Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a rich and flavorful skillet dish featuring golden sautéed gnocchi simmered in a luscious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh basil for a vibrant touch. This quick Italian-inspired meal offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory herbs, ideal for a comforting dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced
Instructions
- Heat Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute, preparing the base for flavor infusion.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, approximately 5 minutes. Note that the gnocchi will not be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi becomes tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Wilt Spinach: Incorporate the baby spinach into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until wilted, adding a fresh, vibrant layer to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh basil over the top and serve immediately for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper to taste.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available for enhanced texture and flavor.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure your vegetable stock is free from animal products.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people but cook in batches to allow for even sauté and sauce consistency.
