If you are craving a dish that delivers rich flavors and comforting textures all in a flash, you’ve got to try the One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe. This delightful meal brings together pillowy potato gnocchi, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach in one easy skillet, making weeknight dinners as effortless as they are impressive. Every bite bursts with warmth and indulgence, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy authentic Italian flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, while keeping the preparation straightforward and manageable. From the sun-dried tomato oil that lends a subtle tang, to the fresh spinach adding a pop of color and nutrition, these essentials create a balanced and satisfying dish.
- Sun-dried tomato oil (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dish with a rich, slightly sweet tomato essence that forms the flavor base.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (¼ cup, roughly chopped): Adds chewy bursts of intense tomato flavor that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic depth and a subtle kick to awaken your taste buds.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound, uncooked): These tender dumplings soak up the sauce beautifully, offering a soft and comforting texture.
- Chicken broth (¼ cup): Adds moisture and savory undertones; can be swapped with vegetable stock for a vegetarian twist.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats every gnocchi piece delightfully.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Baby spinach (4 ounces, fresh): Introduces a fresh, green element that wilts gently to meld with the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Adds a nutty, salty richness that finishes the meal with irresistible depth.
- Basil (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Offers a fragrant, herbaceous note to brighten each bite.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic
Start by warming the sun-dried tomato oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing them together for about a minute until fragrant. This step releases those wonderful tomato and garlic aromas that will build the foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Gnocchi
Next, add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the pan. Let them sear alongside the garlic and tomatoes for about a minute. This little sear adds a subtle, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce later on, elevating the dish’s texture.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Season
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the kosher salt. Give everything a gentle stir and let it cook for 5 minutes. This is the magic moment where the sauce thickens, and the gnocchi soften to their perfect pillowy state while soaking up the creamy, tomato-infused liquid.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Finish
Finally, toss in the fresh baby spinach and reduce the heat to low. Let the spinach wilt gently for about a minute, adding freshness and color without overpowering the delicate sauce. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and chopped basil. Their wonderful flavors meld in and add that final burst of richness and freshness.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle some additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few small basil leaves on top just before serving. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper works beautifully too, adding a restaurant-quality finish.
Side Dishes
This creamy gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread or a warm, rustic baguette makes great companions, perfect for sopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right from the pan for a cozy, inviting vibe. For a more refined presentation, plate the gnocchi neatly with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and edible flowers. You can also elevate it by adding toasted pine nuts for added crunch or a handful of sun-dried tomato strips for visual appeal and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit in the fridge, but a quick stir while reheating will restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi might change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is also okay, but be sure to stop and stir every 30 seconds for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them briefly or add a couple of extra minutes when cooking to ensure they cook through perfectly in the creamy sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of the One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable stock and use your favorite vegetarian-friendly cheese to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half and half or even whole milk mixed with a little flour to thicken if you want a lighter sauce, though heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest results.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting without any heat, making it perfect for all palates. If you like a little kick, adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic brings a nice subtle warmth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free potato gnocchi, which are widely available, and double-check your broth and other ingredients to keep the dish fully gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for busy days when I want something comforting yet impressive. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that comes together so effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to make this soon and enjoy every lovely, gooey bite with your favorite people.
Print
One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan creamy Tuscan gnocchi recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. This dish features tender potato gnocchi sautéed with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, simmered in a rich creamy sauce with baby spinach, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable stock
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, uncooked (dry packaged)
- 4 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: In a medium pan, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute to release their flavors without burning.
- Sear the gnocchi: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the pan, stirring gently to coat and sear it alongside the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute. This adds texture and flavor to the gnocchi.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with kosher salt and stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and the gnocchi to cook through.
- Add spinach and finish: Stir in the baby spinach and cook on low heat for an additional minute until wilted. Remove the pan from heat, then sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil, stirring gently to combine everything into a creamy sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
- Using half and half instead of heavy cream will result in a lighter sauce but still creamy.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; it should be tender and slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
- Sun-dried tomato oil is key to infuse the dish with rich tomato flavor; if unavailable, use olive oil and add extra chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream and parmesan with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock.
