Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
One Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a delightful dish that brings the Italian countryside to your kitchen with just a few easy ingredients. Imagine perfectly tender gnocchi smothered in a creamy, luscious sauce infused with fragrant garlic, fresh spinach, and the robust flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. This meal is not only comforting but also a vibrant celebration of Italian flavors that you can whip up in just about 30 minutes. It’s so satisfying, you might find yourself savoring every bite, wishing you’d discovered it sooner!
Table of Contents
I first stumbled across this delightful recipe while searching for a quick weeknight meal. The idea of preparing a one-pan dish intrigued me—minimal cleanup and maximum flavor seemed like the perfect combo! Folks, this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi has quickly become a family favorite, appealing to both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish ticks all the boxes. You’re bound to impress your loved ones and leave them begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 34 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: Rich and creamy with a burst of savory sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach; it’s simply delicious!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors of the cherry tomatoes and spinach make this dish as fun to look at as it is to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Great for cozy dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for lunches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is 100% vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500 grams store-bought vegan gnocchi: This ingredient is the star of the dish! Using store-bought gnocchi saves time and still delivers a delicious flavor. You can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 cup vegetable stock: Vegetable stock adds a rich base to the sauce. Look for low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These provide an intense flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements.
- 1/4 cup coconut cream: Coconut cream gives this gnocchi its decadent texture and a subtle hint of sweetness. Feel free to substitute with cashew cream for a slightly different flavor.
- 200 grams fresh baby spinach: Spinach not only adds nutrition but also creates a beautiful color contrast against the creamy sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes: For a mild kick, adjust the amount to your heat preference!
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan: This adds a cheesy finish without dairy. You can also use nutritional yeast as an alternative.
- 10 basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil elevates the dish with a bright, aromatic element.
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved: Their sweetness complements the dish and adds a lovely visual appeal.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings depth and fragrance to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it helps bring out the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Tomato paste enriches the sauce, deepening the umami flavor.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
Sauté Garlic: Start by heating a drizzle of 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. The aroma of garlic will immediately waft through your kitchen!
Add Tomato Ingredients: Next, throw in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 10 halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Stir everything together for about a minute, allowing those flavors to mingle.
Incorporate Vegetable Stock: Pour in 1 cup vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will create a delicious sauce base for our gnocchi.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add 500 grams of store-bought vegan gnocchi into the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions or for about 3-4 minutes, covered. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender and floats to the surface.
Stir in Spinach and Cream: Once the gnocchi is tender, toss in 200 grams of fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted. Then pour in 1/4 cup coconut cream and mix well. The sauce should become creamy and dreamy!
Finishing Touches: For a final burst of flavor, stir in 1/4 cup vegan parmesan (if using) and 10 chopped basil leaves. This dish is best served straight away to enjoy the creamy goodness!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 days. If you want to extend its lifespan, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just be sure to use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to refresh the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking your gnocchi; it should be light and fluffy, not mushy.
- Enhance flavor by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or zest before serving for a bright finish.
- If you don’t have vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast works wonders too!
- For extra creaminess, let the dish simmer a bit longer after adding the cream.
- Consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for additional nutrients and color.
One Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is not only a delicious meal but also a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a hit at the dinner table, and it’s so easy to make you’ll want to whip it up regularly. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients or spices to make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use gluten-free gnocchi in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just look for gluten-free gnocchi at your local store. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to check the package for specific instructions. The rest of the recipe will work just as beautifully!
What can I substitute if I can’t find vegan parmesan?
If you can’t find vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast is a fantastic alternative! It has a cheesy flavor and is packed with nutrients. Just sprinkle it liberally to your taste for that cheesy goodness.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Of course! You can stir in some cooked chickpeas, lentils, or grilled tofu for added protein. They’ll complement the flavors and make your meal even heartier!
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier version, consider adding more chili flakes than recommended or even some chopped jalapeños. Adjust the spice level to your liking, and enjoy a zesty twist on the original recipe!
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📖 Recipe Card
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a delightful dish that combines the richness of coconut cream with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, making it the perfect choice for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 grams store-bought vegan gnocchi
- 250 mls vegetable stock
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 200 grams fresh baby spinach
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp chilli flakes
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan
- 10 basil leaves, chopped
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, halved cherry tomatoes, chili flakes, and tomato paste. Stir for another minute.
- Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, approximately 3-4 minutes with the lid on.
- Once gnocchi is tender, add spinach and stir until wilted. Then pour in coconut cream and mix well.
- Optionally, sprinkle with dairy-free parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a creamier texture, adjust the amount of coconut cream to taste.
Feel free to add any other veggies you prefer, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
