Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
One Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a delightful dish that seamlessly brings together rich flavors and convenient cooking. Picture this: tender, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious creamy sauce, punctuated by vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. With every bite, you’ll experience a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes that elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up on a weeknight yet feel proud to serve at a cozy dinner party. Trust me, this has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen!
Table of Contents
When I first stumbled upon the concept of marrying gnocchi with a rich Tuscan-inspired sauce, I knew I had to try it. Preparing it in one pan not only simplifies the cooking process but makes cleanup a breeze. This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is not only comforting but incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you need an impressive dish without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe — it’s sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 34 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: Packed with rich, creamy goodness and bright notes from sun-dried tomatoes and basil.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make this dish a showstopper on any dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for a cozy night in, a quick lunch, or when entertaining friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy it without compromise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500 grams store-bought vegan gnocchi: These soft dumplings are key to this dish. Look for high-quality brands, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1 cup vegetable stock: This adds depth to the sauce and is a great base for flavor. Choose low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These sweet and tangy bites bring a powerful punch of flavor. You can also use marinated ones for added taste.
- 1/4 cup coconut cream: Provides creaminess without the dairy, giving the dish a luxurious texture. If unavailable, consider using cashew cream as an alternative.
- 200 grams fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and essential nutrients. You can substitute it with kale if desired.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly compliments the Tuscan flavor profile.
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes: Adds a kick of heat! Feel free to adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan: For a cheesy finish, this is an excellent touch. Nutritional yeast can work as a substitute for a more robust flavor.
- 10 basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil elevates this dish with its aromatic qualities. If fresh isn’t available, dried basil will work in a pinch.
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved: Their freshness and sweetness create a delightful contrast to the gnocchi’s richness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with irresistible fragrance. Fresh garlic is always best but you can use garlic powder if in a hurry.
- 1 tsp olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and enhancing flavors. Any neutral oil can work, but olive oil adds a unique touch.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies tomato flavor. It’s a handy ingredient that’s versatile in many dishes.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
Heat the Oil: Start by drizzling 1 teaspoon of olive oil into a large pan over medium heat. Once it glimmers, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant — be careful not to let it brown!
Sauté the Ingredients: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Allow this medley to sauté together for another minute to amplify the flavors.
Add the Vegetable Stock: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable stock, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen as all those wonderful flavors meld together!
Cook the Gnocchi: Carefully add 500 grams of store-bought vegan gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cover with a lid and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and floating.
Incorporate the Spinach: Once the gnocchi has reached that delightful softness, toss in 200 grams of fresh baby spinach. Stir until it’s wilted and vivid green. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of coconut cream and mix everything together until creamy perfection is achieved.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle some optional vegan parmesan and fresh basil on top for the extra wow factor. Serve hot, straight from the pan, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which can be rare with this dish!), let the Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to restore its creamy texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the gnocchi to maintain that delightful pillow-like texture.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable stock or enhance store-bought stock with sautéed onions, herbs, or spices.
- If using frozen gnocchi, follow package instructions for best results.
- Consider adding a pinch of salt if using unseasoned vegetable stock, tasting as you go.
- Fresh herbs are best added at the end to preserve their flavor.
The Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is not just nourishing; it’s a glimpse of Italy in every bite. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and incredibly satisfying. I encourage you to modify the recipe to your liking or add your favorite veggies to personalize it. Enjoy the experience of cooking as much as the meal itself!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe features vegan gnocchi, using regular gnocchi will work just as well. Just keep in mind that regular gnocchi may contain dairy, which changes the recipe’s dietary considerations.
What if I can’t find vegan parmesan?
No problem! You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or simply omit it entirely. The dish will still be creamy and delicious without it.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like more heat, consider adding more chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce. If you want a bit of smokiness, a pinch of smoked paprika can work wonders too!
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to include zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms — just sauté them along with the other ingredients to integrate their flavors.
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📖 Recipe Card
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Tuscan gnocchi features a delightful blend of vegan ingredients and flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner or comforting meal. With ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this dish is both easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 500 grams store-bought vegan gnocchi
- 250 mls vegetable stock
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 200 grams fresh baby spinach
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp chilli flakes
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan
- 10 basil leaves, chopped
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, halved cherry tomatoes, chilli flakes, and tomato paste. Stir for an additional minute.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and allow it to come to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to packet instructions, or for 3-4 minutes, covered in the broth.
- Once the gnocchi is tender, mix in the spinach and stir until wilted. Then, pour in coconut cream and stir to combine.
- Optionally top with dairy-free parmesan and fresh basil before serving immediately.
Notes
This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables or proteins as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
