When you want a dinner that feels comforting but not fussy, gnocchi with peas and sausage is an easy win. Soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up a creamy, savory sauce, while browned sausage adds richness and sweet peas bring just enough freshness to balance every bite. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.

What really makes this recipe shine is the contrast in textures. The gnocchi are tender and delicate, the sausage is hearty and flavorful, and the peas add little bursts of sweetness that keep the dish light. A finishing touch of cheese and black pepper pulls everything together, creating a bowl that feels warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying.

This is a meal you can rely on when time is short but you still want something homemade and comforting. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and adapts easily to what you have on hand perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or anytime you’re craving a cozy, well balanced plate.

Homemade Gnocchi with Peas and Parmesan

What Is Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage?

Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is a simple Italian inspired pasta dish built around potato gnocchi, browned sausage, and tender green peas, all tossed together in a light cream or pan sauce. Unlike long pasta shapes, gnocchi are small, soft dumplings made from potatoes and flour, which soak up sauces beautifully and cook in minutes.

The pairing of sausage and peas is classic for a reason. Sausage brings richness and seasoning, while peas provide sweetness and color. Together, they create a balanced, comforting dish that doesn’t rely on a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

What makes this version special is how streamlined it is. Everything comes together in one pan after the gnocchi cook, allowing flavors to build naturally and keeping cleanup simple. It’s rustic, unfussy food that feels both familiar and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and filling: Perfect for nights when you want comfort food without a long cook time.
Great balance of flavors: Savory sausage, sweet peas, and tender gnocchi all work together.
Flexible and customizable: Easy to adjust with different sausages, greens, or sauces.
Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.
One-pan friendly: Minimal dishes, maximum payoff.

How This Recipe Works

Browning the sausage first builds a flavorful base and adds depth to the sauce.
Cooking gnocchi separately keeps them light and prevents them from becoming gummy.
Deglazing the pan captures all the savory bits left from the sausage.
Adding peas at the end keeps them bright, tender, and slightly sweet.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
Mild or spicy both work well.
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

Swap cream for half and half for a lighter sauce
Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork
Add spinach or kale for extra greens
Finish with lemon zest for brightness

Close-up of gnocchi with peas and sausage — Soft gnocchi, savory sausage, and pops of green peas

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions. Once they float to the surface, drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If the sausage is lean, add a splash of olive oil.

3. Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.

4. Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Build the Sauce

Add the cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir and let the sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened.

6. Add Gnocchi and Peas

Add the cooked gnocchi and frozen peas to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated and heated through.

7. Finish with Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve

Serve warm with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

Crispy gnocchi option: Pan-sear cooked gnocchi in butter before adding to the sauce.
Spicy kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
Herb boost: Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme add freshness at the end.
Tomato twist: Add a spoonful of tomato paste when browning sausage for depth.
Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a saltier finish.

If you enjoy cozy skillet meals, this pairs well with recipes like Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet or Easy Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe for a solid weeknight rotation.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead:
You can brown the sausage and prep the sauce base up to one day in advance. Store separately and finish with gnocchi just before serving.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:
Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce and gnocchi texture, but it can be done if needed. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.

Gnocchi with peas and sausage served — Cozy, comforting, and perfect for weeknights

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad and vinaigrette
Pair with garlic bread or focaccia
Add a side of roasted vegetables
Finish with a light lemony arugula salad
Serve as a main for casual dinner parties

Nutritional Notes (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 520–580
Protein: 22–26g
Fat: 28–32g
Carbohydrates: 45–50g

Values will vary based on sausage and dairy used.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking gnocchi, which makes them mushy
Letting the sauce boil hard, causing it to split
Skipping seasoning, especially salt and pepper
Adding peas too early, which dulls their color and flavor

FAQs About Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work well.

Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you use spicy sausage or extra red pepper flakes.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can swap cream for a plant-based alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.

What sausage works best?
Italian sausage is classic, but chicken or turkey sausage also works.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.

Conclusion

Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is one of those recipes that feels both comforting and practical. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, yet simple enough to make on a busy night. With tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and bright pops of peas, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

If you love easy dinners like Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spinach Skillet or One Pot Chicken Piccata Recipe, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Soft gnocchi, savory sausage, and sweet peas in one cozy skillet 🍽️ Save this Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage for an easy, comforting dinner everyone will love!

Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage

This Gnocchi with Peas and Sausage is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that pairs pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and sweet, tender peas. Tossed in a simple, comforting sauce, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fresh. Quick to make and deeply satisfying, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner with big, comforting flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 560 kcal