Nothing beats a comforting, rich bowl of gnocchi cooked to velvety perfection, and this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe does exactly that. It’s a delightful dance of golden, pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, all finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fragrant basil. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to impress guests, this dish offers a perfect blend of creamy texture, robust flavor, and vibrant colors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to add depth, texture, and brightness to the dish. From the buttery base to the fresh herbs and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, every element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi experience.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create the base for sautéing the gnocchi to golden perfection.
- Garlic, finely chopped (2 cloves): Provides aromatic depth that infuses the entire dish with warmth.
- Uncooked gnocchi (1 pound): The star ingredient — soft potato dumplings that soak up all those creamy flavors beautifully.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (¼ cup): Brings a sweet and tangy burst, adding a gorgeous pop of color.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): A blend of herbs that adds classic Mediterranean flavor notes.
- Crushed red pepper (¼ teaspoon, or to taste): Gives a subtle kick that balances the creaminess without overwhelming it.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, silky sauce that envelops every gnocchi piece.
- Vegetable stock (½ cup): Lightens the sauce a bit and layers in subtle savory notes.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup): Infuses a salty, nutty flavor that enriches the creamy base.
- Baby spinach (3 cups): Adds freshness, color, and a bit of earthiness to brighten the sauce.
- Fresh basil, finely sliced (2 tablespoons): The finishing touch, lending an herby, fragrant lift.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Gnocchi and Garlic
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it bubbles, setting the stage for a rich flavor base. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi, sautéeing until the gnocchi gets that irresistible golden crust on most sides. This process takes around five minutes and doesn’t cook the gnocchi fully yet, but it develops wonderful texture and flavor.
Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for another two to three minutes, letting those beautiful aromas mingle and build complexity in your sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes soften slightly, marrying tang and sweetness with the subtle kick of pepper.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable stock, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese right into the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium, and continue cooking while stirring often until the sauce thickens just enough and the gnocchi is tender to the bite. This takes about two to three minutes and transforms the skillet into a luscious creamy haven.
Step 4: Wilt in the Fresh Spinach
Finally, add the baby spinach to your skillet, stirring it gently into the creamy sauce. Cook the mixture just until the spinach wilts, about one minute—this keeps the greens bright and fresh, adding a vibrant touch and a gentle earthiness that rounds out the dish perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the freshly sliced basil over the top. This last step infuses the dish with a lovely herbal freshness. Serve your Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe immediately for the best experience, when the sauce is silky and the aromas are at their peak.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a handful of thinly sliced fresh basil leaves on top provides a vivid splash of green and an aromatic flourish that brightens the entire dish. If you want to get a little extra fancy, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or even some toasted pine nuts can add lovely texture and richness.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads to balance the richness, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also makes an excellent companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the gnocchi in small individual bowls with a sprinkling of extra Parmesan and basil on top. You can also layer it into a shallow baking dish, broil briefly to crisp up the top, then serve as a warm, creamy casserole. The dish’s inviting colors and creamy texture make it as beautiful to look at as it is to devour.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Because of the cream, freezing Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi isn’t ideal as the texture can change upon thawing. If you must freeze, place the cooled gnocchi in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month for best results, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. You can add a splash of vegetable stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well—just cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the sauce to get that perfect golden sear.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but be aware the sauce might be less rich and slightly thinner.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi often contains wheat flour, so to keep it gluten-free, choose gnocchi made with gluten-free ingredients or make your own using potatoes and gluten-free flour.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits make great additions that complement the creamy sauce nicely.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper adds just a mild warmth, but you can always adjust it up or down depending on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe enough for anyone craving a quick, comforting, and truly flavorful meal. The combination of creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and vibrant veggies makes it a dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. So grab those simple ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to treat yourself and those you love to a bowl of pure joy.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi sautéed to golden perfection and simmered in a luxurious sauce made with butter, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, vegetable stock, and Parmesan cheese. It is finished with fresh baby spinach and fragrant basil for a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1 minute, to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, approximately 5 minutes. At this stage, the gnocchi doesn’t need to be fully cooked.
- Add Seasonings and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi becomes tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for about 1 minute until it wilts and combines with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly sliced basil, and serve the creamy Tuscan gnocchi immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper to taste.
- You can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock if preferred.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the gnocchi and Parmesan cheese are free from animal rennet.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more flavor than dried ones; adjust salt accordingly.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
