Pillowy gnocchi tossed in a velvety garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts—this comforting, rich Tuscan-inspired dish is both elegant and easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and bright Mediterranean flavors, ideal for a cozy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy yet comes together effortlessly at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi offers a deeply satisfying combination of textures and flavors: tender gnocchi, vibrant spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and the earthy crunch of pine nuts. The rich cream sauce ties it all together with a hint of garlic and parmesan. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, customizable for different diets, and fits beautifully into both weeknight meals and special occasions. Whether you’re serving guests or indulging in a quiet evening meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (or vegan alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavor.
- Add fresh spinach and stir gently until wilted.
- Pour in cream and add parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with toasted pine nuts and extra parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 3–4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegan version: Use plant-based cream and vegan parmesan, and ensure your gnocchi is egg-free.
- Add protein: Include cooked chicken, chickpeas, or white beans for a protein boost.
- Spicy option: Add more chili flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
- Herbaceous twist: Stir in fresh basil or thyme at the end for an herbal lift.
- Tomato-rich: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more intense flavor and include a tablespoon of the oil in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream and gnocchi texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, most store-bought gnocchi works perfectly. Just ensure it’s cooked until it floats.
What type of cream should I use?
Heavy cream offers the richest flavor, but plant-based alternatives like oat or soy cream also work well.
Can I substitute the spinach?
Yes, you can use kale, arugula, or Swiss chard as alternatives.
Do I need to toast the pine nuts?
Toasting enhances their flavor and adds crunch, but you can use them raw if needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and check labels on cream and parmesan for a fully gluten-free dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately, then reheat and add gnocchi before serving.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Avoid overcooking. As soon as they float, remove and drain them immediately.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a cheese-free version.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with a crisp green salad or a glass of dry white wine to balance the richness.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for added umami.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a luxurious yet easy meal that brings bold Mediterranean flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant vegetarian entrée for guests, this dish delivers rich flavor, irresistible texture, and timeless appeal with every bite.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pillowy gnocchi tossed in a velvety garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts—this comforting, rich Tuscan-inspired dish is both elegant and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (or vegan alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Pour in cream and parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
- Serve immediately, topped with toasted pine nuts and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use shelf-stable or homemade gnocchi for convenience.
- Swap pine nuts for chopped walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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