If you’re looking for a cozy, crave-worthy dinner that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort, this One Pan Spicy Sausage and Gnocchi a la Vodka is calling your name. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with just enough heat. The best part? You don’t even need to boil water—everything comes together in a single pan, making clean-up a breeze.
One Pan Gnocchi Dinner
This dish delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients. Spicy Italian sausage adds depth, shallots and garlic bring aromatic sweetness, and tomato paste gets a luxurious boost from vodka and cream. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all that flavor while turning perfectly soft and pillowy. A generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan melts into the dish at the end, creating a gooey, golden top that makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Needed to Make My One Pan Spicy Sausage and Gnocchi a la Vodka
- 4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz tomato paste
- ¼ cup vodka
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese + 2 tbsp for topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
Notes for Success~
✔️ Use an oven-safe skillet to go seamlessly from stovetop to oven
✔️ No need to boil the gnocchi—it cooks right in the sauce
✔️ If using mild sausage, adjust heat with hot sauce or chili oil
✔️ Let the tomato paste caramelize slightly—it deepens the flavor
How to serve your One Pan Spicy Sausage and Gnocchi a la Vodka
- Serve with a crisp side salad like this Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad to balance the richness
- Pair with garlic bread or Homemade focaccia to scoop up all that creamy sauce
- Add a veggie side like Maple Bacon and Date Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a complete meal
- Serve it for a dinner party alongside a glass of red wine and a simple Spinach Salad or Kale Salad
- Use leftovers for meal prep—just reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce
If you try it, leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version!
One Pan Spicy Sausage and Gnocchi a la Vodka
Ingredients
- 4 spicy Italian sausage links casings removed
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 6 oz tomato paste
- ¼ cup vodka
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup water
- 1 lb shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese + 2 tbsp for topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the sliced shallot and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes until it deepens in color.
- Pour in the vodka, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and let the alcohol cook out. Add the heavy cream, 1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese, and water, stirring until smooth and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Stir in the gnocchi, making sure it's coated and evenly distributed. Sprinkle the top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella, then transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Notes
✔️ No need to boil the gnocchi—it cooks right in the sauce
✔️ If using mild sausage, adjust heat with hot sauce or chili oil
✔️ Let the tomato paste caramelize slightly—it deepens the flavor
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