Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi Bake

$- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup basil pesto - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Potato gnocchi is a star in this dish. It adds a soft texture that pairs well with creamy sauces. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrition. Basil pesto offers a burst of herbal flavor, tying all elements together. Heavy cream makes the bake rich and smooth. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses melt beautifully, giving a perfect golden topping. Garlic adds a warm aroma that enhances all flavors. If you can't find potato gnocchi, use store-bought or homemade pasta. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream. You can use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach. If you want a different cheese, try cheddar or feta for a unique twist. For pesto, homemade versions can be made with other herbs, like cilantro or arugula. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, basil pesto, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves. This dish is quick and easy. You can make it in about 40 minutes. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook them according to the package instructions. Watch for them to float to the top. This means they are done! Use a slotted spoon to take them out and set them aside. This step is key for a perfect texture. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute. The smell will be amazing! Next, toss in the chopped spinach. Cook until it wilts, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi, wilted spinach, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Mix it well so the gnocchi is coated evenly. Stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some spice. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy your creamy pesto spinach gnocchi bake! 1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality pesto bring great flavor. 2. Don't Overcook the Gnocchi: Cook until they float. This means they are ready. 3. Mix Well: Coat the gnocchi evenly with the pesto and cream mixture. 4. Layer Cheese: Add cheese in layers for a rich, gooey texture. 5. Let it Rest: Allow the bake to cool a bit before serving. This helps it set. - Overcooking Spinach: Cook just until wilted. Too long makes it mushy. - Ignoring Seasoning: Don’t forget to add salt and pepper. It boosts flavor. - Not Greasing the Dish: A greased dish prevents sticking and makes serving easier. - Skipping Garnish: Fresh basil adds color and flavor. Use it! - Rushing the Bake: Bake until golden brown for the best taste and texture. - Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon to the mix. - Use Garlic Powder: Sprinkle a bit for extra garlic flavor. - Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella or Parmesan with fontina or goat cheese. - Mix in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy depth to the dish. - Experiment with Nuts: Pine nuts or walnuts can add a nice crunch. These tips will help you create a creamy pesto spinach gnocchi bake that shines in flavor and texture. Enjoy exploring these ideas to make it your own! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality pesto can significantly enhance the flavor of this dish. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique twist on the flavor. Make it Creamier: For an even creamier texture, you can add a bit of cream cheese or ricotta to the mixture. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian twist, the recipe already fits the bill. The gnocchi, spinach, and pesto make a delightful combo. For a vegan option, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream. Use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty while fitting your dietary needs. You can change the flavors easily. Try sun-dried tomatoes instead of or with spinach for a tangy kick. Swap the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for a different taste. You might also add some artichoke hearts for a unique flavor. If you want more spice, add more red pepper flakes or use a spicy pesto. To make this dish heartier, add proteins. Chicken or shrimp would work great. Just cook them in the skillet before adding spinach. For a vegetarian protein, add chickpeas or white beans. You can also mix in other veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These additions bring more color and texture to your creamy pesto spinach gnocchi bake. To store leftovers, let the gnocchi bake cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. If you want, you can also cover it with plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover gnocchi bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warm all the way through. You can also microwave it. Just use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. You can freeze the gnocchi bake for longer storage. After it cools, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then you can reheat it as described above. Preparing the Gnocchi Bake takes about 15 minutes. Cooking the gnocchi and assembling the dish is quick. Baking it in the oven adds another 20-25 minutes. In total, you need about 40 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a great option for a weeknight meal. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them according to the package directions. Frozen gnocchi will still taste great in this dish. They should be tender and soak up the creamy pesto flavor well. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread also complements it nicely. You could even serve it with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. These sides balance the rich flavors of the bake. Absolutely! This Gnocchi Bake is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it when you're ready to eat. It keeps well and tastes great even the next day. This blog post covered all you need to make a tasty gnocchi bake. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for variations and how to store your leftovers too. Remember, you can mix it up with different ingredients to suit your taste. Avoid common mistakes to ensure perfect results. Enjoy your delicious dish!$

Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi Bake

Discover the delightful Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi Bake, a perfect Easy Gnocchi Bake Recipe for any occasion! This Vegetarian Pasta Bake features homemade basil pesto gnocchi mixed with fresh spinach, creamy goodness, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for meatless meals, this creamy spinach pasta dish will impress your family and friends. Try it today and enjoy a delicious comfort food experience! Save this recipe for later! #GnocchiRecipe #VegetarianCooking #PastaBakes #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions. Once they float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi, spinach, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Mix well to coat the gnocchi evenly.

Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6