Woodsy Skillet Sausage Mushroom

A hearty, comforting skillet meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and savory sausage in a fragrant, creamy sauce—perfect for cozy evenings.

I first served this to my family on a chilly autumn night and it quickly became a favorite comfort dish.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g), mild or spicy, casings removed
• Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button, cleaned and sliced
• Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Baby spinach: 2 cups (60 g), roughly chopped
• Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon dried
• Potato gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g), shelf-stable or refrigerated
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
• Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
• Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste

Instructions

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Step 1:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes until softened, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Add garlic and thyme to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4:

Stir in the gnocchi, letting it toast slightly for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5:

Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the sausage to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6:

Fold in the spinach and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7:

Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are tender.

Step 8:

Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and serve hot.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe brings the family together, sharing warmth and great food on cool evenings.

Wine Pairings

Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine, enhancing the flavors of the sausage and mushrooms.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms plus a pinch of smoked paprika.

Tools Needed

Large oven-proof skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.

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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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This meal is sure to become a go-to comfort dish to enjoy any time of year.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of pork sausage?

Yes, turkey or chicken sausage works well as a leaner alternative while maintaining good flavor.

→ What type of mushrooms work best in this dish?

Cremini or button mushrooms provide an earthy texture that complements the sausage and gnocchi nicely.

→ Is it necessary to toast the gnocchi before simmering?

Lightly toasting the gnocchi adds a subtle crispness and helps develop deeper flavor in the skillet.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the sausage and substitute with sautéed wild mushrooms plus smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

→ What wine pairs well with this skillet meal?

A crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine complements the creamy and savory components beautifully.

→ How do I know when the sauce has thickened enough?

Simmer uncovered until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and the gnocchi feels tender but not mushy.