Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner idea? This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi recipe is here to save the day! With tender potato gnocchi, vibrant spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is a weeknight hero that feels fancy enough for a special occasion.
The best part? It all comes together in one pan in just 15 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress without keeping you tied to the kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this dreamy dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a rich and balanced flavor profile.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dinner:
Equipment:
- Deep Skillet with Lid: Essential for cooking the gnocchi and sauce together.
- Saute Tool: A wooden spoon or silicone spatula works perfectly.
- Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: For prepping garlic and sun-dried tomatoes if needed.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon Butter: For sautéing the garlic and adding richness.
- 2-3 Cloves Garlic (minced): The base of the flavor-packed sauce.
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream: Creates that creamy, luxurious texture.
- 2/3 Cup Chicken or Veggie Broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 Pound Potato Gnocchi (uncooked): The star of the dish—pillowy soft and satisfying!
- 1/3 Cup Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes (julienne style): Tangy and slightly sweet, these add a burst of flavor.
- 1/2 Cup Freshly-Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish and balances the creaminess.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To season to perfection.
- 1-2 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
- Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish and extra flavor.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
Step 1: Start with the Garlic Butter Base
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell amazing but not brown too much!
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will be the base of your sauce, so let it come together into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Now it’s time for the star ingredients! Stir in the uncooked gnocchi and julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to cook through while absorbing all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 4: Stir and Thicken
After 4 minutes, uncover the skillet and give everything a good stir. Test one of the gnocchi—if it’s tender, you’re almost there! Continue cooking uncovered, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to the gnocchi.
Step 5: Add Spinach, Parmesan, and Lemon Juice
Once the gnocchi is perfectly tender, stir in the fresh spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. The spinach will wilt quickly in the warm sauce, adding both vibrant color and nutrients. Season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice to taste. (I usually start with about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 8–10 cranks of black pepper.)
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and extra Parmesan cheese for good measure. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Gnocchi if Possible: While packaged gnocchi works great here, fresh gnocchi (often found in the refrigerated section) will take this dish to the next level.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It might seem like a small addition, but lemon juice cuts through the richness of the cream and brightens up the entire dish.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different—don’t be afraid to tweak the salt, pepper, or even Parmesan levels to suit your preferences.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is approximately:
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 25 g (15 g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
- Sodium: 662 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
This dish is indulgent yet balanced with plenty of flavor-packed ingredients like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to keep things interesting!
Variations to Try
Feeling creative? Here are some ways you can customize this recipe:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for an extra boost of protein.
- Go Vegan: Use plant-based cream, vegan Parmesan, and veggie broth for a dairy-free version.
- Swap Greens: Kale or arugula can be used instead of spinach for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or a long list of ingredients to create something truly special.
So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to sprinkle on that extra Parmesan before serving—it’s always worth it!
Happy cooking! 🍴
PrintCreamy Tuscan Gnocchi
An easy but full-flavored meal with pillowy gnocchi, tender spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, butter, and garlic. You’ll love that it’s all made in one pan in about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, uncooked
- ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, julienne style
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh basil, optional garnish
Instructions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. (Use a skillet with a lid.) Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant, then stir in the cream and broth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes. Cover the skillet and cook for 4 minutes, untouched.
Uncover the pan, stir well, and test a gnocchi. Continue to cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
When the gnocchi is tender, stir in the spinach, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice to taste. (Start with ½ teaspoon salt and 8-10 cranks of black pepper, adjusting to preference.) Once the spinach has wilted, remove the pan from the heat.
Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Substitutions & Variations:
Broth: Use either chicken or vegetable broth based on preference.
Spinach: Can substitute with kale or arugula.
Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a stronger flavor.
Additional Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for extra protein.
Tips:
Use a non-stick or stainless steel skillet for best results.
Adjust seasoning at the end to balance flavors.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 662 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
