15-Minute Calabrese Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage
This 15-minute Calabrese pesto gnocchi with chicken sausage is the fast, affordable dinner I turn to on busy nights. Pillowy gnocchi gets tossed with Calabrese pesto, juicy Italian chicken sausage and sweet red peppers until glossy and coated. This easy pesto gnocchi feeds four for under $10.
Top it with Parmesan, red pepper flakes and parsley and dinner is done. Love quick pasta nights? Try my Creamy Pesto Garden Pasta too.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Gnocchi
- Ready in 15 minutes.
- Budget friendly, feeding four for under $10.
- Only a few ingredients with big flavor.
- One skillet plus a quick boil for the gnocchi.
Ingredients for Calabrese Pesto Gnocchi
The Gnocchi
A pound of potato gnocchi.
The Sausage and Peppers
Mild Italian chicken sausage sliced into coins and a sliced red bell pepper.
The Sauce
Calabrese Pesto with Red Peppers, or any pesto you love.
Optional Toppings
Parmesan, red pepper flakes and parsley.
Swap note: Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free dinner. Any pesto works if you cannot find Calabrese pesto.
How to Make Pesto Gnocchi
Step 1: Heat the skillet
Heat a little olive oil or nonstick spray in a big skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the peppers
Add the red bell pepper and cook until softened.
Step 3: Brown the sausage
Add the sliced sausage and brown it well.
Step 4: Boil the gnocchi
Boil the gnocchi for 2 to 3 minutes according to the package directions.
Step 5: Toss with pesto
Turn off the heat, add the gnocchi and pesto to the skillet and toss until glossy and coated. Top with Parmesan, red pepper flakes and parsley.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Brown the sausage well for the deepest flavor.
- Add pesto off the heat so it stays bright and does not separate.
- Crispy gnocchi? Pan-fry the boiled gnocchi in the skillet for a few minutes.
- Save a splash of gnocchi water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Make It Your Own
- Different sausage: Use pork Italian sausage or turkey sausage.
- Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream with the pesto.
- Basil pesto: Use classic basil pesto instead of Calabrese.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Slice the peppers and sausage up to 2 days ahead. Leftovers make great lunches for up to 3 days.
What to Serve With Pesto Gnocchi
Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread or roasted broccoli.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water. Gnocchi can get soft if microwaved.
What People Ask About Pesto Gnocchi
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Any Italian sausage works.
What is Calabrese pesto?
A red pesto made with roasted red peppers and spicy Calabrian chilies.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes. Cook according to the package directions.
How do I keep gnocchi from getting gummy?
Do not overcook it; pull it as soon as it floats.
15-Minute Calabrese Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil or non-stick spray in a big skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add sliced sausage medallions to the skillet and brown them.
- Boil gnocchi for 2-3 minutes according to package directions.
- Turn off the heat, add gnocchi and pesto to the skillet, and toss everything together until glossy and coated.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use any type of pesto you prefer if Calabrese Pesto is unavailable.
- For extra flavor, top with Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or parsley.
- Make sure to brown the sausage well for added depth of flavor.
