Creamy Spinach Gnocchi
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Craving a quick and tasty meal? You’ll love this creamy spinach gnocchi recipe! It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This dish combines soft potato gnocchi with wilted spinach in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s both comforting and easy to make.
You’ll start by cooking the spinach, then whip up a flavorful sauce with cream, broth, and spices. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Exact Ingredients List
This creamy spinach gnocchi recipe uses simple ingredients you can easily find. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the spinach and gnocchi components.
Spinach
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
The olive oil helps cook the spinach evenly. Fresh spinach works best, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it first. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the flavor. Don’t skip this step – it makes a big difference!
Gnocchi
For the gnocchi and sauce, gather:
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi. The chicken broth adds flavor, while heavy cream makes it rich. Mince the garlic finely for the best taste. Italian seasoning and smoked paprika give depth. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Instructions
This creamy spinach gnocchi is quick and easy to make. You’ll cook the spinach first, then prepare the gnocchi and sauce in the same pan. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Cook Spinach
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. The spinach will wilt down significantly. Once it’s cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Keep the skillet handy – you’ll use it again for the gnocchi and sauce.
Make The Creamy Sauce And Cook Gnocchi
Add the uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt to the same skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Cover the pan and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes. The sauce will bubble and the gnocchi will become tender.
After 5 minutes, remove the lid and add the cooked spinach back to the pan. Stir gently to combine. Cook for a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika if needed. Your creamy spinach gnocchi is now ready to serve!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these tasty swaps:
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard
• Use sweet potato gnocchi instead of regular
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
Don’t have heavy cream? No problem! Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
Craving more protein? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans. For extra veggies, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
Cheese lovers, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top before serving. It adds a nice salty kick!
Feel free to play with the spices too. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free gnocchi at your local store. You can also make your own using potato and gluten-free flour.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best creamy spinach gnocchi, use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section of your store. It cooks faster and has a better texture than dried gnocchi.
Don’t overcook the spinach. It should be just wilted to keep its bright green color and nutrients.
You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the spinach and cream sauce.
If you like it extra cheesy, stir in some grated Parmesan at the end.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
For a quick meal prep, you can cook the spinach ahead of time and store it separately.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi or replace with cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option.