Name: Tuscan Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound potato gnocchi; 1 tablespoon butter; ¼ cup minced shallots or onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth or white wine; ⅓ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping; 2-3 cups baby spinach (about 2 generous handfuls); ½ lemon, juiced (2-3 tablespoons); ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves

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Introduction

Tuscan Gnocchi is a rich and creamy dish bursting with flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan. This comforting meal combines pillowy gnocchi with a luscious sauce that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of creamy gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The gnocchi are plump and pale yellow, coated in a smooth, white creamy sauce. Bright dark green spinach leaves and strips of deep red sun-dried tomatoes are mixed throughout. A golden fork, held by a woman's hand, lifts a bite of the dish, showing the soft and rich texture of the gnocchi and sauce. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to focus on the detailed food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound potato gnocchi
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup minced shallots or onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth or wine
⅓ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
2-3 cups baby spinach (about 2 generous handfuls)
½ lemon, juiced (2-3 tablespoons)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously, then add the potato gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface.
Step 2: Drain the gnocchi in a colander and cover with a plate to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add butter and stir until melted.
Step 4: Add the minced shallots or onion and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in heavy cream and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Step 7: Stir in chicken broth or wine, then add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 8: Add the cooked gnocchi and parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
Step 9: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted with residual heat.
Step 10: Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 11: Serve immediately with extra parmesan and basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or wine.
Try adding grilled chicken or cooked Italian sausage to make it heartier.
Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free meal without altering the sauce.
Serving over mashed potatoes or rice makes for a satisfying way to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy gnocchi being lifted by a golden fork held by a woman's hand. The gnocchi are small, soft, and light yellow, covered in a thick creamy sauce with visible black pepper and small herbs. There are layers of dark green spinach leaves and reddish-brown sun-dried tomatoes mixed throughout the dish, adding texture and color contrast. The background is blurred but appears to be the same gnocchi mixture. The overall look is rich and comforting. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or use wine, and the dish remains rich and flavorful.

How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

The gnocchi are done cooking when they float to the surface of the boiling water, usually in about 2-3 minutes.