Description
This delicious Ground Turkey Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal combining pillowy gnocchi and seasoned ground turkey simmered in a rich marinara and chicken broth sauce. Enhanced with Italian herbs and creamy ricotta cheese, this quick and easy skillet dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 5 tbsp ricotta cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pantry Staples and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Build the Flavor Base: Dice the onion into even 1/2-inch pieces and mince the garlic cloves for uniform cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onions for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, creating a flavorful aromatic base without burning the garlic.
- Brown the Ground Turkey and Season: Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is lightly browned. Let the turkey sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a light crust, enhancing flavor. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and dried basil, mixing well and toasting the spices for about 30 seconds.
- Build the Sauce and Add Gnocchi: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the turkey and aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi and stir gently to prevent sticking. The gnocchi will initially sink and then rise as they cook; boil for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi start to float, indicating they are nearly cooked.
- Simmer and Meld the Flavors: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 7-9 minutes until the gnocchi are fully tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Covering traps steam, helping the gnocchi cook evenly and allowing flavors to meld.
- Finish with Ricotta and Rest: Remove the skillet from heat and add dollops of ricotta cheese, gently stirring to create creamy pockets throughout the dish. Cover the skillet and let rest for 2 minutes so the residual heat softens the ricotta and incorporates its creaminess into the sauce, balancing the acidity of the marinara.
Notes
- Use ground turkey labeled 93/7 for optimal balance of flavor and leanness; 99% lean works but may need more olive oil.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or Italian sausage (adjust seasoning accordingly).
- Use fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi interchangeably.
- Any tomato-based sauce works: marinara, arrabbiata, or crushed tomatoes with seasoning.
- Cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone can replace ricotta if needed.
- Vegetable or beef broth can replace chicken broth; water is a last resort but less flavorful.
- Ensure sauce comes to a boil before adding gnocchi to avoid gummy texture.
- Do not overcrowd pan when browning turkey to allow proper browning.
- Stir gnocchi occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and burning.
- Toast garlic briefly to avoid bitterness.
- Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days; add broth when reheating.
- Freeze up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in skillet with broth or microwave stirring halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: ground turkey gnocchi skillet, easy one-pan dinner, Italian skillet meal, weeknight dinner, creamy ricotta gnocchi, quick turkey dinner, comforting pasta skillet
