Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Let me tell you, in our house, weeknight dinners are often a dance between speed and satisfaction. We crave something delicious and comforting, but time is always of the essence. That’s where this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe swooped in and became an absolute game-changer. From the first bite, the family was hooked. The pillowy soft gnocchi, bathed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, studded with vibrant spinach – it’s pure comfort food in a bowl. Even my picky eaters, who sometimes turn their noses up at vegetables, devoured this dish without a single complaint! The best part? It comes together so quickly, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and incredibly easy, then you absolutely must try this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi. It’s become a staple in our rotation, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too! Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures in every single bite.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable dish. We’ve kept the ingredients simple and accessible, ensuring you can easily find everything at your local grocery store.

• Gnocchi: (500g package) – The star of the show! Look for shelf-stable potato gnocchi, readily available in most supermarkets. Their soft, pillowy texture is what makes this dish so comforting. Fresh gnocchi can also be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Essential for sautéing and building flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and health benefits. It provides a fruity note and healthy fats to the dish.
• Onion: (1 medium, chopped) – The aromatic base of our sauce. Yellow or white onion works perfectly, adding sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down.
• Garlic: (3 cloves, minced) – Adds a pungent and savory kick to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the most intense flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: (1 can, 28oz) – Forms the flavorful base of the tomato sauce. Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best taste. You can also use diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
• Tomato Paste: (2 tablespoons) – Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the richness of the sauce. It adds umami and intensifies the tomato taste.
• Heavy Cream: (1 cup) – The secret to the creamy texture! Heavy cream adds richness and luxuriousness to the sauce, making it incredibly indulgent. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version (though the flavor will be slightly different).
• Fresh Spinach: (5 oz, baby spinach) – Adds vibrant color, freshness, and nutritional value to the dish. Baby spinach is tender and cooks down quickly. You can also use frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: (1/2 cup, grated, plus extra for serving) – Adds salty, savory, and nutty notes to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for flavor and texture. We use it in the sauce and for topping at the end.
• Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – A classic Italian herb that complements tomatoes beautifully. It adds a warm, slightly peppery flavor to the sauce.
• Dried Basil: (1 teaspoon) – Another essential Italian herb that enhances the tomato flavor. It brings a slightly sweet and aromatic note to the dish.
• Salt: (to taste) – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
• Black Pepper: (to taste) – Adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best aroma and taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: (optional, pinch) – For a touch of heat. Add a pinch or more if you like a bit of spice in your tomato sauce.

Instructions: How to Make Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Follow these simple steps to create this incredibly flavorful Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi. The process is straightforward, making it perfect for even beginner cooks.

1. Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating, you can start preparing the sauce. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions. Typically, gnocchi will float to the surface when they are cooked through, which usually takes just a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Drain the cooked gnocchi and set aside. Reserving a little pasta water is optional but can be helpful if you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
2. Sauté Aromatics: While the gnocchi is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning. Softening the onion is crucial as it releases its sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the sauce. Don’t rush this step!
3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can become bitter. Then, add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste deepens its flavor and adds richness to the sauce. It also helps to remove any raw tomato taste.
4. Build the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion, garlic, and tomato paste mixture. Add the dried oregano and dried basil, salt, and black pepper. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, creating a richer and more complex sauce. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
5. Add Cream and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the Parmesan is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adding the cream and Parmesan off the heat prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce. The Parmesan cheese also adds saltiness, so taste the sauce at this point and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the creamy tomato sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and is incorporated into the sauce. This will only take a minute or two as baby spinach wilts very quickly in the heat of the sauce. The spinach adds a beautiful green color and a boost of nutrients to the dish.
7. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy tomato spinach sauce. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi evenly in the sauce. Ensure every piece of gnocchi is nicely coated in the flavorful sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serving it immediately ensures the gnocchi is at its best texture and the sauce is still warm and luscious.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

This creamy and satisfying dish offers a good balance of flavors and some essential nutrients. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. This is based on approximately 6 servings.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories – Provides a substantial and satisfying meal, perfect for dinner.
• Fat: Approximately 25-35g per serving – Primarily from the olive oil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats.
• Protein: Approximately 15-20g per serving – Contributed by the gnocchi, Parmesan cheese, and spinach, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g per serving – Mainly from the gnocchi and tomatoes, providing energy for the body.
• Sodium: Approximately 600-800mg per serving – From salt added during cooking and naturally occurring sodium in ingredients like tomatoes and cheese. Adjust salt usage to manage sodium intake.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutritional calculator with specific ingredient brands.

