There s something incredibly comforting about a dish that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, and that s exactly why I adore this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe. It s such a win when you can pull off a rich, creamy, herb-infused meal without piling up pots and pans-perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. Trust me, the blend of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan makes this gnocchi irresistibly flavorful and creamy, and you ll find yourself wanting seconds every time.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple it was to get restaurant-worthy results without complicated steps or long cooking times. You ll love how this dish hits that perfect balance of creamy texture and bright, fresh ingredients-all cooked in one pan! Plus, the whole thing comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a lifesaver for a quick yet satisfying dinner. I m excited to walk you through the process so you can nail this recipe effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with only one pan to clean-perfect for busy nights.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes create a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like gnocchi and chicken broth with fresh spinach for a balanced meal.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this comforting dish, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to pillowy gnocchi. Opt for good quality sun-dried tomato oil and fresh Parmesan to really boost the taste.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Adds a unique, slightly tangy richness that infuses the entire dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a chewy texture and concentrated tomato flavor that wakes up the cream sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the base an aromatic punch that s essential here.
- Potato Gnocchi: I recommend using dry packaged gnocchi for that perfect chewy texture that soaks up the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and umami without overpowering; veggie stock works well for vegetarians.
- Heavy Cream: This is the heart of the sauce, giving it that rich, velvety feel-half-and-half is a lighter alternative.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too harsh; adjust to taste.
- Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and bright color; it wilts quickly and blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a savory, salty kick.
- Basil: Finely chopped, basil adds a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to tweak it-you d be surprised how adaptable it is!
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable stock and ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly-I ve done this often with delicious results.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon at the end for an extra hearty meal that satisfies meat-lovers.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor; I sometimes do this when I want an extra zing.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and skip the Parmesan for a creamy but dairy-free alternative I ve tested for friends with sensitivities.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic
Start by heating the sun-dried tomato oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant – don t let the garlic brown or burn, or it ll turn bitter. This step infuses the oil with flavor and sets a delicious base for the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Gnocchi
Add the dry gnocchi straight into the pan and let them sear with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute. You’ll hear a gentle sizzle and notice the gnocchi develop a slight golden crust, which adds a lovely texture and flavor dimension. Don t stir too much here-let them get a bit of color before moving on.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Cream, Then Simmer
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream right over the gnocchi. Season with kosher salt. Stir everything gently to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You ll notice the sauce thickening and the gnocchi becoming tender-this is the magic moment when everything melds together.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish with Cheese & Basil
Toss in the fresh baby spinach and gently stir it into the creamy mixture. Let it wilt down for about 1 minute on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and quickly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Give it one last gentle stir to combine-this final step brightens the flavors and adds that signature Tuscan freshness.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
- Use Dry Packaged Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi can sometimes get mushy-dry packaged gnocchi sears better and holds up in the creamy sauce.
- Don t Skip the Searing: That quick sear adds a bit of texture and depth in flavor, making your dish more complex and satisfying.
- Fresh Basil at the End: Adding basil off the heat preserves its bright aroma and color-trust me, it makes a big difference!
- Avoid Overcooking the Gnocchi: Keep an eye during the simmer; overcooked gnocchi can get gummy-perfect timing is key!
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping this gnocchi with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves for a pop of color. Sometimes I add a dash of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil to finish. These simple garnishes elevate the dish aesthetically and flavor-wise, making it feel special even on a regular weeknight.
Side Dishes
This creamy gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for added texture. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works beautifully to soak up any leftover sauce-you ll want to savor every last bit!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this gnocchi in shallow bowls with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts-it adds a lovely crunch and a bit of elegance. You can also garnish with edible flowers or finely shredded lemon zest for a fresh, vibrant touch that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because of the cream sauce, the gnocchi can absorb the sauce s liquid and get a bit thicker-just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to life.
Freezing
I don t typically freeze this dish because the cream sauce s texture can change, but if you want to, freeze the sauce separately from the gnocchi and combine when reheating. This way, you maintain a fresher texture and flavor.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy and smooth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sauce separate or the gnocchi rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen gnocchi for this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi, but I recommend thawing it first and patting dry to avoid excess moisture that can thin the sauce. Sear it well to get a slight crust before adding the sauce for best texture.
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Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. This keeps the dish creamy while catering to dairy-free diets.
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How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the pan?
Make sure you use enough oil at the start and avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the gnocchi. Stir gently and only when necessary to let them crisp up rather than stick.
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Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Yes! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas work wonderfully. Add them during the broth and cream simmer step to cook through and meld flavors.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe takes the stress out of making something comforting and impressive. Whether you re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction without wasted time or dirty dishes. Try it soon-you ll wonder how you ever managed weeknight dinners without it!
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One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is a quick and flavorful meal ready in just 15 minutes. Featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a rich cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic, all topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this dish offers a comforting taste of Italy with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, uncooked (dry packaged gnocchi)
Liquid and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Greens and Garnish
- 4 ounces baby spinach, fresh
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium pan, heat the sun-dried tomato oil and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the minced garlic. Sauté on medium heat for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Sear Gnocchi: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the pan and allow them to sear with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute, helping them develop a slight golden crust.
- Add Liquids and Season: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then season the mixture with kosher salt. Stir gently and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the pan and let it wilt on low heat for about 1 minute, integrating freshness and color into the dish.
- Finish with Cheese and Basil: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped basil over the gnocchi. Stir lightly to combine before serving.
Notes
- Use dry packaged potato gnocchi for best results; fresh gnocchi may require less cooking time.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half and half as suggested.
- Vegetarian variation: Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi to avoid them becoming mushy.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated varieties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
