Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring golden sautéed gnocchi simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fragrant herbs. This comforting and flavorful meal comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary 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 it becomes bubbly, approximately 1 minute.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté them until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, which takes about 5 minutes. Note that at this stage, the gnocchi does not need to be fully cooked through.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Cream and Stock: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking while stirring often until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi becomes tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh sliced basil, and serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
Notes
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust crushed red pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan used is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock for a richer flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
