Description
Indulgent Tuscan gnocchi weaves Italian comfort with rich, velvety sauce, blending sun-dried tomatoes and spinach into a luxurious culinary experience. Cheese-draped pillows of potato goodness invite you to savor each delectable Mediterranean-inspired bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- ½ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Cheese and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the pillowy gnocchi into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to dance and float to the surface, indicating their perfect doneness.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Introduce finely minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment until fragrant. Incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes, letting them mingle and caramelize gently.
- Stream the velvety heavy cream into the skillet, coaxing it to a delicate simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a whisper of red pepper flakes, stirring continuously as the sauce transforms into a luxurious, silky consistency.
- Cascade fresh spinach leaves into the skillet, watching them wilt and surrender their vibrant green color. Tenderly fold the perfectly cooked gnocchi into the creamy embrace, ensuring each morsel is lavishly coated with the sauce.
- Apply a judicious pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper to elevate the flavors. Scatter freshly torn basil leaves and a snowfall of additional Parmesan cheese across the surface. Present immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or a crisp, verdant salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Choose fresh, vacuum-sealed gnocchi for the best texture and authentic Italian flavor.
- Frozen gnocchi works perfectly too; just thaw completely before cooking to prevent water logging.
- Pat gnocchi dry with paper towels after boiling to ensure a crispy exterior when mixed with sauce.
- Use a slotted spoon when transferring gnocchi to prevent excess water from diluting the creamy sauce.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free versions.
- Add protein by incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans directly into the sauce.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutrient-packed green option.
- Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly to enhance their concentrated sweet-tangy flavor profile.
- Keep the sauce simmering on low heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth consistency.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish’s overall flavor and appearance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 607
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg