Creamy Spinach & Sundried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe: A Dreamy Meal

Gnocchi with creamy spinach and sundried tomatoes brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Soft pillowy potato dumplings nestle into a rich, velvety sauce that whispers memories of Italian kitchens.

Delicate green leaves swirl through each luxurious bite, adding vibrant nutrition and depth.

Bright crimson sundried tomatoes punch through the creaminess with tangy sophistication.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

This recipe revolutionizes simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily craft at home.

We guarantee one forkful will transport you to a charming coastal trattoria.

What You’ll Need for Spinach and Sundried Tomato Gnocchi

Main Ingredients:

Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that create the base of this comforting dish. Best when fresh or vacuum-sealed, with a pillowy texture.

Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds vibrant green color and nutritious elements. Tender leaves that wilt quickly in the warm sauce.

Sundried Tomatoes: Concentrated flavor bombs that bring intense sweet-tangy richness. Choose packed in olive oil for best taste.

• Double Cream, Grana Padano Cheese: Luxurious, creamy components that create a silky smooth sauce. Grana Padano offers a nutty, sharp flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a glossy, smooth sauce texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth in the dish. Fresh garlic provides more intense flavor than pre-chopped.
• Dried Oregano: Herb that brings Mediterranean warmth and herbal notes.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance overall flavors.

• Vegetable Stock: Liquid component that helps create sauce consistency.
• Pine Nuts: Toasted nuts for garnish, adding crunch and nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gnocchi with Spinach and Sundried Tomato

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sprinkle with sea salt. Cook gently until onions become soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Dried oregano
• Minced garlic cloves
• Sliced sundried tomatoes

Stir ingredients and cook for one minute to release their fragrant oils and combine flavors.

Step 3: Brown Gnocchi

Add butter to the skillet. Carefully place gnocchi into the pan, breaking apart any clusters. Toss gnocchi to coat evenly with buttery tomato mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges start to turn golden.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in vegetable stock and double cream. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Wilt Fresh Greens

Once sauce thickens slightly, add baby spinach. Stir continuously until spinach wilts completely and integrates into the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated Grana Padano cheese over the dish. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Toasted pine nuts
• Extra grated cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips to Master Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

• Soften Onions Slowly: Cook onions over low heat to develop a sweet, mellow flavor without burning, which brings depth to the entire dish.
• Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Quickly toast pine nuts in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor, watching closely to prevent burning and creating a delicious crunchy garnish.
• Control Cream Consistency: Simmer sauce gently to allow gradual thickening, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and achieve a silky, smooth texture.
• Layer Herb Flavors: Add dried oregano early in cooking to release its aromatic oils, intensifying the overall taste profile of the gnocchi.
• Wilt Spinach Perfectly: Add baby spinach at the last moment to preserve its bright green color and delicate texture, stirring just until it barely wilts.

Storage and Reheating for Leftover Gnocchi

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled gnocchi to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a little extra cream if sauce seems dry.

Serving Ideas for Spinach and Sundried Tomato Gnocchi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich gnocchi with a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the sundried tomato's tangy flavor.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan. The salad's freshness balances the gnocchi's creamy texture and adds a vibrant contrast.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce. The bread's crunch and garlic notes perfectly complement the herb-infused gnocchi and provide a delightful textural element.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: Conclude the meal with a refreshing lemon or orange sorbet. Its clean, bright flavors cleanse the palate after the rich, creamy pasta dish, offering a light and palate-cleansing dessert.

Gnocchi Flavor Variations to Try

• Herbal Mediterranean Gnocchi: Replace dried oregano with fresh basil and thyme, add kalamata olives for a briny punch, and use feta cheese instead of Grana Padano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Chorizo Spinach Gnocchi: Crisp up diced Spanish chorizo before cooking onions, incorporate smoked paprika, and finish with a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat and depth.
• Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Gnocchi: Swap sundried tomatoes with roasted bell peppers and zucchini, use vegetable stock infused with roasted garlic, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Mushroom Truffle Gnocchi: Sauté mixed wild mushrooms with the onions, deglaze with white wine, add a splash of truffle oil at the end, and garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant, earthy version.

Creamy Gnocchi with Sundried Tomato FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach completely before adding it to the dish. Make sure to squeeze out excess water to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetable stock and check that your Grana Padano cheese is made without animal rennet, or substitute with a vegetarian hard cheese.

• What if I can't find gnocchi in my local store?

You can substitute gnocchi with another pasta like small shells or penne. If you’re adventurous, you can even make homemade gnocchi from scratch using potatoes.

• How do I store leftover gnocchi?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of vegetable stock to prevent the sauce from separating.

Why Creamy Spinach and Sundried Tomato Gnocchi Is So Comforting

• Sundried tomatoes and Grana Padano cheese create a delightful umami-packed punch that transforms ordinary gnocchi into an extraordinary meal with deep, complex taste profiles.
• This recipe delivers a gourmet dinner in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
• The double cream and melted cheese blend seamlessly, creating a velvety sauce that coats each gnocchi pillow with silky, indulgent goodness that feels restaurant-quality at home.
• With just a handful of accessible ingredients like spinach, sundried tomatoes, and basic pantry staples, you can craft a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes impressively sophisticated.

Creamy Spinach And Sundried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy spinach and sundried tomato gnocchi, where pillowy potato dumplings dance with rich, tangy flavors. Hearty Italian-inspired comfort beckons with each luxurious, velvety bite that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, very finely chopped or pressed
• 60g / 2 cups of fresh baby spinach
• 10 pieces of sundried tomatoes, thinly sliced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 30g / 2 tablespoons of salted butter
• 150 ml / ¾ cup of double cream (heavy cream)
• 50g / ½ cup of Grana Padano cheese, finely grated

Main Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 × 500g / 17.6 ounces pack of gnocchi
• 300 ml / 1 cup of vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 heaped teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 – 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet, gently sautéing chopped onions with a delicate sea salt sprinkle until they transform into a soft, translucent landscape.
2. Introduce aromatic dried oregano, minced garlic, and sliced sundried tomatoes, allowing their intense flavors to meld and dance together for a brief moment.
3. Melt butter into the fragrant mixture, then carefully fold in the gnocchi, ensuring each pillowy dumpling is evenly coated and gently warmed.
4. Stream vegetable stock and rich double cream into the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Allow the liquid to simmer and gradually thicken, stirring attentively to prevent sticking.
5. When the sauce reaches a luxurious consistency, cascade fresh baby spinach into the pan, watching it wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy base.
6. Remove skillet from heat and vigorously stir in Grana Padano cheese until the sauce transforms into a silky, glossy emulsion.
7. Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates, crowning the dish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, an extra dusting of cheese, and a final whisper of freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

• Quick cooking method ensures gnocchi stays tender and absorbs the rich, creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
• Double cream and butter create a luxurious, velvety texture that coats each pillow-soft gnocchi perfectly.
• Sundried tomatoes add a concentrated, tangy burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream.
• Toasting pine nuts releases their nutty aroma and provides a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft gnocchi.
• Fresh baby spinach brings a vibrant green color and light, peppery freshness to the dish, balancing the heavy sauce.
• Grana Padano cheese melts smoothly, adding a salty, complex depth that elevates the entire meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 70mg