Description
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi recipe features golden sautéed gnocchi enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Bursting with Italian flavors and fresh basil garnish, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Vegetables
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s bubbly, which should take about 1 minute. This creates the perfect base to sauté the garlic and gnocchi.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté them together, turning often, until the gnocchi is golden brown on most sides, about 5 minutes. The gnocchi does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the dish.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream and vegetable stock, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything thoroughly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi is tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until it is wilted, about 1 minute, making the dish vibrant and adding freshness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the creamy gnocchi with freshly sliced basil. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh gnocchi is preferable for best texture, but frozen gnocchi can also be used.
- Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to control spice level.
- Vegetable stock can be substituted with chicken stock if desired.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Ensure to stir regularly when simmering the sauce to prevent it from sticking to the skillet and burning.
