Creamy Turkey Sausage and Gnocchi Skillet

This Italian-American dinner recipe combines authentic flavors with modern cooking techniques. Ready in 30 minutes, serves 4 people. Serve warm with a side of roasted asparagus or a fresh mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Cuisine: Italian-American Type: Dinner Time: 30 min Servings: 4 Calories: 401 per serving
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Nutrition Information

Each serving contains approximately 401 calories and 33.0g of protein. Macronutrients include 29.0g carbohydrates and 17.0g fats per serving.

Per Serving

Calories
401
Protein
33.0g
Carbohydrates
29.0g
Fats
17.0g

Total

Calories
1604
Protein
132.0g
Carbohydrates
116.0g
Fats
68.0g

Ingredients

This recipe requires 13 ingredients. All ingredients are commonly available at grocery stores.

  • 1.0 lb Lean Italian Turkey Sausage
    casings removed and crumbled
  • 1.0 lb Cauliflower Gnocchi
    frozen, cauliflower-based healthy alternative
  • 5.0 oz Baby Spinach
    fresh, washed
  • 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
    canned, no salt added, undrained
  • 1.0 whole Yellow Onion
    small, diced
  • 3.0 clove Garlic
    minced
  • 0.75 cup Chicken Broth
    low-sodium
  • 0.5 cup Greek Yogurt
    plain, non-fat, at room temperature
  • 1.0 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    for sautéing
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese
    grated
  • 1.0 tsp Italian Seasoning
    dried herb blend
  • 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt
    to taste
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
    freshly ground

Instructions

Follow these 4 steps to prepare this dish. Each step includes detailed instructions for best results.

1. Mise en Place & Ingredient Preparation

  1. Remove 0.5 cup (120 ml) of Greek yogurt from the refrigerator to reach room temperature to prevent curdling later
  2. Dice 1 small yellow onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic; keep separate
  3. Remove casings from 1 lb (454 g) turkey sausage if necessary and crumble slightly into a bowl
  4. Open 14.5 oz (411 g) can of diced tomatoes and measure 0.75 cup (180 ml) of low-sodium chicken broth
  5. Measure 0.25 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning, 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
  6. Ensure 1 lb (454 g) cauliflower gnocchi is accessible from the freezer (do not thaw) and 5 oz (142 g) spinach is washed and ready
  7. Place a large skillet on the stove and set out 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil

2. Sauté Aromatics & Turkey Sausage

  1. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat
  2. Add the diced onion and crumbled turkey sausage to the hot skillet
  3. Cook the sausage and onion, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through

3. Build Sauce Base & Cook Gnocchi

  1. Add minced garlic, 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir constantly until fragrant
  2. Pour in 14.5 oz (411 g) diced tomatoes (with juices) and 0.75 cup (180 ml) chicken broth; stir to combine
  3. Add 1 lb (454 g) frozen cauliflower gnocchi, spreading them evenly in the pan
  4. Cover the skillet and let simmer until gnocchi are tender and cooked through
  5. Uncover and give the mixture a gentle stir
  6. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a brief moment to reduce

4. Final Incorporation & Serving

  1. Add 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach to the skillet and stir gently until just wilted
  2. Remove the skillet completely from the heat source
  3. Stir in 0.5 cup (120 ml) room-temperature Greek yogurt and 0.25 cup (60 ml) Parmesan cheese until creamy
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if desired before serving

Plating

  1. Select a wide, shallow pasta bowl and warm it slightly to maintain the temperature of the dish.
  2. Spoon the gnocchi and sausage mixture into the center of the bowl, piling it slightly in the middle to create height and volume rather than spreading it flat.
  3. Use tongs to gently pull a few bright green spinach leaves and browned sausage pieces to the surface to showcase the ingredients and add color contrast.
  4. Dust the top generously with the grated Parmesan cheese and add a fresh crack of black pepper.
  5. Wipe the rim of the bowl with a clean cloth to ensure a sharp, professional finish before serving.

Family Beverage

Sparkling water with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves

Alcohol Beverage

Chilled Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of roasted asparagus or a fresh mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Notes

This one-pot meal combines lean proteins and whole grains for a balanced dinner. To prevent the sauce from curdling, remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the Greek yogurt. Fresh spinach should be added just before serving to allow it to wilt slightly while retaining its bright color. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Storage

Allow the skillet mixture to cool completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Transfer the leftovers to a clean, airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a small amount of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat; stir well as the yogurt-based sauce may separate slightly during the freezing process.

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