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To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather for this easy weeknight meal: - 500g gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 150g fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a delicious dish. The gnocchi adds a soft texture, while the tomatoes bring a bright flavor. Garlic gives the dish a warm aroma. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy, and spinach adds color and nutrition. Dried herbs like basil and oregano enhance the taste. Finally, Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick that ties everything together. Collect these ingredients to ensure your gnocchi comes out perfect every time! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good pinch of salt to the water. This helps season the gnocchi. Once the water is at a rolling boil, gently drop in the gnocchi. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the top. After cooking, drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Garlic is key in this dish. It adds a rich flavor that makes everything better. Heat a spacious skillet over medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as that will ruin the taste. Next, it's time for the tomatoes. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to blend together nicely. Now, reduce the heat slightly. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the tomato mix. Toss in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken up just right. Add 150 grams of fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it in well and cook for 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt and mix into the creamy sauce. This adds a nice pop of color and nutrition to our dish. Gently fold the drained gnocchi into the creamy tomato sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This step is important for balancing the flavors. Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from heat. Let it rest for about a minute. This allows the sauce to cling better to the gnocchi. For serving, use deep, wide bowls. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add a little extra chopped spinach and a drizzle of olive oil for a nice finish. - Cooking methods for gnocchi: Boil gnocchi in salted water. Cook them until they float, about 2-3 minutes. This shows they are done. - Avoiding mushiness: Do not overcook the gnocchi. If they become too soft, they can break apart in the sauce. - Additional spice and herb options: Try adding crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. - Adjusting for dietary preferences: Use plant-based cream for a vegan option. You can swap regular gnocchi for gluten-free gnocchi if needed. - Ways to make it vegetarian or gluten-free: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian twist. Check for gluten-free gnocchi brands at the store. - Suggested side dishes: Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. Both add a nice touch and balance the meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi will have a lighter texture and richer flavor compared to dried. If possible, opt for fresh or homemade gnocchi for the best results. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, adding fresh basil or oregano at the end of cooking can elevate the dish's aroma and freshness. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable broth, keeping the dish creamy but less heavy. Perfect Parmesan: Use a microplane to grate your Parmesan cheese finely. This will help it melt evenly and blend beautifully into the sauce, enhancing the dish's overall richness. {{image_4}} For those who want to change things up, there are great alternatives. - Alternatives for cream: You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter dish. Silken tofu also makes a smooth, creamy base. - Vegetable variations: If you want to swap spinach, try kale or arugula. You can also add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. Adding protein can make your meal heartier. - Adding chicken or shrimp: Sauté diced chicken or shrimp before adding garlic. Cook until done, then follow the rest of the recipe. - Vegan protein options: Try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and pair well with the sauce. Tofu is another great choice; just sauté it until golden. Using seasonal ingredients can enhance your dish. - Incorporating seasonal vegetables: In the spring, add asparagus or peas. In the fall, consider butternut squash or pumpkin. - Adapting the recipe for holidays: For festive meals, you can add roasted vegetables or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warming touch. To keep your creamy tomato spinach gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavors. You can refrigerate the dish for up to three days. Before you eat, check for any changes in smell or color. If you want to freeze your dish, separate the gnocchi from the sauce first. This helps keep the gnocchi from becoming mushy. Place each in a freezer bag or container. You can freeze the gnocchi for up to two months and the sauce for about one month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently until everything is heated through. Avoid high heat, as this can overcook the gnocchi and make it tough. Serve hot with fresh Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Making Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi takes about 25 minutes. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cooking Time: 15 minutes You start with boiling water for the gnocchi. It usually takes 2-3 minutes for them to float. After that, you sauté garlic and make the sauce, which takes about 10 minutes. In total, it's a quick meal for busy nights! Yes, you can definitely use store-bought gnocchi. It saves time and is very convenient. Store-bought gnocchi often tastes great and cooks fast. Just remember to follow the package instructions for best results. Fresh gnocchi might have a slight edge in flavor, but the store version works well for quick meals. This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can cook a large batch and store it. Place the gnocchi and sauce in separate containers. This helps keep the gnocchi from getting soggy. You can store both in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat them together when you're ready to eat. This dish pairs well with many sides! Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio These choices complement the creamy flavors and add variety to your meal. Yes, you can make this dish in advance! Just follow these tips: - Cook the gnocchi and sauce separately. - Allow them to cool completely before storing. - Store in airtight containers in the fridge. When you want to eat, just reheat the sauce on the stove and toss in the gnocchi. It will taste almost as fresh as when you first made it! We've explored how to make a delicious Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi. We looked at each ingredient's role and how to prepare them step by step. You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy this meal later. With practice, you'll master this dish and impress others. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of your creation.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Delight

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish with tomatoes and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 150 g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once ready, drain the gnocchi and set aside.
  • In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden, ensuring not to let it burn to maintain its flavor.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices into the skillet. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, which will help meld the flavors together beautifully.
  • Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, along with dried basil and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-5 minutes until it's warmed through and begins to thicken.
  • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and integrated into the sauce.
  • Gently fold the previously cooked gnocchi into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each gnocchi is well-coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for about a minute. This helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi perfectly.
  • Serve the creamy gnocchi hot, generously topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the gnocchi in deep, wide bowls. Garnish with additional chopped spinach and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Finish with a gentle drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of richness and gloss.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, spinach, tomato