Indulge in Creamy Spinach Gnocchi: A Comfort Food Delight

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

When you think of comfort food, nothing quite compares to a plate of creamy spinach gnocchi. Imagine tender potato dumplings enveloped in a velvety sauce, seasoned with garlic and parmesan, and brightened by vibrant green spinach. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day, beckoning everyone to the table.

This dish isn’t just for fancy dinner parties; it’s perfect for cozy family nights or even as a treat after a long day at work. Every bite is like a mini celebration of flavors, textures, and memories. So grab your apron and get ready to dive into this deliciously comforting recipe that promises to become your new favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This creamy spinach gnocchi is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The rich flavors meld perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
  • Its beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dinner table.
  • Versatile enough to enjoy as a side dish or main course, this recipe adapts beautifully to suit any occasion.

I remember the first time I made this creamy spinach gnocchi—my friends were skeptically eyeing the green stuff until they took that first bite. Their faces lit up with surprise and delight, and suddenly, they were all asking for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade; either works well but opt for fresh gnocchi if you can find it.

  • Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant leaves; baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce.

  • Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess; don’t skimp on this one!

  • Garlic: Fresh cloves work best here; they add depth and flavor to the dish.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated freshly; it adds that nutty richness you can’t resist.

  • Butter: For sautéing the garlic; it lends a deliciously rich flavor base.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

How to Make Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

Sauté the Garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—you want it golden but not burnt.

Add the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach, stirring frequently until wilted and vibrant green. This should take about 3 minutes—don’t worry if it looks like too much; it shrinks!

Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. You’ll notice how luscious it becomes—it’s heavenly!

Cook the Gnocchi: In another pot, bring salted water to boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float—about 2-3 minutes—which means they’re done! Drain them carefully.

Combine Everything Together: Add cooked gnocchi directly into the creamy sauce along with grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently until every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce.

Season and Serve!: Taste for seasoning before serving—add salt or pepper as needed. Dish out generously into bowls and sprinkle with extra parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.

And there you have it: a bowlful of creamy spinach gnocchi that’s ready to steal hearts (and stomachs). Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!

You Must Know

  • This creamy spinach gnocchi recipe is a delightful comfort dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also packs in flavor.
  • The creaminess complements the spinach beautifully, making it a favorite for any pasta lover.
  • Plus, it’s perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the gnocchi while you sauté garlic in butter. Once the gnocchi floats, combine it with the creamy sauce for a perfect finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses to create your unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce’s richness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and flavor; wilted spinach just won’t cut it.
  • Don’t overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the creamy sauce beautifully, elevating its taste.

Sharing this creamy spinach gnocchi recipe brings back memories of cozy dinners with loved ones where laughter and good food filled the air.

FAQ

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just follow package instructions for cooking time to ensure perfect texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option without losing creaminess.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Replace cream with cashew cream and use plant-based cheese alternatives for a delicious vegan version.

Print

Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

Creamy spinach gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender potato dumplings smothered in a rich, velvety garlic and parmesan sauce. This dish combines the earthy flavor of fresh spinach with creamy goodness, making every bite a delightful experience. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  2. Add fresh spinach; stir until wilted (about 3 minutes).
  3. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. In another pot, boil salted water and cook gnocchi until they float (2-3 minutes). Drain carefully.
  5. Combine cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce and stir in grated parmesan until well-coated.
  6. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Swap spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses to create your unique twist. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.

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