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- 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or store-bought) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and ground black pepper, to taste - A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish When I gather the ingredients for creamy garlic parmesan spinach gnocchi, I feel excited. Each item plays a big role in flavor. The gnocchi serves as the soft base, while fresh spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. Heavy cream is key for that rich, creamy sauce. I love using finely grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and brings a wonderful umami taste. Garlic is my secret weapon. Just a few cloves, minced well, give the dish a deep flavor. For seasoning, I use unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil. These fats help create a silky sauce. Salt and black pepper are essential to balance the flavors. If you want a hint of warmth, add freshly grated nutmeg. It’s optional but can elevate the dish. Finally, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also a feast for the eyes. When you combine all these ingredients, you create something truly delightful! First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Place it on the stove and turn on the heat. Wait until the water starts to boil. Once it bubbles, add a good amount of salt to the water. This step adds flavor to the gnocchi. Next, add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface. After cooking, carefully drain the gnocchi and set them aside. In a large skillet, combine two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat this over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. Stir it often to avoid burning. The garlic should smell great but remain pale. Now, slowly pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, it’s time to add the flavor! Gradually add one cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts. The sauce should become creamy and smooth. Then, add two cups of chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir it into the sauce and cook for about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will wilt and turn bright green. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor if you like. Now, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi. Make sure each piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for about two minutes. This step allows the gnocchi to soak up some sauce. Once it’s heated through, you’re ready to serve! To keep your gnocchi from sticking together, follow these steps: - Use enough water: A large pot helps the gnocchi float. - Salt the water: This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking. - Avoid overcrowding: Cook gnocchi in batches to keep them separate. How do you know if gnocchi is cooked? Look for these signs: - Floating: When gnocchi rises to the top, they are ready. - Texture: They should feel soft and tender but not mushy. Want to switch up your cheese? Here are some tasty options: - Pecorino Romano: This cheese adds a sharper flavor. - Mozzarella: For a gooey texture, mix in some mozzarella. To make your sauce thicker, try these tips: - Use less cream: Start with half a cup and adjust as needed. - Add more cheese: Stir in extra Parmesan for creaminess. For a great look, serve gnocchi in shallow bowls. Here are some ideas for presentation: - Drizzle extra cream: A light drizzle adds visual appeal. - Sprinkle more cheese: It enhances flavor and looks nice. Pair this dish with these sides for a complete meal: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Simple salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the gnocchi. {{image_4}} You can make your creamy garlic parmesan spinach gnocchi even better by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, and bacon are great options. - Chicken: Use cooked and diced chicken breast. Add it to the sauce after you sauté the garlic. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp in the skillet before adding the cream. This gives the sauce a lovely seafood twist. - Bacon: Cook bacon until it’s crispy. Crumble it and mix it into the dish for a rich, smoky flavor. Each protein cooks differently, so adjust your method. For chicken and shrimp, cook them in the skillet before the cream. For bacon, cook it first, then use the fat to sauté the garlic. If you want a vegan or dairy-free version, you can easily swap out some ingredients. Use plant-based cream and cheese instead of dairy. - Cream: Look for coconut or almond cream. Both add richness without dairy. - Cheese: Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor. There are also many brands of vegan cheese available. Make sure to use vegan gnocchi too. Many store-bought gnocchi contain egg, so check the label or make your own. Using seasonal vegetables can make this dish even more delicious. Fresh produce adds flavor and nutrition. - Asparagus: Add bite-sized pieces of asparagus when you add the spinach. They will cook quickly and stay crisp. - Peas: Stir in fresh or frozen peas near the end of cooking. They add sweetness and a pop of color. Adjust your dish based on what’s fresh and available. This not only enhances the taste but also supports local farmers. To store leftovers, let the creamy garlic Parmesan spinach gnocchi cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can store the gnocchi in the fridge for up to three days. For freezing, put the cooled gnocchi in a freezer-safe bag or container. It helps to separate portions. This dish freezes well for about one month. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of cream or water to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the gnocchi soggy or dry. Enjoy your creamy dish just like fresh! What is the best type of gnocchi to use? You can use fresh or store-bought gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi has a soft texture. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and easy. Both types work well in this dish. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Cook the gnocchi fresh before serving for the best taste. Why is my sauce separating? If your sauce separates, it may be too hot. Keep the heat low when mixing in cheese. Stir continuously to help blend the sauce. How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also sauté some chopped jalapeños with the garlic for added heat. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, half-and-half is a good substitute. It will make the sauce a bit lighter. The creaminess will still be nice but less rich. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both will add a savory flavor to the dish. This recipe for gnocchi with creamy spinach sauce covers every detail you need. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to store leftovers. You learned tips to enhance flavor and make the dish your own. Whether you want to add protein or explore vegan options, there are many paths to deliciousness. Now, it's time to whip up this easy meal. Enjoy the cooking journey.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Gnocchi

Indulge in a plate of creamy garlic Parmesan spinach gnocchi that’s both rich and satisfying! This delightful dish combines tender gnocchi with a luscious garlic cream sauce, fragrant spinach, and gooey Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Explore this simple recipe and elevate your mealtime with the ultimate comfort food. Click to discover how to make this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, generously salt the water, then add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are cooked. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside.

    In a large skillet, combine the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but has not yet browned.

      Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to mix, and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

        Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts entirely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

          Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until wilted and vibrant in color.

            Season the creamy sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (if using), adjusting to your taste.

              Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes, just to heat through.

                Once warmed through, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for an added pop of color.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls, and for an elegant touch, drizzle a little extra cream on top and finish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Add a sprig of parsley for a beautiful garnish.