This Pesto Gnocchi with Sausage and Peppers comes together in under 30 minutes for a bright, satisfying weeknight meal.

Italian flavors are hard to resist — fragrant herbs, salty cheeses, and bold seasonings make simple dishes feel special. This Pesto Gnocchi with Sausage and Peppers is quick to prepare, taking about 15–20 minutes depending on how fast you chop the vegetables and slice the sausage. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner you can rely on any night of the week.

Gnocchi is essentially potato pasta — pillowy little dumplings that cook in just a few minutes. When they float to the surface of boiling water they’re done, so they’re perfect for fast, hearty meals.
Pesto adds vibrant, herby flavor with minimal effort. Traditional pesto blends basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil into a concentrated sauce. Store-bought pesto works great for this recipe when you don’t have time to make it from scratch. Choose a brand with recognizable ingredients for the best taste.

Sliced smoked sausage and fresh bell peppers give the dish color, texture, and heartiness, while a finishing sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, savory note. The ingredients are straightforward and the prep is minimal — perfect for a satisfying family meal.

This recipe is now back on our dinner rotation for its simplicity and flavor. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Pesto Gnocchi with Sausage and Peppers
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Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 13 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 4 Tbsp basil pesto
- shredded parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Bring a pot of water to a boil for the gnocchi.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until it begins to brown.
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Add the sliced red and yellow peppers and cook about 5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
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Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in the boiling water until it floats, about 3 minutes. Drain well and add the gnocchi to the skillet with the sausage and peppers.
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Stir in the basil pesto and toss to coat everything evenly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve topped with shredded Parmesan.
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