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To make creamy tomato spinach gnocchi, you’ll need the following key ingredients: - 1 pound gnocchi - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and delightful dish. The gnocchi is soft and pillowy. The sauce is creamy and full of flavor. You can enhance your dish with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - Additional herbs like thyme or parsley - A splash of white wine for depth These extras can add layers of flavor to your meal. If you like spice, the red pepper flakes are a great choice. If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some substitutes: - Use vegetable broth instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. - Swap out gnocchi for pasta if you prefer. - Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard. These substitutes can work well and still give you a tasty dish. Adjust based on what you have at home. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps the gnocchi cook evenly. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook them according to the package instructions. Watch closely! They will float to the top when done. This means they are ready. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Next, we will make the sauce. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. Now, pour in a can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for five minutes. This brings out the tomato flavor. Now, lower the heat and slowly stir in one cup of heavy cream. Keep cooking for three to four minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. Add two cups of fresh spinach next. Stir in one teaspoon of dried oregano and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the spinach wilts down. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce. This makes the dish rich and flavorful. Finally, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cheese if you like. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! To cook gnocchi, start with a pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the gnocchi and wait until they float. This usually takes just a few minutes. Floating means they are done. Drain them and set aside. This quick step keeps the gnocchi soft and fluffy. To boost flavors, always use fresh garlic. It adds a nice kick. Dried herbs, like oregano, work well too. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice warmth without being too hot. Finish with grated Parmesan for a rich taste. Fresh basil on top adds a fresh aroma. Serve the creamy tomato spinach gnocchi right away. It tastes best fresh. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. A slice of crusty bread also works great. This adds texture and is perfect for dipping in the sauce. Enjoy it with family or friends for a cozy dinner night. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. Look for brands that mimic the texture of dairy cream. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. This keeps the dish rich and creamy, even without animal products. Want to add protein? Cook some diced chicken or shrimp separately. Sauté them in a pan until they are golden brown. Once cooked, toss them in with the gnocchi and creamy sauce. This addition makes the dish heartier and more filling. Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor or shrimp for a light touch. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty alternatives made from rice or potato. Just follow the package cooking instructions to get the best results. You can enjoy the same creamy sauce and flavors while keeping it gluten-free. To keep your creamy tomato spinach gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing it instead. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Stir between each burst for even heating. If you want to freeze the dish, it's best to freeze it before adding the cheese. This way, the gnocchi stays firm and tasty. Use a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it slowly and add the cheese right before serving. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just chop about 2-3 medium tomatoes. Cook them down in the skillet until they break apart. This adds a fresh flavor to your dish. To add heat, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes. You can also use hot sauce. If you want more kick, try adding chopped jalapeños. Adjust to fit your taste! You can add many veggies! Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Broccoli or kale work well too. Mix and match to create your favorite blend of flavors. Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook the gnocchi and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just combine and heat. Making gnocchi is easy! Use 2 cups of mashed potatoes. Mix with 1 cup of flour and 1 egg. Knead until smooth, then cut and shape into small pieces. Boil until they float. Enjoy your homemade gnocchi! This blog post covered the key ingredients for making gnocchi, both main and optional. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking, sauce prep, and combining. You learned tips for perfecting gnocchi and ideas for flavorful variations. We also discussed how to store and reheat leftovers efficiently. As you explore your gnocchi-making, remember that cooking is fun and creative. Experiment with flavors and share your tasty results!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

Indulge in a delightful bowl of creamy tomato spinach gnocchi that's perfect for a cozy dinner! This easy recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dish topped with Parmesan and basil. Discover how to make this delicious meal from scratch with simple ingredients. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a burst of flavors tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound gnocchi

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.

      Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, allowing them to simmer for about 5 minutes.

        Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream until well combined. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

          Incorporate Spinach and Seasoning: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, along with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts down.

            Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.

              Final Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or cheese as desired.

                Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4