Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is a delightful dish that combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and vibrant spinach. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this meal is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The standout feature is its creamy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the spinach. Serve it warm for a comforting experience everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Texture: The soft gnocchi combined with a creamy sauce creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
• Nutritious Spinach: Incorporating fresh spinach not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value of this delicious meal.
• Versatile Meal: Great for family dinners or special occasions; you can easily adjust servings to cater to any gathering.
• Flavorful Sauce: The rich tomato cream sauce, enhanced by herbs, elevates the dish to gourmet levels without much effort.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the gnocchi quickly and efficiently. It allows for even cooking.
• Skillet or Dutch oven: Perfect for sautéing ingredients and simmering the sauce, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching cookware and for thoroughly mixing ingredients.
• Colander: Useful for draining the cooked gnocchi while preventing any sogginess.

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Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

• Gnocchi: (500g package) – The star of the show! Look for shelf-stable potato gnocchi, readily available in most supermarkets. Their soft, pillowy texture is what makes this dish so comforting. Fresh gnocchi can also be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

For the Sauce

• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Essential for sautéing and building flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and health benefits. It provides a fruity note and healthy fats to the dish.
• Onion: (1 medium, chopped) – The aromatic base of our sauce. Yellow or white onion works perfectly, adding sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down.
• Garlic: (3 cloves, minced) – Adds a pungent and savory kick to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the most intense flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: (1 can, 28oz) – Forms the flavorful base of the tomato sauce. Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best taste. You can also use diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
• Tomato Paste: (2 tablespoons) – Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the richness of the sauce. It adds umami and intensifies the tomato taste.
• Heavy Cream: (1 cup) – The secret to the creamy texture! Heavy cream adds richness and luxuriousness to the sauce, making it incredibly indulgent. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version (though the flavor will be slightly different).
• Fresh Spinach: (5 oz, baby spinach) – Adds vibrant color, freshness, and nutritional value to the dish. Baby spinach is tender and cooks down quickly. You can also use frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: (1/2 cup, grated, plus extra for serving) – Adds salty, savory, and nutty notes to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for flavor and texture. We use it in the sauce and for topping at the end.
• Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – A classic Italian herb that complements tomatoes beautifully. It adds a warm, slightly peppery flavor to the sauce.
• Dried Basil: (1 teaspoon) – Another essential Italian herb that enhances tomato flavor. It brings a slightly sweet and aromatic note to the dish.
• Salt: (to taste) – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors in the dish. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
• Black Pepper: (to taste) – Adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for best aroma and taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: (optional, pinch) – For a touch of heat. Add a pinch or more if you like some spice in your tomato sauce.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Once boiling, add gnocchi and cook according to package directions until they float on top—usually just a few minutes.
3. Drain cooked gnocchi carefully using a colander.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. While waiting on gnocchi, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion; cook until softened about 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

1. Stir in minced garlic; cook until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to burn it.
2. Mix in tomato paste; cook while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until deepened in color.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce

1. Pour in crushed tomatoes; stir well with onion-garlic mixture.
2. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Bring mixture to simmer; reduce heat low while covering—let simmer at least 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan

1. Remove skillet from heat; stir heavy cream into mixture followed by grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 6: Incorporate Spinach

1. Add fresh spinach into creamy tomato mixture; stir until wilted—this takes about one minute.

Step 7: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

1. Gently toss cooked gnocchi into skillet with creamy tomato spinachi sauce until evenly coated.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve immediately while hot! Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi as a heartwarming meal that’s sure to please both family members and guests alike!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Serving Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is an opportunity to enhance its delicious flavors and create a satisfying meal. Here are some tasty suggestions on how to serve this comforting dish.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread alongside to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette provides a delightful crunch that complements the soft gnocchi.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing balances the richness of the gnocchi.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add brightness and freshness to your meal.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Herbs: Top with extra basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the dish with a hint of citrus.

How to Perfect Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

To achieve the ultimate Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes for the best taste.
• Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi just until they float; overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish right after preparation for optimal creaminess and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Complementing your Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi with side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized.
2. Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy gnocchi.
3. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh bite.
4. Antipasto Platter – A mix of olives, artichokes, and marinated vegetables creates a variety of flavors that pair well with pasta.
5. Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette balances the richness of the gnocchi.
6. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide heartiness alongside the dish.
7. Sauteed Zucchini – Quickly sautéed zucchini seasoned with garlic makes for a light yet flavorful side.
8. Crispy Kale Chips – Oven-baked kale chips offer a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with soft gnocchi.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow the package directions and remove them from boiling water as soon as they float.
• Skipping the Aromatics: Neglecting to sauté onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes can result in a bland sauce. Take your time to soften these ingredients for maximum flavor.
• Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: Poor-quality crushed tomatoes can ruin your sauce. Opt for good quality canned tomatoes for a rich and robust flavor.
• Adding Cream Too Soon: If you add heavy cream while the heat is still high, it may curdle. Always remove the skillet from heat before mixing in the cream for a smooth sauce.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your sauce before serving can lead to an unseasoned dish. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Forgetting to garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese can make your dish less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan elevates presentation and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot, approximately 2-3 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi?

Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is a delicious pasta dish featuring soft potato gnocchi tossed in a rich creamy tomato sauce with fresh spinach.

How can I customize Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi?

You can customize this dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms, or by using different vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

How do I store leftovers of Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

What type of gnocchi should I use?

For best results, use shelf-stable potato gnocchi available at most supermarkets; fresh gnocchi works too but requires adjustments in cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily modify it with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand. Try this recipe today, and enjoy its creamy richness paired with vibrant spinach!