If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Picture pillowy gnocchi soaking up a luscious cream sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh spinach, all finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and basil. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to bring your creamy Tuscan gnocchi to life. From the silky butter that forms the sauce base to the fresh basil that adds a final pop of brightness, every element counts.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich, velvety foundation for sautéing and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked: The star ingredient—soft, pillowy potatoes that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers a tangy, slightly sweet burst that lifts the creamy base.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to give that quintessential Tuscan flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste): Provides a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and luxuriously smooth.
- ½ cup vegetable stock: Lightens the cream a bit and deepens the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a nutty, savory sharpness to enrich the sauce.
- 3 cups baby spinach: Fresh greens that wilt into the sauce for color, texture, and nutrition.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced: The fresh herb that ties everything together with its sweet, peppery notes.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting your butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until it’s bubbly and just starting to foam—this creates the perfect base for soaking up garlic and flavors in the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Gnocchi
Toss in the finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi. Cook them until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, about 5 minutes. Don’t worry if the gnocchi isn’t fully cooked through yet; this step gives them a slightly crispy exterior for fantastic texture.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. This combination wakes up the pan with a tantalizing aroma and gives layers of savory flavor. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to let everything meld beautifully.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi is tender and perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add your fresh baby spinach and cook just long enough for it to wilt, about 1 minute. The spinach adds a lovely pop of green and a touch of earthiness that balances the richness of the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle your finely sliced fresh basil on top. This fresh herbal note is the perfect flourish to complete your Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe. Serve immediately while it’s warm and decadent.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. For an added kick, a few chili flakes on top add a touch of heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This creamy gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette, balancing the richness with refreshing acidity. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the creamy Tuscan gnocchi in individual shallow bowls garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Adding a few toasted pine nuts or chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top adds exciting texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While fresh gnocchi is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy Tuscan gnocchi gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or vegetable stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently until warmed through, avoiding the microwave to keep the sauce silky and the gnocchi tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well; just adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen gnocchi might take a bit longer to brown and become tender.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version. The texture will still be creamy, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta can be fantastic additions to turn this into a heartier meal without overpowering the delicate flavors.
What can I substitute for vegetable stock?
If you don’t have vegetable stock on hand, chicken stock or even water with a pinch of salt and herbs can work in a pinch. The stock helps add depth but isn’t strictly necessary.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper adds just a subtle warmth and can be easily adjusted to your preference. Feel free to skip it entirely if you prefer a milder cream sauce.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy delight of a dish like this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. With its wonderfully creamy texture and fresh burst of Tuscan flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with gnocchi all over again!
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Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a rich and comforting skillet dish featuring golden sautéed gnocchi simmered in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, infused with Italian herbs and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 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
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute to release richness and flavor.
- Sauté the Gnocchi: Add the chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, approximately 5 minutes. The gnocchi does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the ingredients are fragrant and well combined.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat slightly and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi becomes tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 1 minute, integrating freshness into the creamy dish.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with freshly sliced basil and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for best texture, but frozen gnocchi works well if thawed before cooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Vegetable stock can be substituted with chicken stock for a non-vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer, but be careful not to overcook the cream to avoid curdling.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the gnocchi used is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of cream or stock to loosen the sauce.
