Get ready for a flavor-packed dinner with my Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi! This delightful one-pan meal is simple to make, and it combines the rich taste of creamy tomatoes and fresh spinach with tender potato gnocchi. Whether you’re busy after work or want to impress friends, this recipe has you covered. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
To make creamy tomato spinach gnocchi, you need a few simple items. Here’s the list of ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish delicious. The potato gnocchi brings a soft and pillowy texture. Olive oil adds richness while the garlic gives a lovely aroma. Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, creating a tangy flavor. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and indulgent. Parmesan cheese brings a salty and nutty taste. Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs for extra flavor. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Fresh basil leaves give a nice touch and fresh scent when you serve it.
Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delightful one-pan meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Gnocchi
– Boil salted water and cook gnocchi until they float.
– Drain and let rest for a minute.
Start with a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once it bubbles, add the gnocchi. They will float when cooked. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi in a colander. Set them aside to rest.
Making the Sauce
– Sauté garlic in olive oil.
– Add crushed tomatoes and simmer.
– Stir in spinach and incorporate cream.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium. Add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1-2 minutes until it smells good and turns golden. Be careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This brings out the flavors. Now, add the chopped spinach. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts. Finally, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Mixing It All Together
– Combine cooked gnocchi with sauce.
– Season and heat through.
Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss them in the creamy sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes. Stir often to ensure the gnocchi are warm. Once heated, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve it warm and enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Perfectly cooking gnocchi: Always boil a large pot of salted water. Once the water boils, add the gnocchi. Cook them until they float, about 2-3 minutes. This shows they are done. Drain and let them rest. This keeps them soft and fluffy.
– Avoiding burnt garlic: Garlic cooks fast. Heat olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely. If it turns brown too fast, you might burn it. A burnt taste can ruin your dish.
Presentation Tips
– Serving suggestions for visual appeal: Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. A few fresh basil leaves will add color and charm. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for a glossy finish.
– Optional garnishing ideas: For a touch of flair, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or toasted pine nuts for crunch. These simple touches can elevate your dish and impress your guests.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
To spice things up, you can swap the gnocchi for other pasta types. Penne or fusilli work great. Each pasta brings its own texture and taste. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Sauté them with garlic for extra flavor. This makes the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Dietary Modifications
If you want a vegetarian meal, skip the cheese and use plant-based cream. This keeps the dish creamy while being meat-free. For a vegan option, use a vegan cheese substitute and coconut cream. You can still enjoy the same rich taste without animal products. Lastly, for gluten-free needs, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer delicious alternatives that keep the dish satisfying.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your creamy tomato spinach gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove all air before sealing.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavors rich and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook gnocchi?
Cooking gnocchi takes about 2-3 minutes. They float when they are ready. Boil them in salted water for the best flavor.
Can I use store-bought sauce instead?
Yes, you can use store-bought sauce. It saves time and still tastes great. Look for a good quality tomato sauce for best results.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge. Just reheat it gently when you are ready to eat.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options give a rich texture without dairy.
This blog post shared a simple, tasty gnocchi recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We explored variations, storage, and common questions too.
In the end, cooking gnocchi is easy and fun. You can adapt it to fit your needs. Whether you want a quick meal or a fancy dish, this recipe can work for you. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
