One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
If you’re craving pure comfort straight from the stovetop, the One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe is an absolute weeknight hero. Imagine delicate, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious tomato cream sauce, loaded with fresh baby spinach and melty mozzarella – all in under 30 minutes and just one dish to clean. Whether you’re a lifelong Italian food lover or just need dinner in a flash, this recipe packs a fabulous balance of tangy tomatoes, aromatic seasonings, cheesy richness, and vibrant greens that the whole table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this dish is how each simple ingredient brings something special to the table – from richness and savor to color and irresistible texture. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a thing!
- Olive oil: Offers a fruity, silky base for sautéing and enhances the flavors as everything simmers together.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion creates sweetness and a subtle backbone for the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic delivers essential aroma and that unmistakable Italian kick.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce – rich, thick, and perfectly tangy.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings herby complexity and true Italian flair in one scoop.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you want a bit of a spicy edge.
- Salt: Brings out every savory note and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Black pepper: Grounds the sauce with a hint of earthy spice.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Gives the sauce a deeper flavor and helps cook the gnocchi to perfect pillowy softness.
- Potato gnocchi: These soft, chewy Italian dumplings are the real stars – ready for their creamy, saucy spotlight.
- Fresh baby spinach: Wilts into the dish, adding freshness, a lovely green color, and extra nutrients.
- Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a dreamy, velvety blanket for the gnocchi.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it’s the ultimate umami booster stirred right into the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that golden, gooey finish we all adore.
- Fresh basil: The perfect bright, fragrant garnish that brings every bite to life.
How to Make One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and let it cook for about four minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and super fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic, give it a good stir, and let it cook for about one more minute – just until your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
Next up, pour in your crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Stir everything together, then add in the broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting all those delicious flavors begin to mingle and develop depth.
Step 3: Add the Gnocchi and Simmer
Once your sauce is bubbling, stir in the package of potato gnocchi. Keep the pot uncovered and let the gnocchi cook directly in the sauce for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every now and then, until they’re pillowy-tender and the sauce has thickened just right.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Now it’s time for a burst of green. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for another 2 minutes or so, just until the leaves have wilted and turned a gorgeous, vibrant green. The spinach will soften up and meld perfectly with the creamy base.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Reduce the heat to low and pour in your heavy cream, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is creamy, silky, and well combined. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella right over the top, cover the pot, and let it sit for just 2 more minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, gooey topping.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil for that final pop of freshness. Dish up your One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe while it’s deliciously warm and gooey, and enjoy every decadent bite!
How to Serve One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is an absolute must, lending aroma and color to each plate. Grate over a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling decadent, and don’t be shy about a twist of freshly cracked black pepper on top for the final flourish.
Side Dishes
This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad drizzled with olive oil, or some crusty Italian bread to swipe up every last bit of sauce. If you’re serving a bigger crowd, add roasted vegetables or a zippy Caprese salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this dish straight from the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic feel, or spoon portions into individual bowls garnished extravagantly with basil and a drizzle of olive oil. For a dinner party, try baking the finished gnocchi with extra mozzarella under the broiler for a bubbling, golden top that’s worthy of applause.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a tasty lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to have this comfort food on standby, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. While the texture of the gnocchi may soften a touch upon reheating, the creamy sauce and hearty flavors hold up nicely for up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the gnocchi gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also pop individual servings in the microwave, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between until everything is warmed through and melty again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi work perfectly for the One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe. Just add them directly to the sauce and simmer for an extra minute or two until they are buttery soft and cooked all the way through.
Is this One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth and check that your gnocchi and cheese are labeled vegetarian. For a vegan version, try plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want to lighten things up, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a splash of milk. The result will be a bit less rich but still perfectly cozy and creamy!
How do I add protein to this dish?
Feel free to stir in cooked Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms if you want to amp up the protein and heartiness of the One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes – just prepare as directed, then cool and store in the fridge. Before serving, reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a little extra broth or cream if needed to reawaken that luscious sauce. Add the mozzarella just before serving for the perfect melty top.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe never fails to bring a little joy and comfort to a busy weeknight or laid-back family dinner. The ease, big flavors, and happy green flecks of spinach make every bite feel like a warm hug. I hope you’ll try it soon and fall in love with its creamy, saucy soul just like I have!
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One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy one-pot meal, this Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Pillowy potato gnocchi in a rich tomato sauce with spinach, topped with melted cheese – a satisfying vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
For the Gnocchi Dish:
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in gnocchi and cook until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Reduce heat, add cream, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella, stirring until creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and cook until melted. Garnish with basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or rotisserie chicken.
- To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
- Frozen gnocchi can be used but may require additional cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
