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Looking for an easy, delicious meal that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen? This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can whip up a rich, flavorful dish that will wow your family or friends. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s sure to make weeknight dinners a breeze!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in a single pot!
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a rich, delicious sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
- Vegetable Packed: With fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, this dish is loaded with nutrients and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 16 oz potato gnocchi
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish
To make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Start with 16 ounces of potato gnocchi. This is the heart of the dish. Then, grab a tablespoon of olive oil for cooking.
Next, a small onion, finely chopped, adds sweetness. You also need three garlic cloves, minced, for that rich flavor. Cherry tomatoes, one cup halved, bring color and taste. Spinach adds a nice green touch and nutrients.
For the sauce, use one cup of vegetable broth. This helps cook the gnocchi. A cup of heavy cream, or a dairy-free option, makes it creamy. Parmesan cheese gives it depth, but you can swap it with nutritional yeast for a vegan choice.
Season with one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. These ingredients will come together for a comforting meal that is easy to make.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
1. Sautéing onion and garlic
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one small onion, finely chopped. Sauté for about five minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. This step builds a great base for your dish. Next, stir in three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute. You want that garlic to smell great!
2. Cooking cherry tomatoes
Now, toss in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about three to four minutes. You want them to get soft and juicy. This adds a nice sweetness to the dish.
Cooking the Gnocchi
1. Simmering the broth and adding gnocchi
Pour in one cup of vegetable broth and stir well. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Add one package (16 oz) of potato gnocchi to the pot. Stir gently. Cook for three to four minutes. The gnocchi will rise to the surface when they are done.
2. Creating the creamy sauce with cheese
Lower the heat and mix in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. This is where the magic happens!
Finalizing the Dish
1. Adding spinach and seasoning
Toss in two cups of fresh spinach and one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Stir until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This adds flavor and color to your dish.
2. Allowing to thicken before serving
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute. This will help thicken the sauce. Your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is ready to serve! Enjoy this easy and delicious meal.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
To make a great creamy sauce, choose your cream wisely. Heavy cream gives richness. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or a dairy-free milk like almond milk.
When melting cheese, stir it in slowly. This helps it mix well without clumping. Make sure your heat is low. If it’s too high, the cheese might separate.
Gnocchi Cooking Tips
To know when the gnocchi is done, watch for them to float. They should rise to the top of the pot. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
To avoid mushy gnocchi, don’t overcook them. Follow the cooking time on the package. Also, don’t let them sit in the sauce too long before serving.
Serving Suggestions
For sides, a fresh salad pairs well. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works great.
For garnishes, fresh basil is ideal. It adds color and a sweet flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Gnocchi Cooking: Make sure to cook the gnocchi just until they float to the top of the pot, indicating they are done. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
- Custom Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative, ensuring a creamy yet healthier dish.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried Italian herbs for a more vibrant flavor profile in your dish.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.

Variations
Vegetarian Options
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping a few ingredients. Instead of using heavy cream, opt for a plant-based cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. This keeps the creamy texture while adding great flavor. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra taste and nutrients.
Vegan Alternatives
To make a dairy-free version, use coconut or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for Parmesan cheese, giving you that cheesy flavor. If you need gluten-free gnocchi, look for brands made from rice or corn. These options taste just as good and keep the dish light and fluffy.
Flavor Boosts
Want to add some protein? Cooked chicken or shrimp makes a great addition. You can toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. For more flavor, try adding spices like red pepper flakes or extra Italian herbs. Fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch too.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down first. Store it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and tasty for your next meal.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a stovetop pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in 30-second bursts. Stir in between to warm it evenly.
Freezing Tips
Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi! Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of cream to restore its creaminess.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use several options if you want a dairy-free choice. Coconut milk gives a creamy texture with a hint of sweetness. Almond milk works too, but use a thicker version. Cashew cream is a great option. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. Each of these substitutes adds a unique flavor while keeping the dish rich and creamy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Just cook it, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This keeps the gnocchi from getting too thick or dry.
How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?
Look for a few signs to know when your gnocchi is ready. First, they will float to the top of the pot. This usually happens after 3-4 minutes of cooking. Second, they should feel soft but firm when you bite into them. If they are mushy, they may be overcooked. Enjoy your perfectly cooked gnocchi!
This blog explained how to make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi. We covered the main ingredients and detailed each step, from sautéing onions to creating the creamy sauce. I shared tips on perfecting your dish, storage info, and variations for different diets.
Incorporating these ideas, you can easily enjoy a tasty meal. Try it out and make this dish your ow
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
A delicious and creamy one-pot dish featuring gnocchi, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh basil
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir until combined, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add the gnocchi to the pot, and stir gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi rise to the surface.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the fresh spinach and Italian herbs, stirring until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and allow to sit for a minute to thicken.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
For a vegan option, use a dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, one-pot, Tuscan
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