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Here is what you need for creamy gnocchi with spinach: - 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional spices: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, pinch of red pepper flakes Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish rich and tasty. The gnocchi provides a comforting base, while the spinach adds freshness. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy, and Parmesan gives it depth. Garlic brings flavor, and olive oil helps cook everything smoothly. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. You can add nutmeg for warmth or red pepper flakes for heat if you like a kick. These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful meal in no time. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a big pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to it. When the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook them as directed on the package, usually around 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they float to the top. Carefully drain the gnocchi in a colander and set them aside. Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good and turn a light golden color. Be careful not to let it burn. Next, add the chopped spinach to your skillet. Stir it often for about 2-3 minutes. The spinach should cook down and become soft. Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and mixes well into the cream. Finally, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle in some nutmeg and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Enjoy your creamy gnocchi! To make a great cream sauce, start with good cream. Heavy cream gives the best results. Heat it gently to keep the sauce smooth. Add Parmesan cheese slowly while stirring. This helps the cheese melt nicely. If you want warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg. For some spice, red pepper flakes work well too. Taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper to make it just right. Serve the gnocchi hot for the best taste. You can pair it with a nice green salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing goes well. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. This makes a complete meal that everyone will love. For a pretty presentation, use shallow bowls. This highlights the creamy gnocchi. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This gives a nice pop of color and freshness. Pro Tips Cook Gnocchi Al Dente: For the best texture, ensure that you cook the gnocchi just until they float. Overcooking can make them mushy. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and color to the dish. If you use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce. Customize Your Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gouda for a unique twist on flavor. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or milk. This will still keep the dish creamy while reducing calories. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your creamy gnocchi. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. For shrimp, add them to the garlic when sautéing. Cook until they turn pink. This adds flavor and makes the meal hearty. You can also try adding cooked sausage for a spicy kick. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well. Sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes. This adds color and nutrients. Broccoli or zucchini can also be used. Just make sure to cook them until tender. Each vegetable brings a new taste to the dish. You can make this dish vegan or dairy-free. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Choose plant-based gnocchi to keep it vegan. This way, everyone can enjoy your creamy gnocchi! To store leftovers, let the gnocchi cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh. To reheat, you can use a skillet. Add a splash of water or cream. Heat over medium-low until warm. Stir gently to keep the cream sauce smooth. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots. If you want to freeze, first let the gnocchi cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them according to the package. They may take a few minutes longer than fresh gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi will still taste great in this creamy dish. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer gluten-free options made from potatoes or rice flour. Check the label to ensure it's safe for your diet. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These will change the flavor slightly, but they keep the dish creamy. Creamy gnocchi lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. If it thickens, add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess. This blog post covered a creamy gnocchi recipe, from ingredients to storage tips. You learned how to cook gnocchi and make a rich sauce. Plus, I shared ways to customize the dish to suit your taste. Don’t forget to experiment with proteins or veggies for different flavors. Store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. With these tips, you can create a meal that pleases everyone. Embrace your cooking skills and make this dish your own!

Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach

A rich and creamy gnocchi dish featuring fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound store-bought gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious pot, bring water to a boil and season it with salt. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes until they float. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic and lightly golden.
  • Add chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender and wilted.
  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  • Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, ensuring they are coated in the cream sauce. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  • Remove from heat once heated through and uniformly mixed, and prepare to serve.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve in shallow bowls with extra olive oil and fresh herbs.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, pasta, spinach, vegetarian