Gnocchi Tomato Sauce One Pan

When I made this Gnocchi Tomato Sauce One Pan, the kitchen smelled like garlic and simmering tomatoes.
The gnocchi turned soft and pillowy, soaking up the rich sauce and melted cheese.
I remember serving it straight from the pan—it was warm, cozy, and gone in minutes.

This dish is simple, hearty, and full of classic Italian flavor.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want comfort without the cleanup.

Let’s cook it together—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it turns out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with simple steps anyone can follow.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Gnocchi, sausage, and vegetables create a complete meal in one dish.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish. Double the recipe for a larger crowd or meal prep.

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. If you can brown sausage and boil water, you can make this dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for Gnocchi Tomato Sauce One Pan

This hearty Italian-inspired dish uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work together beautifully. The gnocchi becomes tender while soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce, and the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
• Crimini Mushrooms: These earthy mushrooms add depth and a meaty texture.
• Italian Sausage: Provides savory, seasoned protein. Use mild or spicy based on your preference.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that cook quickly and absorb the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian taste.
• Herbs from Provence: Adds a delicate, floral note to complement the tomato sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Tomato Sauce: The base of your dish. Use a good quality sauce for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps cook the gnocchi.
• Water: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Spinach: Fresh greens that wilt into the sauce, adding nutrition and color.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning to taste.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme adds an herbal finish.

Variations for One Pan Gnocchi

• Use Turkey Sausage: Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Add More Veggies: Try bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
• Go Meatless: Skip the sausage and double the mushrooms, or add white beans for protein.
• Try Different Greens: Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor.
• Add Cheese: Top with grated parmesan, mozzarella, or ricotta before serving.

How to Make Gnocchi Tomato Sauce One Pan Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and remove the Italian sausage from its casing if needed. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fast.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it into crumbles with your spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.

3. Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced crimini mushrooms to the pan with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.

4. Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Herbs from Provence, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the pan and stir to coat with sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will become tender and plump as it absorbs the sauce.

7. Add the Spinach

Once the gnocchi is cooked through, stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly in the hot sauce, taking just 1-2 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh or dried thyme to taste.

8. Serve

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a minute or two. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve One Pan Gnocchi

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to make it even better:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread or a baguette to soak up the sauce.
• Top with Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano over each serving.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Drizzle with Oil: Finish with a swirl of good quality olive oil for extra richness.

Storing One Pan Gnocchi

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb sauce as it sits.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Use Fresh Gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi works, but fresh or refrigerated gnocchi cooks faster and has better texture.

• Don’t Skip the Lid: Covering the pan traps steam that helps cook the gnocchi evenly.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: If the sauce gets too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
• Taste and Season: Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
• Watch the Heat: Keep the temperature at medium to prevent burning. The gnocchi needs gentle simmering, not a hard boil.
• Add Spinach Last: Spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the very end to keep its bright green color.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is approximate and based on 6 servings.

One Pan Gnocchi FAQs