If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. With pillowy gnocchi bathed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, every bite bursts with comforting Italian flavors. It’s a quick, fuss-free dish that manages to feel indulgent yet fresh, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple but essential ingredients that each play a pivotal role in creating a luscious and vibrant dish. From the richness of butter and heavy cream to the zing of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthiness of fresh spinach, every component harmonizes perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds a velvety richness that forms the base for sautéeing and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a gentle bite.
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked: The star of the show; tender potato dumplings that absorb all the delicious sauce.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a sweet and tangy punch, balancing the creamy elements beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that imparts classic Mediterranean herbs.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a mild heat and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The lush, creamy component that coats every gnocchi piece.
- ½ cup vegetable stock: Lightens the cream and adds a savory depth.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Delivers a nutty, salty undertone that elevates the sauce.
- 3 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a mild green flavor that complements the richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely sliced: A bright, herbaceous finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Melt the butter and start cooking
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let it get bubbly – this usually takes about a minute – so it’s ready to become the perfect medium for sautéing your ingredients and infusing that wonderful buttery flavor into the dish.
Step 2: Sauté garlic and gnocchi
Next, toss in the finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi. Sauté this mixture until the gnocchi is golden brown on most sides, about 5 minutes. Don’t worry if the gnocchi isn’t fully cooked inside yet; this step is mainly about creating a delightful crispy exterior that adds texture.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and seasoning
Now stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cooking this combination for 2 to 3 minutes releases the flavors and fills your kitchen with an enchanting aroma that hints at what’s to come.
Step 4: Create the creamy sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens up beautifully and the gnocchi is tender—this usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the spinach
Finally, stir in the baby spinach and cook for about a minute until it just wilts. This keeps the greens vibrant and fresh, balancing the rich creaminess perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Finish the dish by garnishing it with the thinly sliced fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm and creamy—a sensational finish to the Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Bright pops of fresh basil are a must, but you can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper for a bit more punch. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can bring a lovely sheen and enhance the flavors further.
Side Dishes
This gnocchi dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add crunch and balance. A light citrus vinaigrette salad or steamed asparagus brings nice contrast to the creamy, indulgent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls topped with a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture. You can also plate it alongside grilled chicken or seared mushrooms for a heartier meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe, any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream sauce, which can separate and lose its silky texture. For best results, enjoy fresh or freeze gnocchi separately if desired and prepare the sauce fresh when reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the gnocchi gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or vegetable stock to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain that stunning creamy texture we all love.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe and makes it even quicker. Just follow the same cooking instructions to achieve that golden, crispy finish before simmering in the sauce.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cream cheese. Just remember the sauce might be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter with olive oil, use vegan cream alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a tasty plant-based version of this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper adds just a gentle hint of heat that complements the creamy sauce. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, or omit it altogether if you want a milder dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It is! The Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently when ready to eat, and add a bit of liquid to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe that just makes you feel good from the inside out. It’s fast enough for any day of the week but special enough to serve for guests—or simply to treat yourself. Grab your skillet, gather these beautiful ingredients, and fall in love with every spoonful of this creamy, garlicky, and herb-packed delight.
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
A rich and comforting Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi recipe featuring golden sautéed gnocchi simmered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound gnocchi, uncooked
Seasonings
- 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
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Greens & Garnish
- 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.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic and uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté until the gnocchi turns golden brown on most sides, approximately 5 minutes. Note that the gnocchi does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Add Seasonings and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix 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 to 3 minutes.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, roughly 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with finely sliced fresh basil and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for best texture; frozen gnocchi can also be used but may require slightly longer cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper to taste.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but sauce may be less rich.
- Vegetable stock can be replaced with chicken stock if not strictly vegetarian.
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free gnocchi made from alternative flours.
