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To make creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi, you will need some tasty ingredients. Here’s the complete list: - 1 pound store-bought gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient adds to the dish's rich flavor. The gnocchi serves as a soft base. Heavy cream gives the sauce its silky texture. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy kick. Garlic adds depth and warmth to the dish. Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty taste. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Italian seasoning blends herbs for a nice aroma. Olive oil helps in sautéing and adds richness. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Finally, fresh basil leaves garnish the dish, making it look and smell amazing. With these ingredients, you're set for a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the gnocchi, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, remove them from the pot and drain well. Make sure to save a bit of that cooking water. This water helps to adjust the sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic smells good. Keep an eye on the heat. You don’t want the garlic to burn. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix well until the cheese melts into the cream. Stirring is key here. It helps the sauce thicken and blend nicely. Now, add 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach to the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Then, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This step is vital for getting the right sauce consistency. Taste your dish now. Add salt and pepper as needed to make it perfect. Adjust the flavors until it tastes just right for you. Transfer the creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi to serving plates with care. For a lovely touch, garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves. This not only looks nice but adds a fragrant finish. Enjoy your delightful dish! - How do I keep gnocchi light and fluffy? Start with a large pot of salted water that boils. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove them gently to keep their shape. - What can I do to avoid rubbery gnocchi? Avoid overcooking them. If they sit too long in water, they can become tough. Drain them right away and toss them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. - What can I use for a creamier sauce? You can add cream cheese or mascarpone cheese. These will give you a richer texture. You can also use half-and-half if you want a lighter touch. - What flavor boosters should I think about? Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also brighten the flavor. A splash of lemon juice will add a nice zing. - How can I make my dish visually appealing? Use a large, white plate to showcase your gnocchi. Swirl the sauce under the gnocchi for a nice effect. Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. - What side dishes work well with this dish? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely. You can also serve garlic bread for a cozy touch. Roasted vegetables add great flavor and texture too. Pro Tips Use Quality Gnocchi: Opt for high-quality, store-bought gnocchi for the best texture and flavor. Fresh gnocchi can elevate the dish even further if available. Adjust Cream to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for creaminess. You can also substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Fresh Herbs are Key: Incorporating fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help thin the sauce while adding flavor and creaminess. {{image_2}} If you need gluten-free gnocchi, look for brands made from rice or potato. These options keep the dish tasty and friendly for those with gluten allergies. For a dairy-free cream alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add creaminess without dairy. You can boost the protein in your gnocchi by adding cooked chicken or shrimp. Both options add great flavor and make the dish more filling. For vegetables, consider adding mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These vegetables add color and nutrients to your plate. To enhance flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These herbs make the dish smell amazing and taste fresh. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor and make it more exciting! To keep your creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. This dish can last for up to three days in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This step keeps the gnocchi from becoming too soft. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. For best quality, eat the leftovers within three days. If you see any signs of spoilage, discard it. You can freeze creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi for later enjoyment. To do this, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet on low heat. Add a bit of cream or water to keep it creamy. You can use either store-bought or homemade gnocchi. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and is very convenient. It cooks quickly and gives you a great base for this dish. Homemade gnocchi takes more time but can taste fresher. If you choose to go homemade, aim for a light and fluffy texture. Either option works well in this recipe. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish in advance. Cook the gnocchi and store it in the fridge. You can also make the creamy sauce ahead of time. Just keep both in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce and combine it with the gnocchi. This makes dinner very easy on busy nights. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy meal. Just think about what you enjoy and balance the flavors. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in containers. However, the gnocchi can get soft after a few days. To keep it fresh, try to eat it within three days. Reheat it gently to avoid mushiness. To make this dish vegan, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Ensure the gnocchi is egg-free or use a vegan brand. These changes let you enjoy this creamy dish while keeping it plant-based. This blog post covered making creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi. We went over the ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and variations. Remember, using quality ingredients and following the steps will help you create a delicious meal. You can customize this dish with proteins or veggies to suit your taste. Enjoy trying different flavor twists and garnishing to make it your own. Simple tips for storage and reheating ensure great leftovers too. Get cooking and delight in this tasty dish!

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound store-bought gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Remove and drain, reserving a bit of the cooking water.
  • Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing well until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Fold in Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Combine with Gnocchi: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi to serving plates. Top with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes