Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi

$- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil) - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When making creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi, gather your main ingredients first. This dish shines with soft gnocchi and rich sun-dried tomatoes. You need heavy cream for a thick sauce, and Parmesan cheese adds depth. Next, let's look at the extra ingredients. Olive oil brings flavor, while garlic adds a nice aroma. Vegetable broth boosts the sauce's richness, and fresh spinach gives color and nutrients. Finally, grab salt and pepper to season the dish. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. This recipe uses simple yet vibrant flavors to create a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. You want it to taste like the sea. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the top. This shows they are ready. Carefully drain the gnocchi and set them aside. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell great, not burn. Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes while stirring often. Then, pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Once it simmers, add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Now it's time to add the fresh spinach and the cooked gnocchi to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Serve immediately with fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy! To make your sauce super creamy, use heavy cream. This adds richness and a smooth texture. Stir in the Parmesan cheese slowly. The cheese melts better this way. You can also adjust the salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Want more flavor? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. To avoid mushy gnocchi, cook them in boiling salted water. They only need a few minutes. Watch for them to float. This shows they are done. If they sit too long, they get too soft. A quick drain helps keep them firm. Choose shallow bowls for serving. This allows the sauce to shine. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. They add color and a fresh taste. You can also add extra Parmesan for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal with a simple side salad for a complete dinner! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and increase the vegetable broth for a deliciously creamy yet lighter sauce. Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi. They should float to the top of the boiling water, which indicates they’re cooked perfectly. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds color but also a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this step for an elevated dish! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by swapping some ingredients. For cheese, try using goat cheese or ricotta instead of Parmesan. Each cheese brings a new flavor. If you want more veggies, add bell peppers or zucchini. Both give extra color and taste to the dish. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many good brands are available. For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want to spice things up? Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. A pinch of Italian herbs can also lift the taste. If you prefer a heartier meal, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the mix. These proteins will make your dish more filling and flavorful. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the gnocchi fresh. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. For best results, eat them within three days. When you reheat, add a splash of broth or cream. This adds moisture back to the dish. You can freeze the gnocchi and sauce separately. For the gnocchi, freeze them in a single layer. This keeps them from sticking together. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For the sauce, let it cool before freezing in a container. When you are ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. Stored leftovers last about three days in the fridge. After that, they might spoil. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, discoloration, or mold. If you see any of these signs, throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Cooking gnocchi is quick and easy. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You will know they are done when they float to the top of the boiling water. Drain them right away to keep them from getting mushy. Yes, you can use canned sun-dried tomatoes. If you do, make sure to drain them well. Canned tomatoes can be softer than dried ones. You may want to cut down on the cooking time. This helps to keep the texture nice. You can also add some extra seasoning to boost the flavor. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve a simple green salad for freshness. Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce nicely. Roasted vegetables add color and flavor. For a heartier meal, try grilled chicken or shrimp as a protein option. In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi. We covered key ingredients, including gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and preparing the dish. We also discussed tips for perfecting your sauce and variations to suit your tastes. Remember, cooking is about experimenting. Don’t shy away from making this dish your own. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

16 oz gnocchi
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup fresh spinach
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the fresh spinach and cooked gnocchi to the sauce. Toss gently to ensure the gnocchi are well coated and the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

Use fresh basil for garnish to enhance flavor.

Keyword creamy, gnocchi, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes