Woodsy Skillet Sausage Mushroom

Featured in: Simple One-Pot Woodland Comforts

This dish combines tender potato gnocchi with browned Italian sausage and sautéed mushrooms for a woodsy flavor. A creamy sauce is enriched with chicken broth, fresh thyme, and Parmesan, folded together with baby spinach for vibrant color and nutrition. The meal cooks entirely in one skillet, allowing the gnocchi to toast lightly before simmering in the sauce, ensuring a comforting texture and rich taste ideal for a hearty main course.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 08:10:00 GMT
Golden brown Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, a comforting meal with creamy sauce and herbs. Save to Pinterest
Golden brown Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, a comforting meal with creamy sauce and herbs. | mosscedar.com

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

Ingredients

  • Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g) mild or spicy, casings removed
  • Cremini or button mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) 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

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.
A close-up of savory Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, bubbling in a skillet, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of savory Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, bubbling in a skillet, ready to serve. | mosscedar.com

Required Tools

Large oven-proof skillet, Wooden spoon or spatula, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gnocchi), Milk (cream, Parmesan), possibly Egg (gnocchi), and Pork (sausage). Double-check gnocchi and sausage for specific allergen content.

Nutritional Information

Calories 540, Total Fat 32 g, Carbohydrates 43 g, Protein 20 g per serving

Tender gnocchi in a rich sauce: the delicious Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi dinner recipe. Save to Pinterest
Tender gnocchi in a rich sauce: the delicious Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi dinner recipe. | mosscedar.com

Enjoy this luscious skillet meal that brings warmth to any table.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage works best for this dish?

Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed, provides a balanced savory flavor and texture. You can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried?

Fresh cremini or button mushrooms are ideal, sliced and sautéed until golden to release their earthy aroma and moisture.

How should the gnocchi be cooked?

Toast the gnocchi lightly in the skillet for 2–3 minutes before adding liquids, then simmer until tender in the creamy sauce.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?

Yes, omit the sausage and increase sautéed wild mushrooms with a pinch of smoked paprika to maintain a deep, savory flavor.

What wine pairs well with this meal?

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

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

The skillet dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated, adding a splash of broth to restore sauce creaminess.

Woodsy Skillet Sausage Mushroom

A cozy skillet dish featuring tender gnocchi, mushrooms, and savory sausage in a creamy sauce.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Jacob King


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details None specified

Ingredient List

Meats

01 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
02 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
05 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried

Gnocchi

01 1 lb potato gnocchi, shelf-stable or refrigerated

Dairy & Liquids

01 1/2 cup heavy cream
02 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Prepare

Step 01

Brown the Sausage: 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 and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté Onions and Mushrooms: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onions until softened, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until they turn golden and moisture evaporates, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 03

Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Toast the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and allow it to toast slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 05

Incorporate Liquids and Sausage: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Return the sausage to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Add Spinach and Parmesan: Fold in the baby spinach and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 07

Simmer Until Thickened: Simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi is tender.

Step 08

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the dish and serve hot.

What You’ll Need

  • Large oven-proof skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Always check every ingredient for allergens. Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re not sure.
  • Contains wheat, milk, possible egg, and pork.

Nutrition Information (each serving)

Nutrition info is for reference only and not a substitute for doctor’s advice.
  • Energy: 540
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Total Protein: 20 g