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To make your creamy gnocchi with spinach, you need simple yet rich ingredients. Here's what you'll need: - 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, pinch of red pepper flakes Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that creamy goodness. The gnocchi gives a soft texture. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese blend into a delicious sauce. Garlic brings in a nice flavor, while olive oil helps everything cook evenly. If you want a little extra warmth, the nutmeg and red pepper flakes are great choices. They can make your dish stand out. This list is not only easy to find but also perfect for making a comforting meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 1 pound of store-bought gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes. - Once they float, drain the gnocchi and set aside. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. - Add 2 cups of chopped spinach to the skillet. - Cook until wilted, which takes about 2-3 minutes. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. - Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. - Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. - Toss gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. - Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or red pepper flakes to taste. - Remove from heat and serve in shallow bowls. - Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle with more Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. To get the best creaminess, adjust the cream and cheese ratios. If you want it richer, add more cream or cheese. Use a good quality Parmesan. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a nice flavor. To make your dish pop, add spices and herbs. I suggest garlic powder, black pepper, or even a dash of lemon zest. If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. For richness, try a pinch of nutmeg. It elevates the dish wonderfully. When sautéing garlic, keep the heat low to prevent burning. Garlic cooks fast, so stir it often. For perfectly cooked spinach, add it to the skillet when the garlic is fragrant. Cook just until it wilts. This keeps it bright and tender. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of the dish significantly. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth. Flavor Boost: Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor contrast. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the creamy sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat and add the gnocchi before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to creamy gnocchi. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. - Chicken: Cook diced chicken breast in the skillet until golden. This adds a nice texture. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink and tender. It cooks quickly and adds a seafood twist. - Tofu: Use firm tofu for a plant-based option. Sauté it in the skillet until crispy. Each protein adds a different flavor. Adjust cooking time based on what you choose. Making this dish vegetarian or vegan is simple. You can substitute heavy cream easily. - Vegetarian: Use almond milk or oat milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickness. - Vegan: Try coconut cream for a rich texture. It also adds a hint of sweetness. For cheese, look for vegan cheese shreds. They melt nicely and keep the dish creamy. Incorporating seasonal vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. - Spring: Try asparagus or peas for a fresh crunch. - Summer: Add zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful mix. - Fall: Incorporate roasted butternut squash for a sweet touch. Pair these veggies with fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They enhance the dish’s taste and aroma. To store your creamy gnocchi, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. In the refrigerator, it lasts for 3 to 4 days. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This method helps keep the cream smooth. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This helps warm it evenly. You can freeze creamy gnocchi for later use. Before freezing, let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat slowly on the stove. This keeps the texture creamy and tasty. Avoid freezing it for too long, as the cream may separate. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi cooks fast, just like fresh. You don't need to thaw it. Simply drop it into boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 2-3 minutes. When it floats, it's ready. Frozen gnocchi often has a similar taste and texture as fresh. It’s a great time-saver! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer gluten-free options made from potato or rice flour. You can also make homemade gluten-free gnocchi. For the sauce, heavy cream is naturally gluten-free. Just check labels for any added ingredients. This way, you can enjoy creamy gnocchi without gluten! Creamy gnocchi pairs well with simple side dishes. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Try a Caesar or mixed greens salad with a light dressing. Roasted vegetables also work great, like asparagus or broccoli. For a heartier meal, serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp. These options balance the creaminess of the dish. Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with lighter options. Use half-and-half for a lower-fat choice. Coconut milk is another good option for a dairy-free version. For a rich flavor, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy creamy gnocchi without the heaviness of heavy cream! This creamy gnocchi dish is simple and full of flavor. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for success. Remember, you can customize it by adding proteins or vegetables. Storing and reheating is straightforward, ensuring you enjoy every bite later. Cooking should be fun and creative. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a cozy meal. Trust me, you'll love this recipe!

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • pinch red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top). Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Create the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
  • Combine Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Serve: Once heated through and well mixed, remove from heat.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, pasta, spinach