Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish featuring golden sautéed gnocchi in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil. This quick and easy skillet recipe brings classic Tuscan flavors to your table in just 20 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute, to prepare the base for sautéing.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté them until the gnocchi develop a golden brown crust on most sides, which should take about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will not be fully cooked yet but this adds flavor and texture.
- Add Seasonings and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi become tender, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook just until they wilt, about 1 minute, incorporating freshness and color into the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the fresh basil over the top and serve the creamy Tuscan gnocchi immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure gnocchi contains no egg or animal products.
- Adjust crushed red pepper amount to control heat level.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor over pre-grated varieties.
- Gnocchi can be substituted with potato gnocchi or store-bought varieties based on preference.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
