Description
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi recipe features pillowy potato gnocchi cooked in a luscious sauce of heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, enhanced with fresh spinach and a touch of lemon juice. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, uncooked
- 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, julienne style
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh basil, for optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Then stir in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth to create the sauce.
- Add gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes: Bring the cream and broth mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked potato gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 4 minutes without stirring to allow the gnocchi to begin cooking evenly.
- Cook until tender: Remove the lid and stir the gnocchi well. Check the doneness of a gnocchi piece. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring frequently, until the gnocchi becomes tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with spinach and seasoning: Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the fresh baby spinach, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Season the dish with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, starting with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8-10 grinds of black pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the creamy Tuscan gnocchi with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and creamy meal!
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning according to your taste preference for a balanced flavor.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, although the sauce will be less rich.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi to keep them tender and pillowy.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
