Woodsy Skillet Sausage Mushroom

Featured in: Weekend Zesty Comfort Recipes

This woodsy skillet delivers a satisfying blend of browned Italian sausage, golden sautéed mushrooms, and pillowy gnocchi. Fresh thyme and garlic infuse the creamy sauce, while baby spinach adds a touch of greenery. Cooked entirely in one pan, the dish offers a comforting process ideal for cozy evenings. Its savory flavors balance richness and earthiness, making it a fulfilling and quick meal to prepare any night of the week.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:58:00 GMT
Savory Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, a comforting meal with creamy, bubbling sauce and fresh herbs. Save to Pinterest
Savory Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, a comforting meal with creamy, bubbling sauce and fresh herbs. | citrusfern.com

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite for chilly nights when I want something filling but simple to make.

Ingredients

  • Italian sausage: 12 oz (340 g), mild or spicy, casings removed
  • Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button, 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)
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml), low-sodium
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), grated
  • 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.
Golden-brown sausage and mushrooms mingle in creamy Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown sausage and mushrooms mingle in creamy Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi, ready to be enjoyed. | citrusfern.com

This dish always brings my family together around the table especially on cool evenings.

Notes

For a vegetarian version omit sausage and use sautéed wild mushrooms plus a pinch of smoked paprika Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or a rustic red wine

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

Delicious potato gnocchi with sausage and mushrooms, bathed in a rich sauce of the Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi. Save to Pinterest
Delicious potato gnocchi with sausage and mushrooms, bathed in a rich sauce of the Woodsy Skillet Sausage and Mushroom Gnocchi. | citrusfern.com

This skillet meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy weekend indulgence.

Woodsy Skillet Sausage Mushroom

Savory sausage, mushrooms, and gnocchi come together in a creamy, woodsy skillet dish perfect for hearty meals.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Citrus Fern Wyatt Palmer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

What You Need

Meats

01 12 oz Italian sausage, mild or spicy, 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

Steps

Step 01

Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté onions and mushrooms: Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes until softened, then add mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 04

Toast the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to toast slightly.

Step 05

Deglaze and combine: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Simmer until thickened: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and gnocchi are tender.

Step 08

Finish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately while hot.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, chat with your healthcare provider first.
  • Contains wheat (gnocchi), milk (cream, Parmesan), possibly egg (gnocchi), and pork (sausage)

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details provided to help guide you. For health decisions, speak with a professional.
  • Energy (kcal): 540
  • Fat Content: 32 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 43 grams
  • Proteins: 20 grams