Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 p.m., wondering what on earth you can whip up that’s fast, satisfying, and will please the whole crew? That’s exactly why this Creamy Cajun Turkey Sausage Gnocchi is my new weeknight hero. It’s the kind of one-pan wonder that comes together in the time it takes to set the table, packing in smoky flavor, a creamy sauce, and those soft, pillowy gnocchi we all love. Honestly, it’s a total home run.
Top Reasons To Make It
This dish is a weeknight game-changer for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick—you’re looking at about 20 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s a complete meal all cooked in one skillet, which means less cleanup. And third, it’s a fantastic healthy dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The smoked turkey sausage brings the heat, the creamy sauce feels indulgent, and the gnocchi makes it a kid friendly dinner that’s anything but boring.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
- 12 oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced into rounds: Provides a smoky, spicy kick without pork.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings color and a mild sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning: The heart of the flavor profile.
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable gnocchi: The hearty, comforting base of the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the body of our creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach: For a pop of color and nutrients.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To balance all the flavors.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Stir and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the entire package of gnocchi to the skillet along with the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5 minutes. The gnocchi will become tender and absorb some of the broth.
- Uncover and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve immediately!
Tips For Success
- Don’t skip browning the sausage! It adds a deeper, caramelized flavor that makes the whole dish sing.
- Use a good, non-stick skillet to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom.
- If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two. It’ll thicken up beautifully.
- For a lighter version, half-and-half works just as well as heavy cream.
- Taste your Cajun seasoning first! Some blends are saltier than others, so adjust your final seasoning accordingly.
- Get the kids involved by having them add the gnocchi and stir in the spinach.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream—it’s so, so good. Not a fan of spinach? Kale or chopped zucchini work great. If you can’t find turkey sausage, chicken sausage is a perfect substitute. And if you want to boost the veggies, add some sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers.
Meal Prep & Freezer Tips
This is one of those great dinner ideas for family meal prep. You can fully assemble the dish, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion the cooled gnocchi into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb more sauce, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it can make the gnocchi a bit rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen gnocchi? Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw it first. Just add a couple of minutes to the simmering time in step 4.
- Is this dish too spicy for kids? It can be, depending on your sausage and Cajun blend. For a milder, kid friendly dinner, use a mild turkey sausage and reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1/2 a teaspoon.
- What are some other quick dinner ideas that use turkey sausage? It’s a star ingredient! Try it in soups, sheet pan dinners, or even a simple rice skillet for more easy weeknight dinners.
- Can I make this ahead for meal prep? You sure can. It reheats beautifully, making it a champion of healthy dinner ideas for the week.
