Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi: Dump and Forget Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, choose a high-quality potato gnocchi—they hold up better than some cheaper brands. If you can find shelf-stable gnocchi, they work just as well as refrigerated.

The key is not to over-stir, as that can break the gnocchi apart. Let the slow cooker do the work, and only stir gently at the end to combine the sauce.

To enhance the Tuscan flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or a handful of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking (though the video doesn't show this).

However, the recipe as written is perfectly delicious on its own. For a crisp contrast, serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage: Swap sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage to add a spicy kick. The heat pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Add Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It wilts into the sauce for extra color and nutrients.
• Chicken Version: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork sausage. Season with fennel seeds, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to mimic Italian sausage flavor.
• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add an extra cup of gnocchi or some white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish will still be creamy and satisfying.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or milk until hot and creamy.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. The dish will thicken as it cools, so add a little liquid when reheating.

You can brown the sausage and layer all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before. Keep it in the refrigerator overnight, then place the insert into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours the next day. This makes it even easier for busy mornings.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish straight from the slow cooker for a casual family dinner. It's hearty enough to be a complete meal, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten it up.

The creamy sauce is perfect for dipping crusty bread, so have some on hand.

For a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings on white dinner plates, as shown in the video. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like, though it's not necessary.

This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the cheese stretchy and the sauce bubbling. It's comfort food at its finest.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi: Dump and Forget

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker insert.
2. Add the potato gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes directly over the sausage in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top, gently stirring to combine slightly.
3. Place the block of cream cheese in the center of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Do not stir.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce is bubbling and creamy. Stir gently halfway through cooking if possible.
5. After cooking, stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated into a creamy sauce.
6. Spoon the gnocchi and sausage mixture onto plates or into bowls. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

610

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

36 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.