Craving a warm, cozy meal that’s quick and delicious? Look no further than my Creamy Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet. This easy dinner recipe takes just minutes to prepare and is packed with rich flavor that will satisfy any appetite. With simple ingredients like gnocchi, butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of cheese, you can create a dish that feels like a gourmet treat. Let’s dive into this creamy delight that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup baby spinach
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
You need good ingredients for this dish. Gnocchi is the star here. Fresh or frozen works great. For the sauce, I use unsalted butter for rich flavor. Minced garlic adds a punch, making every bite tasty. The heavy cream gives the sauce a creamy texture.
Then comes the fun part. Parmesan cheese makes it even richer. Baby spinach brightens up the dish with color and nutrition. Italian seasoning adds that extra zing. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to suit your liking. If you want, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish.
Gather these ingredients to make your creamy garlic butter gnocchi skillet. The right mix will set you up for a delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Gnocchi
First, take a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You know they are done when they float to the surface. That’s your cue! Drain the gnocchi and set them aside for now.
Preparing the Sauce
Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell great but not brown.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to mix. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. Then, take 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whisk it in. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
After that, add the cooked gnocchi back into the skillet. Toss in 1 cup of baby spinach and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Gently stir everything together. Cook until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi is coated in the creamy sauce.
Finally, taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Your creamy garlic butter gnocchi is ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
To make the best creamy sauce, I always use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and cream really boost the flavor. You can adjust the amount of cream and cheese based on how creamy you want it. If you like your sauce thicker, add more cheese. For a lighter feel, use less cream. This way, you control the taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gnocchi right in the skillet. It looks great and keeps everything warm. I love to garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This adds a nice touch. Pair this dish with crusty bread for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
Adding Protein
You can make this dish heartier by adding protein. Cooked chicken works great. Simply cut it into bite-sized pieces and toss it in when you add the spinach. Shrimp is another tasty option. Sauté the shrimp until it turns pink, then mix it in. For plant-based eaters, try adding chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and flavor.
Vegetable Additions
Adding veggies boosts the nutrition and taste. Mushrooms bring a lovely earthiness. Sauté them in the butter before adding garlic. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy kick. Toss them in with the gnocchi for a burst of flavor. If you want greens, consider using kale or arugula. These greens wilt nicely and add a fresh touch. Mix them in with the gnocchi and watch them shrink down.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your creamy garlic butter gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish from drying out. It tastes best when eaten within 2-3 days. After that, the gnocchi may lose its creamy texture.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can use a microwave or a skillet to reheat. If you use a skillet, heat it over medium-low heat for even warming. To keep the gnocchi creamy, add a splash of cream while reheating. This simple step brings back its rich flavor and smooth texture. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
How long does it take to make creamy garlic butter gnocchi?
This recipe is quick and easy! It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this delicious dish ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Can I use gluten-free gnocchi?
Yes, you can use gluten-free gnocchi! Many brands offer gluten-free options made from potatoes or rice. Just check the package to ensure they work well with this recipe. They cook the same way as regular gnocchi, so you can enjoy this meal without any worries.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This creamy garlic butter gnocchi is great for meal prep. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy and delicious. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
This blog post covered how to make creamy garlic butter gnocchi from start to finish. We looked at the key ingredients, the step-by-step cooking method, and some useful tips. You can easily change the dish with proteins or veggies too. Enjoying this meal fresh or as leftovers is simple. Remember, using fresh items makes a big difference in taste. Now, you have all you need to create this delicious dish and impress anyone at your table.
