Why Make This Recipe
This creamy gnocchi recipe is a quick and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With soft, pillowy gnocchi coated in a rich and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 16 oz Potato Gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach (packed)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
- 1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until tender and they float to the surface, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the fresh spinach and stir until it’s completely wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi
Serve creamy gnocchi hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you like, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
How to Store Creamy Gnocchi
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the gnocchi gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it can thicken when stored.
Tips to Make Creamy Gnocchi
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi. They only need a few minutes in the skillet and are done when they float.
- For a bit of brightness, add some cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce it to your desired consistency.
Variation
You can customize this creamy gnocchi by adding different vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers. For a protein boost, shredded chicken or cooked sausage can be mixed in just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of Parmesan.
3. What can I serve with creamy gnocchi?
Creamy gnocchi goes great with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or simply some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Creamy Gnocchi
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/8 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat.
For the gnocchi
- 16 oz Potato Gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach (packed)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until tender and they float to the surface, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the fresh spinach and stir until it’s completely wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve immediately.