If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal, look no further. My Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi is a delightful dinner option that balances rich, savory flavors with fresh ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that impresses everyone at the table. Join me as we dive into the ingredients, tips, and tricks that make this gnocchi shine. Your next favorite dinner awaits!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Meal: This creamy gnocchi dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan creates a rich and savory sauce that is simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Gnocchi (500g)
- Sun Dried Tomatoes (1 cup, chopped)
- Heavy Cream (1 cup)
Additional Ingredients
- Fresh Spinach (1 cup, chopped)
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish
This creamy sun dried tomato gnocchi is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and textures. You start with gnocchi, which is soft and pillowy. It acts as a perfect base for the creamy sauce.
The sun dried tomatoes bring a burst of tangy flavor. They add depth and complexity to the dish. Heavy cream creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats every piece of gnocchi. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, making the dish more vibrant.
Onions and garlic provide an aromatic base. They are the first ingredients to be cooked. The olive oil helps infuse the flavors well. Finally, we add Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami kick. Fresh basil leaves give a nice touch of freshness. This combination of ingredients makes each bite a delight.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Gnocchi
First, I boil a large pot of salted water. This water should bubble up nice and hot. Once it’s boiling, I add the gnocchi. The package will tell me how long to cook them. Usually, they float up to the top when they are ready. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes. After that, I drain them well and set them aside for later.
Preparing the Flavor Base
Next, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should become soft and translucent. Then, I add minced garlic and cook it for another minute. This makes the kitchen smell amazing! Now, I stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes. I let everything cook together for about 2 minutes. This lets the flavors blend and makes the dish extra tasty.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce. I pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. I stir it occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick. The cream should thicken up a bit. After that, I add the chopped spinach. I cook it until it wilts down. Finally, I mix in grated Parmesan cheese. I stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. I season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Everything
Now comes the fun part! I gently add the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the creamy sauce. I toss everything together, making sure all the gnocchi are well coated. If the sauce is too thick, I can always add a little pasta water to get the perfect consistency. This dish should look creamy and delicious, ready to be enjoyed!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To get perfect gnocchi, start with great water. Use a large pot and add salt. The water should taste like the sea. Boil it well before adding the gnocchi. When they float, they are ready. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
For flavor enhancement, think about adding herbs. Fresh basil or oregano can boost the taste. You can also use red pepper flakes for a little heat. When sautéing the onion and garlic, don’t rush. Let them cook until soft. This step brings out their natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy sun dried tomato gnocchi pairs well with crisp salads. A fresh arugula salad can add a nice crunch. You might also enjoy it with garlic bread. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
For garnishing, fresh basil leaves look great. They add color and a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for creaminess.
Storage Tips
After cooking, let the gnocchi cool. Place it in an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for about 3 days. Do not freeze it, as the texture can change.
When reheating, use a skillet. Add a splash of cream or water. This helps keep the gnocchi creamy and tasty. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first meal!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi will have a lighter texture and flavor compared to packaged varieties. If possible, try making your own for an elevated dish.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, replace half the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still provide a rich flavor while reducing calories.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the sun dried tomatoes beautifully.
- Garnish Smart: Instead of just basil, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor contrast.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can switch out some ingredients to make this dish your own. For a fun twist, try using mushrooms or kale instead of spinach. Both add great flavor and texture. If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost the taste, add herbs like oregano or thyme. These spices work well with the sun-dried tomatoes. You can also throw in some cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein. This makes the dish heartier and more filling.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free gnocchi brands. They taste great and fit into a gluten-free diet. For a vegan dish, skip the cheese and cream. Use a plant-based cheese and almond milk instead. This keeps the creamy texture without any animal products.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrients
Each serving of creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi has about 600 calories. This dish packs a good balance of fats, carbs, and proteins. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Fats: Approximately 30g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 70g
- Proteins: About 15g
These numbers give you a good idea of what you’re fueling your body with. The creamy sauce contributes to the fat content, while gnocchi brings in the carbs.
Health Benefits
This dish brings you both taste and nutrition. Spinach is loaded with vitamins A and K. It also has iron, which is great for your blood. Sun-dried tomatoes are high in antioxidants, helping to fight off free radicals. They also add a nice dose of flavor.
When you mix these ingredients, you not only create a tasty meal but also ensure you’re getting a balanced dish. The cream offers comfort, while the veggies pack in nutrients.
Portion Control
It’s key to think about how much you serve. I recommend 1 to 1.5 cups per person. If you’re cooking for more, simply double or triple the recipe. This dish is easy to scale up or down! Use the same ratios for each ingredient to keep the flavors balanced. Enjoy your meal without overindulging!
FAQs
What is the best way to cook gnocchi?
To cook gnocchi, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they are done! Drain them and set aside.
- Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if needed.
- Tip: Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture.
Can I use fresh sun-dried tomatoes instead?
Yes, you can use fresh sun-dried tomatoes. However, they will taste different. Fresh sun-dried tomatoes have a lighter flavor. They also add more moisture to the dish.
- Flavor Consideration: If you use fresh, add them to the skillet earlier. This gives them time to soften.
- Alternative: You can also use canned sun-dried tomatoes. They are packed in oil and are very tasty.
How can I store and reheat leftover gnocchi?
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat gently.
- Best Practice: Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist.
- Tip: Avoid the microwave if possible. It can make the gnocchi rubbery.
In this blog post, we explored a creamy gnocchi recipe. We covered key ingredients like gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream. You learned how to make a rich sauce using spinach and cheese. We shared tips for serving and storing leftovers.
To make your dish even better, try variations with different veggies or spices. This recipe not only tastes great but also brings health benefits. Enjoy your tasty creation! Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fu

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 500 g gnocchi
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Sun Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until all the gnocchi are well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy gnocchi into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.


