Craving a delicious, comforting meal that comes together in a flash? This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi is your new go-to skillet dinner recipe. You’ll love how quickly you can create a rich, satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Potato Gnocchi: Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for convenience.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes work if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half.
- Fresh Spinach: Kale or other leafy greens can be swapped in.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast offers a dairy-free alternative.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet with lid
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. Stir gently, then cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Finish with Cream and Spinach
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese is fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
5. Season and Serve
Taste the skillet dinner and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil if you like, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.
Variation Ideas:
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness.
- Stir in cooked shredded chicken for added protein.
- Include a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a cheesy pull.
- Swap spinach for baby kale or a spring mix.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Creamy Tomato Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi; you may need to cook it a few minutes longer.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi separately?
No, for this skillet dinner recipe, the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
Water can be used as a substitute, but vegetable broth will add more depth of flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a very mild kick; you can omit them entirely if you prefer no heat.
What type of skillet should I use?
A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid works best for this one-pan skillet dinner.