Cozy & Creamy Gnocchi Recipe: Your New Family-Favorite Dish!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of gnocchi to bring the family together at the dinner table. This creamy gnocchi dish features tender dumplings, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a velvety sauce that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a delicious home-cooked meal.
Cozy & Creamy Gnocchi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, comforting bowl of creamy gnocchi featuring tender dumplings, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a velvety sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 heaped teaspoon dried oregano
- 10 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) butter
- 500 g (17.6 oz) gnocchi
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) vegetable stock
- 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
- 60 g (2 cups) fresh baby spinach
- 50 g (½ cup) Grana Padano cheese, finely grated
- 2–3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 15 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in dried oregano, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about a minute.
- Add butter and toss in gnocchi, breaking apart any that are stuck together. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable stock, scrape any bits from the bottom, and stir in cream. Let simmer for about 10 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens.
- Toss in baby spinach until wilted, then stir in grated cheese until melted.
- Serve topped with optional toasted pine nuts and extra cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs and adjusting spice levels to taste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Why Choose This Creamy Gnocchi Dish?
If you’re looking for a recipe that balances ease with comfort, this creamy gnocchi is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients, it packs a wealth of flavor in every bite. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also brings together healthy veggies and rich cream, creating a well-rounded meal that feels indulgent yet family-friendly.
Crafting Your Creamy Gnocchi
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, very finely chopped or put through a garlic press
- 1 heaped teaspoon dried oregano
- 10 pieces of sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) of butter (I use salted butter)
- 1 x 500 g (17.6 oz) pack of gnocchi
- 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) of vegetable stock (made with 1 stock cube and 300ml of freshly boiled water)
- 150 ml (¾ of a cup) of double cream (heavy cream)
- 60 g (2 cups) of fresh baby spinach
- 50 g (½ cup) of Grana Padano cheese, finely grated
- 2-3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for serving)
Directions:
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion with a pinch of sea salt and sauté for about 15 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and springy.
- Stir in the dried oregano and garlic, along with the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook together for about a minute , to really start releasing those gorgeous flavors.
- Next, add the butter to the pan, then toss in all the gnocchi. If any gnocchi have stuck together, gently break them apart. Allow them to cook for a couple of minutes, soaking up the delicious buttery onion and tomato goodness. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and give everything a good stir, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Introduce the cream and let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often until the sauce reduces and thickens.
- Once you’ve achieved that creamy consistency, toss in the baby spinach. It will wilt quickly, so remove the pan from the heat after it’s just wilted. Stir in the grated cheese until melted and let your dish come to life!
- Serve your creamy gnocchi topped with the optional toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and a touch of freshly ground black pepper.
How to Serve Your Gnocchi Creation
For a cozy family dinner, consider serving this creamy gnocchi with a simple side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. A crispy baguette or warm garlic bread can also be delightful to soak up that rich sauce!
Preserving Your Delicious Gnocchi
Got leftovers? You can store any remaining creamy gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable stock or cream to revive the sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Gnocchi Dish
- For a burst of flavor, add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- If you prefer a little more kick, toss in some red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.
- You can easily swap the spinach out for other greens, like kale or Swiss chard, if that’s what you have on hand.
Variations to Try
- Swap out Grana Padano cheese for Parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Add a protein of your choice , grilled chicken or shrimp would work beautifully in this dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Just add them directly to the pan and cook until they float to the top.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
What can I use instead of vegetable stock?
Chicken broth or even water can be used in a pinch, but the stock adds a wonderful depth of flavor that enhances the dish.
Whether you are hosting family, having friends over, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this creamy gnocchi recipe is bound to win hearts , and appetites! Happy cooking!