Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach (Printer-friendly)
Tender potato gnocchi in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan. A comforting, quick meal for weeknights.
# What You Need:
→ Gnocchi
01 - 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
→ Vegetables
02 - 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, washed
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
→ Dairy
05 - ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
06 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Seasonings
08 - ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for gnocchi water)
09 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
→ Garnish (optional)
11 - Extra Parmesan cheese
12 - Freshly ground black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package directions, typically 2 to 3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Carefully drain the gnocchi and set aside.
02 - While the gnocchi cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring it does not brown.
04 - Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.
05 - Add the fresh baby spinach to the simmering sauce and cook, stirring continuously, until the spinach is fully wilted, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has fully melted and the sauce achieves a smooth consistency.
07 - Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to ensure the gnocchi is thoroughly coated, then warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You'll be amazed how quickly something so utterly delicious comes together.
- It's pure, unadulterated comfort food that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
02 -
- Never, ever overcook your gnocchi; they go from wonderfully tender to mushy in a blink, so watch them closely.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan makes an incredible difference; it melts much smoother and tastes far superior to pre-packaged options.
03 -
- Always have your Parmesan freshly grated; it melts more smoothly and infuses the sauce with a superior, nutty flavor profile.
- To ensure your sauce remains silky smooth, keep the heat on medium and stir frequently, especially after adding the cream and cheese, to prevent it from seizing.