Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
One of the most comforting and delightful dishes to grace your table is creamy Tuscan gnocchi. Picture this: pillowy, tender gnocchi coated in a luscious, velvety sauce, mingling beautifully with fresh spinach and bursting cherry tomatoes. This dish is a kiss of Tuscan sunshine, made quick and easy—all in just one pan! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple, cozy dinner with loved ones, this recipe stands as a winning combination of flavor and simplicity.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this creamy Tuscan gnocchi while browsing through an Italian cookbook, seeking something that was both hearty and bursting with flavors. It caught my attention with its vibrant colors and comforting aroma as it simmered away. This dish quickly became a favorite, providing warmth on chilly evenings and impressing guests without the fuss of a complicated preparation. I couldn’t wait to share this one-pan wonder where every bite promises a little moment of indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 34 minutes! No complicated steps—just straightforward cooking.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and coconut cream creates a dreamy taste sensation.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant greens and pops of red from the cherry tomatoes, this dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner or as a standout dish for entertaining friends on a casual Friday.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Completely plant-based, it caters to vegans and is a guilt-free indulgence everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) store-bought vegan gnocchi: The star of our dish, this ready-made option ensures ease and speed while still offering that delightful potato base.
- 250 mls (1 cup) vegetable stock: This provides the flavorful base that adds depth to our dish.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These add a tangy, concentrated flavor that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/4 cup coconut cream: This adds richness and a subtle sweetness—perfect for balancing the garlic and acidity from the tomatoes.
- 200 grams (about 7 cups) fresh baby spinach: A nutrient boost with vibrant green color, it wilts down beautifully, adding a fresh note.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: This classic blend of herbs brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes: For a hint of heat that rounds out the flavors; adjust according to your spice preference!
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan: Optional but highly recommended for a savory finish.
- 10 basil leaves, chopped: Nothing beats fresh basil; it brightens the dish and adds aromatic charm.
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved: These juicy beauties add freshness and a pop of color.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The heart of this dish, garlic adds both depth and fragrance.
- 1 tsp olive oil: A drizzle to sauté the garlic and enhance flavors.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: This adds sweetness and depth, enriching the entire sauce.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
Sauté Garlic: Heat a drizzle of 1 tsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Toss in the 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 10 halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 tsp chili flakes, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Stir everything together for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Introduce Vegetable Stock: Pour in 250 mls of vegetable stock, stirring gently. Wait for it to come to a simmer, which should take just a minute or two; you should see bubbles forming at the surface.
Cook Gnocchi: Carefully add in your 500 grams of store-bought vegan gnocchi. Let the gnocchi cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes in the simmering broth while covered. You’ll know it’s done when they begin to float to the surface.
Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Once the gnocchi are tender, toss in the 200 grams of fresh baby spinach and stir until it wilts, just a minute or so. Pour in 1/4 cup of coconut cream and give everything a good stir.
Finish with Cheese and Basil: Optionally sprinkle on 1/4 cup of vegan parmesan and fold in the 10 chopped basil leaves for a final burst of flavor. This dish is best served immediately, with an eager fork waiting to dig in!
Storing & Reheating
You can store leftover creamy Tuscan gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best consumed fresh, but if you want to save it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. For reheating, a quick warm-up in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes is ideal. Just add a little splash of vegetable stock to refresh its consistency, as creamy sauces can thicken when stored.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always start with fresh ingredients. Quality gnocchi and vibrant vegetables elevate your dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when adding garlic. It needs space to release its fragrance; otherwise, it’ll risk burning.
- Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for variation.
- If you can’t find vegan parmesan, nutritional yeast is a great alternative to add a cheesy flavor.
- This dish can also serve as a wonderful base for protein—next time, try adding chickpeas or lentils.
This creamy Tuscan gnocchi is not only a delightful feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. The enticing flavors and vibrant ingredients come together perfectly, creating a comforting, satisfying dish that’s easy to whip up in under an hour. Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients or experiment with flavors; the essence of cooking lies in personal touches. Enjoy each bite with the people you love, creating more heartwarming moments around the table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi can take this dish up a notch in flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if your gnocchi is thicker than store-bought ones.
What can I substitute for coconut cream?
If coconut cream isn’t your thing, cashew cream or a vegan sour cream can work well. They will provide a similar texture with a different taste profile.
How can I add protein to this dish?
You can easily boost the protein by stirring in cooked chickpeas, lentils, or even sautéed tofu or tempeh near the end of cooking. They’ll absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are not available, feel free to substitute them with roasted red peppers. They’ll add a nice sweetness and depth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
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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
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi offers a mouthwatering blend of flavors with store-bought gnocchi, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is ideal for a satisfying dinner without the fuss.
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, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, halved cherry tomatoes, chilli flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, or 3-4 minutes in the simmering broth with the lid on.
- Once the gnocchi are tender, toss in the spinach and stir until wilted. Then, add the coconut cream and mix well.
- Finish with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan and fresh basil before serving immediately.
Notes
For added creaminess, adjust the amount of coconut cream.
Use more or less chilli flakes depending on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
