Spicy Sausage Gnocchi in a Creamy Red Sauce
I feel like you either love gnocchi or hate gnocchi. Personally, I don’t order it when I am out because I am a pasta girl through and through, but this was quick, delicious and so easy! If you love gnocchi, no doubt you will love this one! It all comes together in one pot and is ready in just about 20 minutes!
For the sausage, I used some spicy Cajun sausage but a spicy Italian sausage or chicken sausage would work great! Cook these whole and the cut them into half moons or coin shapes to match the size of the gnocchi! After we cook our sausage I like to remove it from the pan before making my sauce in the same pan.
Now, lets make our quick 3 ingredient creamy tomato sauce! Remove your sausage from the pan and add in a little marinara sauce and heavy cream, milk or half and half. Add in your parmesan and bam your sauce is ready!
Finally, boil your gnocchi. I used a store bought potato gnocchi but the trader joes cauliflower version would also work here. Once your gnocchi is cooked it will float to the top. Remove from the water and add it to your sauce. We will add our sausage back in and garnish with some parmesan and a little basil!

Spicy Sausage Gnocchi in a Creamy Red Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 package spicy Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce I used raos
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp crushed red peppers
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Start by browning your sausage in a large sauté pan. If you are using loose casing Italian sausage cook whole before removing from the pan and cutting into half moons. If using a smoked sausage cut prior to cooking. Once cooked through and browned on both sides remove from the pan.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook your gnocchi according to package instructions.
- In your same pan that you browned your sausage add in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Cook over medium heat. Add in your 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Once simmered stir in your parmesan cheese until the sauce is nice and thick. If it's too thick add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Once your gnocchi is cooked add it to your sauce along with your cooked sausage and stir until coated. Garnish with a little basil and more grated parmesan and enjoy!
I hope you guys enjoy this one! Please leave a comment below if you make it! I can’t wait to hear how you liked it!
XOXO,
Caroline