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- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup basil pesto - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste To make creamy pesto gnocchi with spinach, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with gnocchi. You can buy it or make your own. Fresh spinach adds a lovely green color and a healthy touch. Basil pesto gives the dish its rich flavor. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste. Olive oil helps sauté the garlic and spinach. Garlic gives a warm, aromatic flavor. Lastly, salt and pepper season the dish just right. With these ingredients ready, you can create a comforting meal that feels gourmet yet simple. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Cooking Instructions: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 1 lb of gnocchi. Cook it according to the package instructions. When the gnocchi float to the top, they are done. - Draining and Setting Aside: Drain the gnocchi in a colander. Set it aside while you make the sauce. - Sautéing Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great. Then, add 2 cups of chopped spinach. Cook until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. - Adding Pesto and Cream: Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of basil pesto and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce a bit. - Incorporating Gnocchi and Tomatoes: Add the drained gnocchi and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Gently toss everything together. Coat the gnocchi well in the creamy sauce. - Adding Parmesan and Seasoning: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and makes the sauce creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes before serving. To cook gnocchi just right, watch closely. When they float to the top of the boiling water, they are done. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you leave them too long, they may become mushy. Drain them quickly, and set aside. To add more flavor, consider these seasonings: - Crushed red pepper for heat - A pinch of nutmeg for warmth - Fresh lemon juice for brightness You can also try adding: - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist For plating, use shallow bowls. It makes the dish look fancy. Arrange the gnocchi in the center and let the sauce flow around it. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds color and makes the dish pop! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality basil pesto will elevate the flavors of this dish significantly. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth. Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal that adds protein and texture. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after preparation while the gnocchi are warm and the sauce is creamy. {{image_2}} Different Types of Greens You can switch spinach for other greens. Kale or arugula work great. They add unique flavors and textures. Just sauté them like you do with spinach. Substituting Cream If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of cream. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This gives a nice hint of sweetness. Adding Proteins For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. These options make the meal filling and tasty. You can also use chickpeas for a vegetarian choice. Using Other Herbs You can change the flavor by adding different herbs. Try using parsley or thyme for a fresh twist. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Gluten-Free Options If you need gluten-free gnocchi, look for brands made from rice or corn. These options fit well into a gluten-free diet and taste great. Vegan Alternatives To make this dish vegan, skip the cream and cheese. Use cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead. This gives a creamy texture and cheesy flavor without dairy. - Best Practices for Refrigeration Store your creamy pesto gnocchi in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh in the fridge. It can last for up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before you eat it. - Freezing Instructions Freezing this dish is easy. Place the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. It can stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. - Microwave vs. Stovetop You can reheat your gnocchi in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. The stovetop is also a great option. Place the gnocchi in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream to keep it moist. - Maintaining Creaminess To keep the sauce creamy, stir gently as you heat. If it looks too thick, add a bit of cream or water. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Enjoy your delicious meal just as you made it! You can tell gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the boiling water. This usually takes about 2 to 4 minutes. Once they rise, let them cook for 30 seconds more. Then, drain them and set aside. This ensures they are soft and fluffy, not mushy. Yes, you can use homemade pesto! Fresh pesto gives a vibrant flavor to the dish. Just ensure your pesto has enough basil, garlic, and nuts for a rich taste. It will blend perfectly with the cream and spinach. Creamy pesto gnocchi pairs well with many sides. Here are some suggestions: - Nutritional Information: This dish is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and healthy fats. Each serving provides a good balance of protein and fiber. - Potential Pairings: Consider a simple side salad with mixed greens, or roasted veggies for a nice crunch. Garlic bread also complements the creamy sauce well. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp works nicely too! This blog post covered everything you need to know about creamy pesto gnocchi. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We also explored variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers. Cooking should be fun and easy. By following these guidelines, you can create a delicious meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking and share this dish with others!

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, fresh spinach, and basil pesto.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once they float to the surface, they are done. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream, combining well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
  • Add the drained gnocchi and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the creamy pesto sauce.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Notes

Plate the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an elegant touch.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, pesto, spinach