If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of soft, pillowy gnocchi bathed in a rich, indulgent cream sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, vibrant spinach, and fresh basil. The flavors meld beautifully, creating an irresistible meal that’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish comes together with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to your fork. From the luscious butter and garlic that build the flavor base to the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs that brighten it up, every component plays a delicious role in creating that creamy Tuscan magic.
- Butter: Use 3 tablespoons to create a rich, golden foundation that crisps the gnocchi slightly while adding deep flavor.
- Garlic: Two cloves, finely chopped, provide that irresistible aromatic punch essential to Tuscan cooking.
- Gnocchi: One pound of uncooked gnocchi is the star here, offering a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up every bit of sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: A quarter cup, chopped, brings a tangy, sweet pop that wakes up the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: Half a teaspoon adds a subtle herbal warmth that ties the dish together.
- Crushed red pepper: A quarter teaspoon (more if you like a kick) introduces just the right touch of heat.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon ensures the flavors shine without overpowering.
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon for a gentle spicy note that balances sweetness and cream.
- Heavy cream: One cup to create the luxuriously silky sauce that makes this recipe truly decadent.
- Vegetable stock: Half a cup to lighten the cream just enough and add subtle depth.
- Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup, grated, brings savory umami and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Baby spinach: Three cups add fresh color, nutrition, and a mild earthiness that complements the richness.
- Fresh basil: Two tablespoons, finely sliced, provide a fragrant, fresh finish that’s pure Tuscan bliss.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Set the Stage with Butter and Garlic
Melt your butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s bubbly and ready to work its magic. Then, toss in the finely chopped garlic. This combo creates an amazing aroma and a flavorful base that will infuse every bite of your gnocchi.
Step 2: Sauté the Gnocchi Until Golden
Add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet with garlic and butter, cooking them just until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on most sides. This step gives the gnocchi a slight crispness on the outside, making each bite pleasantly textured without fully cooking them through yet.
Step 3: Layer in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning
Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for a couple more minutes until the sun-dried tomatoes soften and the spices release their perfumed goodness.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Delicious
Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then reduce the heat to medium, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens and the gnocchi finishes cooking through; this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria!
Step 5: Add the Fresh Spinach
Gently fold in the baby spinach and cook just until it wilts, about one minute. This adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a delicate earthiness that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Finish off with a generous sprinkle of fresh, finely sliced basil. This last flourish gives your dish that unmistakable fresh, herbaceous kick and makes it beautiful on the plate. Serve immediately to enjoy the Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe at its very best.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or even a little parsley are perfect to brighten up the plate. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can make it feel extra special. For those who love a little crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top—they add a lovely contrast to the softness of the gnocchi.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich and filling, so lighter sides work beautifully. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add freshness and texture. If you want to keep the meal hearty, a warm garlic bread or focaccia on the side is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls with a swirl of the creamy sauce artistically draped over the top. You could also layer the gnocchi and sauce in a glass baking dish, sprinkle fresh herbs on top, and bake briefly for a lightly gratinéed finish. Another fun idea is to serve the dish family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet straight to the table for a cozy, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Because the sauce is rich, it may thicken more overnight, so you might want to add a splash of cream or stock when reheating to bring back that perfect silky texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this gnocchi dish, it’s best to do so without the fresh spinach and basil, as they don’t freeze well. Freeze the gnocchi with the creamy tomato sauce in airtight containers for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh spinach and basil after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching the sauce. Add a splash of vegetable stock or cream if the sauce is too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe; just add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and golden on the edges.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative to keep the flavor rich and creamy without dairy.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed briefly will add sweetness and color, though the flavor profile will be milder.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper adds a gentle touch of warmth that can be adjusted to your liking, so feel free to add more or less depending on your spice preference.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it?
You can prepare most of the dish early, but for best results, add the fresh spinach and basil just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes that warms your soul and excites your taste buds at the same time. Its gorgeous balance of flavors and textures is effortless to achieve, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen staple!
Print
Delicious 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 comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi sautéed until golden, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, and fresh basil. This quick and easy skillet meal takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner with a gourmet touch.
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
- Heat Butter: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is bubbly, about 1 minute. This creates the base for sautéing your ingredients.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides. The gnocchi will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and well combined.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi becomes tender. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute or until the spinach has wilted completely, incorporating its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with finely sliced fresh basil, and serve immediately while hot for optimum flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, ensure your vegetable stock is fully vegetarian-friendly.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, dry basil can be used, but use less as it is more concentrated.
- To add protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or cooked Italian sausage.
- To prevent gnocchi from sticking together while cooking, stir frequently and use enough butter for sautéing.
