Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a rich and comforting skillet dish featuring golden sautéed gnocchi tossed in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of crushed red pepper, this easy 20-minute recipe delivers a flavorful, indulgent dinner perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi & Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
Seasonings & Vegetables
- 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
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced
Sauce Components
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Heat butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute. This prepares the pan to sauté the gnocchi and infuse flavor.
- Sauté gnocchi and garlic: Add finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, about 5 minutes. Note that the gnocchi does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Add seasonings and sun-dried tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the flavors meld.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and the gnocchi is tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute, incorporating its freshness into the creamy base.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with freshly sliced basil leaves and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Gnocchi can be store-bought or homemade; no pre-boiling needed as they cook in the skillet with sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to control spiciness according to preference.
- Use fresh Parmesan for optimal flavor and creaminess.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more vegetable stock to loosen it.
- For a non-vegetarian twist, add cooked chicken or sausage.
