Name: Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup vegetable stock; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cups baby spinach; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 86 reviews

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce brightened by sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil. The flavors meld beautifully, capturing the essence of Tuscany in a quick and straightforward meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe brings rich, indulgent flavors that always hit the spot.

3 tablespoons rich golden butter in a small vintage ceramic bowl, 2 cloves garlic finely chopped with bright white and pale yellow hues scattered next to a rustic wooden spoon, 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi, plump and pillowy with a soft pale cream color arranged neatly in a handcrafted stoneware dish, ¼ cup vibrant deep red sun-dried tomatoes roughly chopped, small heaps of dried herbs showing green and brown flecks representing ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, tiny glass bowls with fine grains of ½ teaspoon salt and freshly cracked ¼ teaspoon black pepper near them, a clear glass measuring cup filled with smooth, thick white heavy cream next to a translucent bowl of light golden vegetable stock, a small white plate with finely grated snowy white Parmesan cheese creating a textured mound, fresh 3 cups glossy baby spinach leaves with deep emerald green shades loosely piled, delicate sprigs of fresh bright green basil leaves thinly sliced arranged artistically, all ingredients spread evenly on a clean white marble surface with soft natural daylight highlighting textures and colors, shadows soft and diffused, minimalist composition with subtle rustic props enhancing a cozy Italian kitchen vibe, overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each element plays a key role: the butter and garlic build a flavorful base, sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, and fresh greens give a vibrant pop of color and nutrients, all rounded out by creamy heavy cream and sharp Parmesan for ultimate indulgence.

3 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich, savory foundation and helps brown the gnocchi to perfection.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Adds a pungent, aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
1 pound gnocchi, uncooked: The star of the dish, these fluffy potato dumplings soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a sweet and slightly tart dimension, enhancing complexity.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds herbal depth with minimal effort.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the creaminess, adjustable to your spice preference.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce and gnocchi.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: For a touch of earthiness and mild spice.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that makes this recipe so irresistible.
½ cup vegetable stock: Lightens the sauce slightly while adding savory umami notes.
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce perfectly.
3 cups baby spinach: Infuses freshness and a beautiful green color, plus important nutrients.
2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced: Garnishes the dish with a bright, sweet herbaceous note and pretty presentation.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Brown the Gnocchi

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s bubbly and fragrant. This step releases that rich buttery aroma that makes your kitchen smell incredible. Then, add the garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the pan. Sauté them together until the gnocchi is golden brown on most sides. This not only develops beautiful texture but also adds a subtle nuttiness to the gnocchi that will make the final dish irresistible. Don’t worry if the gnocchi aren’t fully cooked yet — that will happen later when simmered in the sauce.

Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so those bold flavors start to mingle with the butter and garlic. Cooking this mixture for a few minutes helps release the tomato’s tangy sweetness and aromatics from the herbs, building a layered taste foundation for the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Pour in the Creamy Sauce Ingredients

Now, it’s time to pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together so the cheese melts into the mix, thickening the sauce as it heats up. Bring this to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring often—this prevents the sauce from sticking and ensures the gnocchi cook evenly. In just a few minutes, the sauce will thicken to that perfect, silky consistency and the gnocchi will become tender and pillowy.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Finish Cooking

Once the sauce has thickened, add the fresh baby spinach right into the pan. Stir it gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about a minute. This last addition brings freshness and a lovely green color, balancing out the richness of the cream sauce. The spinach also adds a pop of nutrition, so you get all the comfort without any guilt.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe, sprinkle the finely sliced fresh basil over the top just before serving. The basil adds a fragrant brightness and a burst of color that makes this dish look as delightful as it tastes. Serve it right away for the best flavor and texture experience!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs are the easiest way to elevate this dish—beyond the basil, try adding a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added richness. A light twist of lemon zest can also brighten the flavors unexpectedly and beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess nicely. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce, turning every bite into a pleasure.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Garnish each portion with a few whole basil leaves and a fresh grind of black pepper for a rustic yet elegant presentation. For a fun twist, try layering the gnocchi and sauce briefly in small ramekins and broiling the top with extra Parmesan until golden and bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to soak up sauce, so if you prefer a looser texture, consider adding a splash of milk or stock when reheating.

Freezing

While gnocchi doesn’t always freeze perfectly due to its delicate texture, you can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and gently warm before tossing it with freshly cooked gnocchi.

Reheating

When reheating Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little vegetable stock, cream, or milk as needed to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the gnocchi from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Just add a minute or two to the sautéing step to make sure they brown nicely. They may need a bit longer to become tender when simmered in the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for richness, and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Adjust seasonings to taste, as these alternatives can change the flavor profile slightly but still taste delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

The crushed red pepper adds a gentle warmth that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. If you like heat, feel free to add more, or reduce it for a milder version—the recipe is versatile that way.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage make perfect additions. Simply cook your protein separately and stir it in right before adding the spinach so that the flavors meld beautifully.

What type of gnocchi is best?

The traditional potato gnocchi with soft, pillowy texture works best here because it absorbs the sauce so well. If you want a firmer bite, try gnocchi made with ricotta or semolina but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with little fuss, making it a perfect weeknight winner or cozy weekend treat. The way the creamy sauce hugs every tender pillow of gnocchi, combined with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh greens, results in a memorable flavor combo you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and enjoy a little taste of Tuscan magic right in your own kitchen!