Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Meal | Quick, Healthy and Simple

When I first made this Sausage Gnocchi Skillet Meal, I realized just how simple dinner can and should be every night. I'm not sacrificing flavor, but I'm saving time and money. Yes, please! And just a few ingredients means I keep everything on-hand so this becomes my weekly go-to recipe.

Ingredients

• Gnocchi - fresh or frozen is fine, I even use cauliflower gnocchi for a great gluten free option!
• Sausage links - sweet works best for this recipe, such as Aidell's chicken and apple sausage, but use your favorite.
• Baby spinach - wilted spinach adds tons of nutrients and a carries the flavor of the sauce perfectly
• Salted butter - if you're ever out of salted butter, simply add ¼ teaspoon of salt for every ½ cup (stick) of unsalted butter.
• Dry white wine - I always have to ask at the wine shop, but according to Southern Living; "Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and dry sparkling wines labeled "brut" are especially good choices."
• Garlic cloves - great flavor enhancer. I like to use pre-chopped garlic for recipes like this to save time and my fingers.
• Parmesan cheese for topping - technically optional, but adds tons of flavor!

Instructions

• Dice sausages into ½ inch pieces. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add sausage slices. Heat sausage until brown on both sides. (Be sure to cook through to 165°F if not pre-cooked.) Remove sausages set aside. Wipe out skillet.
• Fill a large pot ½ way with water and bring to a boil. Add Gnocchi and boil for 3 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and put Gnocchi and sausage back in large pot off the heat and set aside. 
• In the medium skillet melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes). 
• Add wine to butter and garlic and let it simmer until reduced a little. About 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add 1 tablespoon of butter at a time to the sauce and allow to melt completely. Stirring frequently.
• Add the wine/butter sauce and spinach to the large pot with the gnocchi and sausage. Place on low heat until the spinach is wilted and sauce is coating everything.
• Dish up and enjoy! Sprinkle with a generous helping of parmesan cheese if you wish. 

Weeknight cooking

Cooking during the week, or let's be real, the weekend too, can be a chore and a source of much consternation. We have our regular rotation recipes (hello, tacos!), but beyond that my mind often goes blank. This recipe uses 3 ingredients (I can get all 3 at any grocery store) and 20 minutes to get on the table. That's a huge win for me and my lack of energy!

There are so many great ways to make weeknights easier, but along with this recipe, I also love making Tuna Pesto Pasta, Teriyaki Stir Fry and Cranberry BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches (when I plan ahead with the slow cooker).

Now you've got 20 minutes until dinner and 3 ingredients ready to go Let's dig in!