1. Introduction
Creamy Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, and Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a luscious, comforting dish that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent weeknight dinner or an easy meal to impress guests, this creamy gnocchi recipe is the answer. The pillowy gnocchi, rich garlic parmesan sauce, and bursts of sun-dried tomatoes create a perfect flavor combination that’s both comforting and exciting. The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances out the richness of the sauce. What makes this recipe even more appealing is how quickly it comes together. With a prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for those busy evenings when you crave something gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair it with a light side salad or garlic bread, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal at home. The use of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch, and fresh basil leaves on top offer an aromatic finish.
2. Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
3. Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring occasionally. Add Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts (2-3 minutes).
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes until they float). Drain the gnocchi.
- Toss the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat the gnocchi thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
4. How to Prepare
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet, which will form the base of your flavorful sauce. Cook the onions first to build a savory foundation, followed by garlic for that aromatic punch. While these soften and release their fragrance, you’ll prepare the creamy base by adding heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients create a rich sauce that thickens as it cooks. Meanwhile, boil your gnocchi in salted water, which should only take a few minutes. Once the sauce begins to thicken, stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy element and fresh spinach for color and nutrition. Finally, drain your gnocchi and toss it into the skillet with the sauce, allowing the gnocchi to absorb all the flavors. Season to taste and garnish with fresh basil for a perfect finish.
5. Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe yields 4 servings.
7. FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just boil them according to package instructions, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce may be less creamy. Adding a little more Parmesan can help thicken it up.
3. Are there any alternatives to sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes can work. They’ll provide a different flavor but still complement the dish.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go. It won’t affect the flavor much.
5. Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon would be great additions if you’re looking for extra protein. Just cook them separately and toss them in with the gnocchi.
8. Conclusion
Creamy Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, and Garlic Parmesan Sauce is an indulgent yet quick meal perfect for any day of the week. Its creamy texture, combined with the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh, earthy flavor of spinach, makes it a truly satisfying dish. The soft, pillowy gnocchi paired with the rich garlic Parmesan sauce creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. What’s even better is how versatile this recipe is—you can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preference. Whether you want to keep it simple as a vegetarian meal or add some grilled chicken or bacon for extra heartiness, this recipe adapts effortlessly. In just 25 minutes, you can have a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, but with the comfort and ease of homemade cooking. So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts delicious and quick to prepare, give this creamy gnocchi recipe a try!
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Creamy Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, and Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Indulge in this creamy gnocchi dish loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic parmesan sauce—ready in just 25 minutes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring occasionally. Add Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts (2-3 minutes).
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes until they float). Drain the gnocchi.
- Toss the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat the gnocchi thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Notes
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet, which will form the base of your flavorful sauce. Cook the onions first to build a savory foundation, followed by garlic for that aromatic punch. While these soften and release their fragrance, you’ll prepare the creamy base by adding heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients create a rich sauce that thickens as it cooks. Meanwhile, boil your gnocchi in salted water, which should only take a few minutes. Once the sauce begins to thicken, stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy element and fresh spinach for color and nutrition. Finally, drain your gnocchi and toss it into the skillet with the sauce, allowing the gnocchi to absorb all the flavors. Season to taste and garnish with fresh basil for a perfect finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes