This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi recipe is a decadent and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. With pillowy gnocchi, a rich cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, itโs a dinner that will impress without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a quiet night in, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy:ย Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality Dish:ย A luxurious combination of flavors that’s simple to recreate at home.
- Versatile:ย Easily adaptable for dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions.
- Comfort Food Classic:ย Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, this is a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potato gnocchi
- Heavy cream
- Garlic cloves
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
- Fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 20 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Addition:ย Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for extra heartiness.
- Vegetarian-Friendly:ย Replace Parmesan with a vegetarian alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Dairy-Free Option:ย Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free gnocchi available at most grocery stores.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure the cream is at room temperature and avoid boiling it. Stir frequently for a smooth sauce.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat with cooked gnocchi when ready to serve.
4. What can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for spinach.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
6. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Add a little more Parmesan cheese or simmer the sauce longer to reduce it.
7. What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
8. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based cream, vegan Parmesan, and dairy-free gnocchi.
9. What pairs well with creamy Tuscan gnocchi?
Serve with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
10. How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy?
Do not overcook the gnocchi; follow package instructions for perfect texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a dish that combines the rich flavors of Italy with the simplicity of everyday cooking. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering a cozy and indulgent meal in under 30 minutes. Try it today and bring a touch of Tuscan magic to your table!
PrintCreamy Tuscan Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound (16 ounces) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ Garlic:ย In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce:ย Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Gnocchi:ย Add the uncooked gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes.
- Thicken Sauce:ย Uncover the skillet, stir, and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Add Spinach and Cheese:ย Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve:ย Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Gnocchi:ย Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi works best for this recipe. Avoid using fresh gnocchi, as it may become too soft during cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes:ย Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for better flavor and texture. Ensure they are well-drained before adding to the dish.
- Storage:ย Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
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