Description
Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is a comforting and flavor-packed recipe that combines tender gnocchi, a rich tomato-based sauce, and the fresh, vibrant flavor of spinach. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounce baby spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Gnocchi: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. Finally, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to develop its flavor.
3. Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, and then add the dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
4. Finish the Dish: Once the sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Next, add the baby spinach and stir until it’s wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired. Savor the combination of tender gnocchi, the rich and flavorful tomato cream sauce, and the bright, fresh spinach in every bite.
Notes
To ensure your Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Cook the Gnocchi Properly: Boil the gnocchi until they float to the surface, as this is the surest sign that they are cooked through. Overcooking can lead to gnocchi that are mushy or fall apart.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and create a smooth, creamy texture.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of heat. Start with a small pinch and add more if you want a spicier dish.
Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to your liking, such as sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg