Savory Sausage and Corn Gnocchi

My Summer in a Skillet

This dish reminds me of late summer evenings. The sun is low and the air is warm. I love those quiet, golden hours.

That is the feeling I wanted to capture in this recipe. We use sweet corn and smoky sausage. It feels like a big, cozy hug from summer itself.

A Little Secret for Big Flavor

Do not skip broiling the corn! It might seem like an extra step. But trust me, it is worth it.

Broiling the corn gives it a little char. This makes it taste sweet and smoky. It adds so much depth to our simple dish. I still smile when I hear those little kernels sizzle.

Why Simple Food Matters

This meal comes together in one pan. That matters on a busy weeknight. It means less time cleaning and more time enjoying.

Gathering around a home-cooked meal is important. It is a time to talk and laugh. These small moments build a happy home. What is your favorite weeknight meal to share?

The Magic of the Finish

Once you take the skillet off the heat, the magic happens. You stir in the butter, parmesan, and lemon juice. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

The lemon juice is my favorite part. It makes all the other flavors pop. It adds a little brightness that makes the dish feel fresh. Fun fact: A little acid, like lemon juice, can make our taste buds notice salt and sweetness more!

A Story About Sausage

My grandson used to pick the sausage out of his meals. He would eat it first and leave the rest. I still laugh at that.

One day, I let him help me slice the kielbasa for this recipe. He was so proud of his crooked slices. He ate every single bite after that. Do you have a funny cooking story with a kid in your life?

Make It Your Own

Cooking is not about being perfect. It is about making food you love. That is why this recipe is so friendly.

You can leave the jalapeño out if you do not like spice. You can use fresh corn in the summer. The goal is to make your taste buds happy. What is one ingredient you would love to add to this?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Gnocchi	16 ounces (1 package)	Cooked and drained
Smoked Sausage (e.g., Kielbasa)	12 ounces	Diagonally sliced
Sweet Corn	30 ounces (2 cans, 15 ounces each)	Drained
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil	2 tablespoons	Divided
Unsalted Butter	2 tablespoons
Lemon	1 medium	Juiced
Parmesan Cheese	¼ cup (25 g)	Grated
Jalapeño	1 medium	Seeded and diced
Salt	To taste
Black Pepper	To taste

My Cozy Sausage & Corn Gnocchi

This dish always reminds me of summer evenings on the porch. The smell of charred corn fills the whole house. It feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl. My grandson asks for it every time he visits. I love how quick and simple it is to make.

• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner

Instructions

Step 1: First, turn your oven to broil. Toss the corn with one tablespoon of oil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle it with a little salt and pepper. Broil it until the corn gets those lovely dark spots. It gives everything a wonderful smoky flavor.

Step 2: Now, heat the rest of the oil in a big skillet. Lay your sausage slices in a single layer. Sear them for a few minutes on each side. You want them to get a little crispy. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t crowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear!).

Step 3: Add your beautiful charred corn to the skillet. Toss in the cooked gnocchi and a splash of that starchy pasta water. Give it all a good, happy stir. The water makes a silky sauce that brings it all together. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Step 4: Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the butter, parmesan, lemon juice, and jalapeño. The butter makes it all rich and glossy. I still laugh at my first time forgetting to take it off the heat. The cheese clumped up! What’s your favorite cozy meal? Share below!

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up! For a meat-free Monday, use black beans instead of sausage. My neighbor gave me that idea. It’s just as filling.

• Summer Veggie Swap: Try zucchini or cherry tomatoes with the corn. It tastes like a sunny garden.
• Extra Spicy Kick: Leave the seeds in your jalapeño. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes too.
• Creamy Dreamy Version: Stir in a big spoonful of cream cheese at the very end. It makes it so decadent.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve It Up

I love serving this right in the skillet at the table. It feels so homey. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. The crisp lettuce is a nice break from the cozy gnocchi. A slice of crusty bread is great for wiping the bowl clean.

For drinks, a chilled glass of lemonade is my go-to. The tartness cuts through the rich flavors. For the grown-ups, a cold lager beer is a wonderful match. It’s what my husband always asks for with this meal.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Gnocchi Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely meal. It keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just pop it in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for a month. I use freezer bags and press out all the air.

To reheat, I like using a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth. Warm it over medium-low heat, stirring gently. This keeps the gnocchi from getting tough. The microwave works too, but be careful not to overcook.

I once made a huge batch for my grandson’s visit. He ate two plates and took some home. Batch cooking means a good meal is always ready. This matters on busy days when you are tired. It feels like a warm hug from your past self.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Is your gnocchi sticking together? Make sure your water is boiling fast before adding it. Give it a gentle stir right away. I remember when I made a sticky, gummy mess. Now I never skip that first stir.

Is the dish not savory enough? Do not be shy with the salt for the corn. The parmesan cheese also adds a salty punch. Getting the seasoning right matters so much. It makes all the flavors sing together.

Is your sausage not getting a nice sear? Do not crowd the pan. Cook it in a single layer. This gives you those tasty brown bits. A good sear builds a deep, rich flavor. This builds your confidence as a cook.

Fun fact: Broiling the corn gives it a wonderful smoky taste, just like cooking over a campfire.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Gnocchi Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Just find gluten-free gnocchi at the store. Many brands make it now.

Q: Can I make parts ahead of time?

A: You can broil the corn and slice the sausage early. Keep them separate in the fridge.

Q: What if I do not have a jalapeño?

A: A pinch of red pepper flakes works fine. It gives a little kick of heat.

Q: Can I double this for a crowd?

A: Absolutely. Use your biggest skillet, or cook in two batches.

Q: Is the butter really necessary?

A: It makes the sauce creamy and rich. But you can leave it out if you prefer.

Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this dish. It is one of my favorites for a quick, happy dinner. The smell fills the whole house with joy.

I would be so delighted to see your creation. Share a picture of your finished plate. It makes this old grandma’s heart smile.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.