Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi

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Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi.

Bring the flavors of Tuscany to your kitchen with this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi—a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that comes together in just 20 minutes and one pan! Loaded with vibrant vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, and simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, this recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s meatless, versatile, and pairs wonderfully with your favorite proteins.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (Delallo brand or your favorite store-bought; frozen, homemade, or cauliflower gnocchi all work)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or thawed, drained frozen spinach; kale works too)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned and drained
  • 7 oz canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a touch of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Build the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the gnocchi: Add uncooked gnocchi directly to the sauce. Stir gently. Cover and simmer for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens.
  4. Add the veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped artichokes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
  5. Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy creamy Tuscan bliss!

Recipe Tips

  • No need to pre-cook the gnocchi—they cook directly in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor and making this a true one-pan wonder.
  • Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes.
  • Sauce too thick? Add a splash of broth or cream to thin it out.

Optional Add-Ins

Boost the flavor and heartiness of this dish with any of the following:

  • Toasted pine nuts (toast at 350°F for 5 minutes)
  • Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • Spicy or sweet Italian sausage, browned and crumbled
  • Cooked chicken, such as grilled or rotisserie
  • Toppings: Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese; fresh basil or parsley; chopped chives or green onions

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use tortellini or ravioli in place of gnocchi—cook right in the sauce.
  • Swap in short-cut pasta like orzo, farfalle, rotini, or orecchiette (cook separately).
  • Go dairy-free by replacing cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond, cashew, or oat milk.
  • Add more veggies like mushrooms, roasted red peppers, broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Done in just 20 minutes!
  • One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup.
  • Comforting & Creamy: Rich flavors with bold spices.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or veggies.
  • Meatless Option: Perfect for vegetarians or meatless Mondays.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~563 kcal

 

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