Preparation Time for Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

This recipe is designed for quick and easy weeknight cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes – This includes chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, grating the Parmesan cheese, and gathering all your ingredients. The prep is minimal and straightforward.
• Cook Time: 20 minutes – This includes cooking the gnocchi and simmering the sauce. The sauce simmers while the gnocchi cooks, maximizing efficiency.
• Total Time: 35 minutes – From start to finish, you can have a delicious and comforting meal on the table in just over half an hour, perfect for busy schedules.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

This versatile dish can be served in various ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Main Course: Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is perfectly satisfying on its own as a vegetarian main course. Its rich sauce and hearty gnocchi make it a complete meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi and adds extra vegetables to your meal. A simple arugula salad or a mixed greens salad works beautifully.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy tomato sauce. A baguette, ciabatta, or focaccia would be excellent choices.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.
• Topped with Protein: For a non-vegetarian option, you can top the gnocchi with grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. This adds protein and makes it an even more substantial meal.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or chives for added freshness and visual appeal. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor and presentation of the dish.
• With a Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, offer extra red pepper flakes at the table for those who want to spice it up.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the tomato-based sauce without overpowering it.

Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Elevate your Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi with these helpful tips and tricks to ensure it’s absolutely perfect every time.

1. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. Follow package directions closely and remove them as soon as they float to the surface. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and lose their pleasant texture.
2. Use Good Quality Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes greatly impacts the flavor of the sauce. Opt for good quality crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano tomatoes if available, for a richer and sweeter tomato flavor.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic Properly: Take the time to properly sauté the onions until they are softened and translucent, and cook the garlic until fragrant but not burnt. This builds a flavorful foundation for the entire sauce.
4. Simmer the Sauce for Depth of Flavor: Allow the tomato sauce to simmer for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, resulting in a richer and more complex sauce. Low and slow simmering is key.
5. Add Cream Off the Heat: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent the cheese from clumping and ensure a smooth, velvety sauce. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
6. Fresh Spinach is Best, But Frozen Works Too: Fresh baby spinach is ideal for its tender texture and quick cooking time. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce to avoid a watery sauce.
7. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste throughout the cooking process. Taste the sauce at various stages and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so season accordingly.
8. Make it Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Ensure your gnocchi is also vegan-friendly (some contain eggs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Here are some common questions and answers to help you make the best Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi.

Q1: Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable gnocchi?

A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi usually cooks even faster than shelf-stable gnocchi, so keep a close eye on it. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, and it will likely only take a couple of minutes once the water boils. The texture will be slightly more delicate and tender.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: The sauce can be made ahead of time, up to 2-3 days in advance, and stored in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to cook the gnocchi and add the spinach and cream just before serving. Gnocchi can become slightly soft if stored in the sauce for too long. If you do need to reheat the entire dish, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Q3: Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi?

A: Freezing is not highly recommended for this dish, especially if using heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, as the sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. Gnocchi can also become slightly mushy after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Be aware the texture might be slightly altered.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic to incorporate them into the sauce. Roasted vegetables can also be added at the end.

Q5: I don’t have heavy cream, what can I substitute?

A: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For a richer option, you can use crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream work well, although they will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Q6: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: To make it spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use chili-infused olive oil or add a chopped fresh chili, like a jalapeño, when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Q7: Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh or frozen?

A: While fresh or frozen spinach is preferred for texture and flavor, you can use dried spinach flakes in a pinch. Rehydrate the dried spinach according to package directions before adding it to the sauce. However, the texture and flavor will not be as vibrant as with fresh or frozen spinach.

Q8: What are some good toppings for Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi?

A: Besides extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, some other delicious toppings include a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for crunch, a dollop of ricotta cheese or pesto for added creaminess and flavor, or a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

This Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – everything you could want in a weeknight meal! Enjoy!

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