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Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe Easy Homemade with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy tuscan gnocchi - featured image

A quick and comforting creamy Tuscan gnocchi dish featuring tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) store-bought potato gnocchi or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach (about 120 g)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes until they float). Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked gnocchi to a plate and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
  3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain excess water before adding.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Fold in cooked gnocchi, coating evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook gnocchi to avoid mushiness. Use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor. Wilt spinach gently to keep fresh color and texture. Simmer cream sauce gently to prevent scorching. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Multitask by boiling gnocchi while prepping other ingredients. Optional toppings include toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits. Nutmeg added to cream sauce adds warmth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan gnocchi, creamy gnocchi, spinach gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian recipe