Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a comforting, flavorful, and simple dish that brings the essence of Italian cooking into your home. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The rich, creamy sauce, combined with the tender gnocchi and vibrant spinach, makes this dish irresistible. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, this Tuscan-inspired gnocchi is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and infusing the oil with flavor.
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3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These tomatoes provide a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.
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2 cups baby spinach (lightly packed): Spinach adds a pop of color and freshness, along with a subtle earthy flavor.
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1 cup heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce, making the dish indulgent and rich.
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
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16 oz (1 lb) potato gnocchi: This shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi is the star of the dish, providing a soft, pillowy texture.
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1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps to thin the sauce just enough to coat the gnocchi.
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Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
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Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a squeeze of lemon: These additions can elevate the dish, giving it a bit of spice, brightness, or freshness.
Instructions
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil is one of the first signs that this dish is about to be absolutely delicious.
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes. The tomatoes will release their rich, tangy flavor into the oil, infusing the dish with a deep umami taste. This step is key to giving the sauce its signature Tuscan flavor.
Once the tomatoes have softened and released their flavor, it’s time to pour in the heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir the ingredients to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. The sauce will begin to thicken, creating a luxurious, creamy base for the gnocchi.
Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce. Let the gnocchi cook in the sauce for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will absorb some of the sauce, becoming soft and tender while the sauce thickens and coats the gnocchi.
Once the gnocchi is cooked through, toss in the spinach. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and becomes tender. The spinach will add a fresh, vibrant color and flavor to the dish, balancing out the richness of the cream.
Taste the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices like red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the dish. Stir everything together to combine, and your Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is ready to serve!
Notes
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress without the stress. Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for extra protein. Don’t forget to serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi