One Pan Spicy Sausage and Gnocchi alla Vodka
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 alla 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 alla 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 alla 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 alla 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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