Discover the Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Recipe You’ll Love!

Introduction to Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey with our irresistible Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe! This dish is a true masterpiece, blending the rich, velvety goodness of a creamy tomato sauce with the pillowy soft texture of homemade gnocchi and the vibrant freshness of tender spinach leaves. It’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

What Makes This Dish Special?

The secret to the exceptional flavors in this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe lies in the perfect balance of its key ingredients. The creamy tomato sauce, infused with garlic and aromatic herbs, provides a luscious and savory base that complements the gnocchi’s delicate texture. The addition of fresh spinach not only adds a pop of color but also contributes a delightful nutritional boost, making this dish a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Why Gnocchi?

Gnocchi, those delightful Italian dumplings, are the star of this recipe. Their pillowy soft texture and ability to soak up the flavors of the sauce make them the perfect choice for this creamy tomato-based dish. The tender gnocchi serves as a delightful vessel for the rich and flavorful sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you thoroughly satisfied.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

To bring this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe to life, you’ll need a carefully curated list of ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:

• 1 (500g) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/full-fat coconut milk)
• 5 oz baby spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional (pinch)

Variations and Substitutions

While the ingredients listed above create a truly delightful Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your personal preferences. For instance, you can substitute half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream to create a lighter version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. And if you’re unable to find shelf-stable gnocchi, you can use freshly made or frozen gnocchi with equally delicious results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to bring this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe to life:

Cook Gnocchi

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set it aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Build the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Add Cream & Seasonings

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add Spinach

Gently fold in the baby spinach and cook until it’s wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Gnocchi

Add the cooked gnocchi to the creamy tomato sauce and toss everything together until the gnocchi is fully coated.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Serve

Serve the Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish!

Tips for Perfect Gnocchi

To ensure your Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choosing the Right Gnocchi

While fresh or frozen gnocchi can certainly work in this recipe, we recommend using shelf-stable potato gnocchi. These pre-cooked gnocchi are more convenient and hold their shape better when simmered in the creamy tomato sauce.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

Be sure to cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, being careful not to overcook them. This will help them maintain their light and pillowy texture. Additionally, when adding the gnocchi to the sauce, gently toss them to avoid breaking the delicate dumplings.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe provides a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Each serving contains approximately:

Calories and Macronutrients

Calories: 450
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g

Health Benefits of Ingredients

The combination of nutrient-dense ingredients in this dish makes it a truly wholesome meal. The gnocchi provides complex carbohydrates, the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and the spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The addition of creamy dairy or dairy-free alternatives adds a satisfying creaminess while boosting the overall nutritional profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I use fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi for this recipe?

For the best results, we recommend using shelf-stable potato gnocchi. These pre-cooked gnocchi hold their shape better when simmered in the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring a delightful texture in the final dish.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking or becoming too thick?

To prevent the cream sauce from breaking or becoming too thick, be sure to add the heavy cream (or your preferred cream substitute) at the right time and simmer it gently. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can cause the cream to separate. Additionally, if the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of the reserved gnocchi cooking water.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen and how much should I use?

Absolutely! You can use fresh spinach in place of the frozen variety. For this recipe, use approximately 5-6 ounces of fresh baby spinach leaves. Simply add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until it’s wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter but still creamy?

To make a lighter version of this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe, you can substitute the heavy cream with either half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Both of these options will provide a creamy texture without the high-fat content of heavy cream.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Tuscan Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
• Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Pasta Primavera

Conclusion

Indulge in the comforting and delicious flavors of Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi – a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its creamy tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, and fresh spinach, this recipe is a well-balanced and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is sure to delight.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

The combination of the rich and flavorful tomato sauce, the pillowy soft gnocchi, and the fresh spinach makes this Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi an absolute must-try. Not only is it a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s also a well-rounded dish that packs a nutritional punch. Give this recipe a try and experience the comforting, creamy goodness for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible flavors of Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi. This dish is a true culinary delight that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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