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To make the Quick Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Skillet, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices - 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free cheese alternative) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Using fresh ingredients can enhance flavor. Fresh spinach adds a bright, vibrant taste. Canned diced tomatoes offer convenience and a rich flavor base. When choosing canned tomatoes, look for those without added sugars or preservatives. - Fresh tomatoes can be used if they are in season. Just chop and use in place of canned ones. - For spinach, avoid wilted leaves. Freshness ensures a tasty dish. You can personalize this dish by adding extra ingredients. Consider these options: - Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or beans for a heartier meal. - Cheese: Try adding feta or goat cheese for a different flavor. - Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can add a unique twist. - Veggies: Bell peppers or zucchini can be sautéed along with the garlic. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste and what you have on hand! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking a large skillet and placing it on medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Let the oil warm up until it shimmers. Once ready, add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells good and turns golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Next, it's time to create your sauce. Pour 1 can of diced tomatoes into the skillet, including all the juices. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for flavor. If you want some heat, add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally so the flavors mix well. Now, grab a separate pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. You know they are done when they float to the top. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set it aside. After the tomato mixture has simmered, it’s time to add the greens. Fold in 3 cups of washed and roughly chopped spinach. Allow it to wilt for about 2 minutes while you stir gently. After that, add the drained gnocchi to the skillet. Toss everything together until the gnocchi is coated in the savory tomato and spinach sauce. Taste it and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as you like. Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to let the cheese melt slightly. Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This adds a burst of flavor and a nice pop of color. For a rustic feel, serve directly from the skillet or spoon into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. When making this gnocchi skillet, it's easy to make a few mistakes. Here are some to watch out for: - Overcooking the garlic: It can burn quickly. Sauté just until golden. - Not draining the gnocchi: Make sure to drain well. Extra water can make the dish soggy. - Skipping the seasoning: Always taste your dish. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors. To get the best texture and flavor, keep these tips in mind: - Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely and adds vibrant color. - Sauté the tomatoes long enough: Simmer them for five minutes. This helps blend the flavors. - Add cheese at the end: This allows it to melt perfectly into the dish. For a fantastic meal, consider these serving suggestions: - Serve hot from the skillet: It looks inviting and keeps the dish warm. - Add a drizzle of olive oil: This adds richness and enhances flavor. - Pair with a fresh salad: A simple green salad balances the dish nicely. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a vibrant color and flavor to the dish. Avoid using frozen spinach as it can become watery. Customize Your Gnocchi: Feel free to experiment with different types of gnocchi, such as sweet potato or spinach gnocchi, to add unique flavors to your dish. Enhance the Sauce: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce for balance. Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the protein in this dish. Cooked chicken works well here. Just shred or dice it before adding. If you prefer a plant-based option, use beans. Canned chickpeas or black beans are great choices. Rinse and drain them before mixing into the skillet. This adds flavor and texture while making the meal more filling. For a vegan version, swap out the cheese. You can use a dairy-free cheese or skip it entirely. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s packed with nutrients too! Also, ensure that your gnocchi is egg-free. Many store brands offer vegan options. This way, you keep all the tasty flavors while sticking to your diet. This recipe is flexible with veggies. In spring, try adding asparagus or peas. Summer calls for zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, roasted butternut squash or kale works great. Winter means hearty veggies like Brussels sprouts or root vegetables. Just chop them up and add them when you mix in the spinach. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting all year round! To store leftovers, let the gnocchi skillet cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its fresh taste. When it's time to reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently to heat evenly. This method helps keep the gnocchi soft and the sauce flavorful. To freeze, portion out the gnocchi skillet into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as described above. This makes meal prep easy and delicious! This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You will spend 10 minutes prepping and 10 minutes cooking. It's quick, making it perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty options made with rice or potato flour. Check the package to ensure it meets your needs. You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and easy, while homemade can taste fresher. Choose what fits your time and skill level best. To add spice, use crushed red pepper flakes, as the recipe suggests. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice to your taste for the perfect kick! This blog post covered all you need to make a tasty Quick Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Skillet. You learned about key ingredients, tips for fresh versus canned, and how to customize your meal. We explored step-by-step instructions for a simple cooking process. Tips and tricks helped avoid common mistakes, while variations showed how to adapt the dish. Finally, we discussed storage options to keep your leftovers fresh. With this knowledge, you can create a delightful dish everyone will enjoy. Enjoy cooking!

Savory Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

A delicious and easy skillet dish featuring gnocchi, fresh spinach, and savory tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free cheese alternative)
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it.
  • Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes, including all the juices, and sprinkle in the dried oregano. If you’re opting for a touch of heat, add in the crushed red pepper flakes. Allow this mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the flavors meld beautifully.
  • While the tomato mixture is bubbling, fill a separate pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi, cooking according to package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • After the tomato mixture has nicely simmered, fold in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2 minutes, stirring gently.
  • Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing everything together until the gnocchi is well-coated with the savory tomato and spinach sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the dish.
  • Serve the gnocchi skillet hot, adorned with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

For a rustic, homey vibe, serve the skillet directly from the stove.
Keyword gnocchi, skillet, spinach, tomato, vegetarian