: How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking?

A7: Use enough oil and don’t move them too often while searing.

Q8: Can I add veggies?

A8: Yes—try spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.

Q9: Can I use homemade gnocchi?

A9: Yes, but be gentle—they’re more delicate.

Q10: What wine pairs well?

A10: A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Sausage is the perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and buttery goodness. With bold flavors and a fast cooking time, it’s the kind of dish you’ll make once and crave forever. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a quick weeknight win, this skillet is worth every golden bite.

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