Description

This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi recipe features tender gnocchi sautéed to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh spinach, it’s a flavorful and comforting Italian-inspired dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Gnocchi and Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup vegetable stock
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Greens and Garnish

3 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced

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Instructions

Heat Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute to create a flavorful base.
Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, roughly 5 minutes. The gnocchi doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Incorporate Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in heavy cream, vegetable stock, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi is tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Wilt Spinach: Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 1 minute, folding the greens into the creamy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil over the gnocchi and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper to taste.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though sauce may be less thick.
Use homemade gnocchi if you have extra time for enhanced freshness and texture.
Vegetable stock can be replaced with chicken stock if not strictly vegetarian.
To make this dish gluten-free, use gnocchi made from gluten-free flour or potatoes only.