Cheesy Gnocchi Florentine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it ideal for a weeknight dinner. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, so it soaks up all the flavor while staying soft and pillowy. The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and spinach with melted mozzarella gives it that cozy, cheesy finish I always crave. Plus, since it’s naturally gluten-free when I use the right gnocchi, it works for almost everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

3/4 lb ground sweet Italian sausage
1 shallot, chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
15 oz can Italian-style diced or petite diced tomatoes, see notes
1 cup half & half
12 oz gluten free gnocchi, see notes
4 cups lightly packed baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 – 1/2 cup chicken broth, optional

Directions

I start by heating a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. I add the sausage and shallot, letting them brown together. Once the sausage is cooked, I stir in garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Next, I add the canned tomatoes, half & half, and gnocchi. I bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. I let it simmer gently for 7–8 minutes until the gnocchi are nearly tender, stirring now and then.

At this point, I stir in the spinach and let it wilt, which takes about 1–2 minutes. If the sauce looks too thick, I splash in some chicken broth until it loosens up.

Finally, I remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese until everything is creamy and cheesy. I like to serve it right away while the cheese is still gooey.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 5 servings. It requires 10 minutes of prep time, 15 minutes of cook time, and a total of 25 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I use spicy Italian sausage for a little heat. I’ve also swapped mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist. When I want to add more veggies, I toss in mushrooms or zucchini along with the spinach. If I’m not worried about keeping it gluten-free, I use regular gnocchi, adjusting the liquid as needed since the package size is usually larger.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works fine too, though I stir halfway through to keep the cheese from clumping. I don’t recommend freezing this dish since the cream sauce and gnocchi don’t hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this without sausage?

Yes, I sometimes use ground chicken, turkey, or even leave out the meat and double the spinach for a vegetarian version.

Do I have to use gluten-free gnocchi?

No, regular gnocchi works just as well—I just adjust the liquid slightly since the package size is usually larger.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, I thaw and drain it well before adding it to avoid excess liquid.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but I also like provolone, fontina, or a mix of cheeses.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but I sometimes make it earlier in the day and reheat gently with a splash of broth before serving.

Is this dish very heavy?

It’s creamy and filling, but the spinach balances it out so it doesn’t feel overly heavy.

Can I bake this dish after cooking?

Yes, I sometimes transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

How can I make it spicier?

I use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.

Can I use milk instead of half & half?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be quite as creamy. Whole milk works best as a substitute.

What can I serve with this?

I usually serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Conclusion

This cheesy gnocchi Florentine is the kind of dish I turn to when I want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. I love how everything cooks in one skillet, from the sausage to the gnocchi to the creamy sauce. The spinach and tomatoes add freshness, while the melted cheese ties it all together. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, making it one of my weeknight favorites.