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Here are the key ingredients for your Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi. Each item plays a big role in taste. - Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can find gnocchi at most grocery stores. It saves time if you don’t want to make it. Sun-dried tomatoes add deep, rich flavor. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrients. Garlic gives a warm, inviting smell. Heavy cream makes the dish silky and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and depth. Olive oil is perfect for sautéing. Dried oregano gives a touch of earthiness. Salt and pepper are must-haves for seasoning. Lastly, fresh basil leaves brighten the dish and add a pop of color. Gather these ingredients to create a dish that is creamy and comforting. Each component works together to make a delicious meal. Enjoy the process of combining these flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook the gnocchi, first bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi carefully. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You will know they are done when they float to the surface. This is the key sign of doneness. Once they rise, drain them in a colander and set them aside. Next, we sauté the vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until it smells nice. Be careful not to let the garlic brown. It can taste bitter if it burns. After the garlic is fragrant, add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Stir them together for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and blend with the tomatoes. Now, let’s make the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir everything well. Let it simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. This simmering helps thicken the sauce and enhances the flavors. Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine. Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the skillet. Toss them until they are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Gradually add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce. This creates a rich and creamy texture. Taste your dish now. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper, as needed. Let the dish heat through for about 1 more minute. This ensures the gnocchi are warm and infused with the creamy sauce. For a great presentation, use shallow bowls to plate the gnocchi. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. Add a few extra sun-dried tomatoes and some fresh basil leaves. This burst of color will make your dish look even more inviting before the first bite! To get perfect gnocchi, pay close attention to cooking time. If you use store-bought gnocchi, follow the package instructions. They usually cook in just 2-3 minutes. Look for them to float to the top of the water. This means they are ready. For homemade gnocchi, you might need slight adjustments. Test a few pieces before cooking all of them. To enhance the flavor, try adding herbs. Fresh basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also use a hint of lemon zest. This will give your gnocchi a fresh twist. If you need dairy alternatives, coconut milk works well. It adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. You can also use cashew cream for a rich taste. Both options are great for keeping the dish creamy without dairy. To adjust creaminess, vary the amount of heavy cream. If you want it richer, add more cream. For a lighter version, use less. You can also use vegetable broth for a different flavor. For meal prep, cook the gnocchi and sauce separately. This will keep them fresh longer. Store each in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for about three days. When ready to eat, reheat the gnocchi in boiling water for a minute. For the sauce, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently and add a splash of water or broth if needed. This will help revive its creamy texture. Pro Tips Choose Quality Gnocchi: Using high-quality store-bought or homemade gnocchi can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a delicious, creamy flavor without the extra calories. Fresh Herbs Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. It adds a vibrant taste that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully. Perfectly Seasoned: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure a balanced flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can add many vegetables to your sun-dried tomato gnocchi. Here are some tasty options: - Zucchini, diced - Bell peppers, sliced - Mushrooms, chopped - Broccoli florets These veggies add color and texture. Mix and match to find your favorite flavors. For example, zucchini pairs well with sun-dried tomatoes. It adds a fresh taste to the dish. Adding protein can make this dish heartier. Here are some great protein choices: - Grilled chicken, diced - Shrimp, peeled and deveined - Italian sausage, crumbled - Chickpeas, rinsed and drained Cook these proteins in the skillet before adding the sauce. For chicken or shrimp, cook them until golden. Then, add them back to the pan with the sauce. This way, they soak up all the flavor. You can easily make this dish vegan. Here are some ingredient swaps: - Use plant-based gnocchi, if available - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese These substitutions keep the dish creamy and flavorful. Adjust the spices to enhance the taste. You can still enjoy all the rich flavors without dairy. To keep your sun-dried tomato gnocchi fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: If you want to freeze, let the dish cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, consider these methods: - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. - Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat in short intervals, stirring often. This keeps the gnocchi from getting tough. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your sun-dried tomato gnocchi again without losing any flavor or texture. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. It works well in this dish. - Storage tips: Keep frozen gnocchi in the freezer until ready. - Cooking tips: Boil them straight from the freezer. They usually take a few extra minutes to cook. Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes offer great health benefits. - Nutritional benefits: They are rich in vitamins C and K. They also provide antioxidants and fiber. Adding them boosts flavor and health in your meal. Look for simple signs to know when gnocchi is done. - Signs of doneness: Gnocchi floats to the surface of boiling water. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. If they float, they are ready to drain. Yes, you can easily make gluten-free gnocchi. - Ingredient substitutions: Use gluten-free gnocchi made from rice or potato. Most grocery stores carry these options. Always check labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This blog post covered making a tasty gnocchi dish. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. I showed how to perfect the creamy sauce and add extra flavors. You learned ways to customize the dish for different diets and preferences. In closing, enjoy experimenting with variations and make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi Delight

A creamy and flavorful gnocchi dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 2 heavy cream
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Carefully drain the gnocchi in a colander and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
  • Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted down and is well combined with the tomatoes.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and blended into the sauce.
  • Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired. Allow everything to heat through for an additional minute.
  • Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, plate the gnocchi in shallow bowls and finish with a delicate drizzle of olive oil for shine.
Keyword creamy sauce, gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes