Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

$To make creamy spinach gnocchi, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish - Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped These ingredients combine to create a rich and tasty dish. The gnocchi gives a soft texture while the spinach adds freshness. If you want to mix things up, consider these options: - Use frozen spinach instead of fresh. - Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Try different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta. - Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. These swaps can change the dish's flavor while keeping it delicious. Each serving of creamy spinach gnocchi has about: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 2g This dish is rich and filling. It provides a good balance of fats and carbs, making it a satisfying meal. Enjoy your creamy spinach gnocchi with a side salad for extra nutrients! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook them according to the package directions, usually for 2 to 3 minutes. You will know they are done when they float to the top. Drain them and set aside. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, add the chopped spinach. Cook the spinach for 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts. If you want extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes at this stage. Stir everything well to mix. Now, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the cream as it heats up. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg for a rich flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the cooked gnocchi to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Gently toss them to coat evenly. Heat everything through for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps the gnocchi soak up the flavors. To serve, divide the gnocchi among plates. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and more Parmesan cheese if you like. For a lovely touch, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a full meal. Enjoy! To boost the taste of your creamy spinach gnocchi, try these tips: - Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor. - Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. - Mix in crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. - Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. - Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy kick. These small changes can make your dish even better. Avoid these common errors: - Overcooking the gnocchi makes them mushy. - Not salting the water can lead to bland gnocchi. - Skipping the nutmeg can dull the sauce's flavor. - Forgetting to toss the gnocchi gently can break them. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll have a delicious dish. Use these techniques for perfect gnocchi: - Cook gnocchi in boiling, salted water for 2-3 minutes. - Use a slotted spoon to remove gnocchi when they float. - Sauté garlic for just 30 seconds to avoid burning. - Add cream slowly to prevent splattering. - Toss the gnocchi and sauce carefully to avoid breakage. These techniques ensure your dish looks and tastes great. Pro Tips Fresh Spinach is Best: Use fresh spinach for a vibrant color and flavor. If you're using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the sauce. Perfectly Creamy Sauce: To achieve a rich and creamy sauce, add the heavy cream gradually and allow it to simmer gently. This will help prevent it from curdling. Customize with Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. This transforms the dish into a hearty meal. Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of the boiling water. Be sure not to overcook to maintain its delicate texture. {{image_2}} You can make this dish fully plant-based. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy taste. Add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. For a heartier meal, add proteins like chicken or shrimp. Cook shrimp in the skillet until pink and tender. For chicken, sauté bite-sized pieces until cooked through. Toss the cooked protein with the gnocchi to create a filling dish. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi. You can find it in most stores. Make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you still get that creamy goodness. After enjoying your creamy spinach gnocchi, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. Place the container in your fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. For the best taste, eat it within two days. To reheat your gnocchi, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the gnocchi in a skillet. Add a splash of cream or water. Heat over low heat, stirring gently. This helps keep the sauce creamy. If you choose the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure it warms evenly. You can freeze creamy spinach gnocchi for later. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the instructions above. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi cooks quickly and is very easy to use. Just drop them into boiling water. Cook them until they float, usually about 2-3 minutes. Then, follow the same steps in the recipe. It will taste great! Creamy spinach gnocchi pairs well with many sides. Try garlic bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. To know if gnocchi is done, watch for them to float. When they rise to the top, they are ready. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. Both offer a nice sharp flavor. You can also use mozzarella for creaminess or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. This keeps the dish rich and tasty! This blog post covered how to make creamy spinach gnocchi, including key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips. You learned about optional ingredients and variations to suit your taste. I shared simple ways to store and reheat leftovers. Cooking should be fun and tasty. Experiment with your flavors and enjoy this dish! Remember, the best meals come from trying new things.$

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound store-bought gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish freshly cracked black pepper
0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using sun-dried tomatoes, add them at this time and stir well.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss until they are well coated with the creamy spinach sauce. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
Divide the gnocchi among plates, garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keyword creamy, gnocchi, pasta, spinach