Imagine twirling your fork through pillowy gnocchi, draped in a luxurious cream sauce bursting with the intense, sun-kissed flavor of dried tomatoes. This Italian-inspired dish isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional craving a quick gourmet dinner or a home cook looking to impress, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping sun dried tomatoes, mincing garlic, and grating parmesan cheese before starting cooking.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, preparing to cook the gnocchi.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped sun dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing their flavors to develop and intensify.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and sun dried tomatoes, and reduce heat to low-medium.
- Cook gnocchi in boiling water according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Drain gnocchi and immediately transfer them to the skillet with the cream sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it begins to wilt, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the gnocchi, stirring to incorporate and create a rich, creamy texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Chop, mince, and grate all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking process.
- Watch Your Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant and lightly golden to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Gnocchi Cooking Trick: The float test is foolproof—gnocchi are done when they rise to the water's surface, typically in 2-3 minutes.
- Cream Sauce Secret: Keep the heat low-medium when adding cream to prevent separation and achieve a silky smooth texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach and add it at the last minute to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly and provides a more intense flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
