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One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi With Spinach Delight

by on August 25, 2025
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Dive into a delicious world with my One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach recipe! This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. You’ll love the creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and delightful gnocchi. Best of all, you only need one pot! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, this recipe will impress. Let’s get cooking and bring comfort to your table!

- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream The main ingredients bring life to this dish. Gnocchi adds a delightful chewiness. You can buy it or make it from scratch. Fresh spinach offers a vibrant green color and nutrients. Heavy cream provides a rich, silky texture. - ½ cup basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Basil pesto adds a burst of flavor. It blends well with the cream. Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness. They also add color and freshness. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty taste. It melts beautifully into the sauce. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil helps cook the garlic. It adds a nice base flavor. Garlic brings aroma and depth. It makes the dish smell amazing. Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust these to your taste. These ingredients come together to create a delicious, creamy dish. Each one plays a vital role. Enjoy the process of cooking and tasting along the way! - Sautéing the garlic Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell nice, but not burn. - Browning the gnocchi Next, add the gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi turns golden brown. This step gives the gnocchi a nice texture. - Adding cream and pesto Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This helps the cream thicken just a bit. Then, add the basil pesto and mix until the gnocchi is fully coated. - Incorporating spinach and tomatoes Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the tomatoes will soften. This adds color and flavor to your dish. - Melting Parmesan cheese Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until it melts. This creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together. - Seasoning and resting Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well before serving. To achieve the perfect creaminess, start with heavy cream. It gives your dish a rich texture. After adding the cream, let it simmer gently. This helps it thicken without curdling. Stir often to keep it smooth. For the best way to sauté gnocchi, use medium heat. This prevents sticking and allows even browning. Toss them gently in the pan for about 2-3 minutes. Look for a light golden color to know they're ready. If you want an alternative to heavy cream, consider using half-and-half. It’s lighter but still creamy. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For vegan choices, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For pesto, look for brands made without cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. Pair your creamy pesto gnocchi with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens and cherry tomatoes works well. You could also serve garlic bread for a hearty meal. For presentation, serve in individual bowls. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper. Add fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish by adding protein or veggies. Here are some ideas: - Protein add-ins: Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp gives a nice boost. These add flavor and make the meal heartier. - Vegetable variations: Try adding bell peppers or zucchini. Both add color and extra nutrition to the dish. Switching up the flavors can make this dish feel new and exciting. Consider these options: - Different pesto flavors: Use sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist. Each brings a unique taste to the creamy base. - Spicy options: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. This simple addition can elevate the flavor and make it more exciting. You can prepare this dish in different ways to suit your needs: - Instant Pot method: This method saves time. Just add all ingredients to the pot and let it do the work. You’ll still get creamy, delicious gnocchi. - Oven-baked variations: For a crispy top, bake the dish in the oven. Transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden. These variations make the dish flexible and fun. You can create your own version every time you make it! To keep your creamy pesto gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep moisture in. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to reheat just what you need. It's best to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating, do it slowly on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. You want the texture to stay creamy, not dry. If you heat it too fast, the sauce can break or become clumpy. Yes, you can freeze creamy pesto gnocchi. To freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the flavors bright and fresh. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, opt for a vegan alternative. Also, use vegan pesto. What can I substitute for gnocchi? You can use pasta shapes like shells or penne. You can also try dumplings or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. How long does it take to cook? This dish takes about 25 minutes to cook from start to finish. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with cooking taking the remaining 15 minutes. How many servings does the recipe yield? This recipe yields four servings. It’s perfect for a small family or a cozy dinner with friends. Is it necessary to use fresh spinach? Using fresh spinach is best for flavor and texture. You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn't available, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Can I use jarred pesto? Yes, jarred pesto works well in this recipe. It saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just choose a good quality brand for the best taste. This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy pesto gnocchi. We shared the key ingredients like gnocchi, spinach, and cream. I explained the cooking steps, tips for perfecting your dish, and variations to try. Don't forget about storing and reheating your leftovers for later. In conclusion, enjoy experimenting with this easy recipe. Feel free to mix ingredients and make it your own! Your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

– 1 cup heavy cream

The main ingredients bring life to this dish. Gnocchi adds a delightful chewiness. You can buy it or make it from scratch. Fresh spinach offers a vibrant green color and nutrients. Heavy cream provides a rich, silky texture.

Flavor Enhancers

– ½ cup basil pesto

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Basil pesto adds a burst of flavor. It blends well with the cream. Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness. They also add color and freshness. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty taste. It melts beautifully into the sauce.

Cooking Aids

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil helps cook the garlic. It adds a nice base flavor. Garlic brings aroma and depth. It makes the dish smell amazing. Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust these to your taste.

These ingredients come together to create a delicious, creamy dish. Each one plays a vital role. Enjoy the process of cooking and tasting along the way!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Sautéing the garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell nice, but not burn.

– Browning the gnocchi

Next, add the gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi turns golden brown. This step gives the gnocchi a nice texture.

Cooking Process

– Adding cream and pesto

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This helps the cream thicken just a bit. Then, add the basil pesto and mix until the gnocchi is fully coated.

– Incorporating spinach and tomatoes

Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the tomatoes will soften. This adds color and flavor to your dish.

Finalizing the Dish

– Melting Parmesan cheese

Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until it melts. This creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together.

– Seasoning and resting

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To achieve the perfect creaminess, start with heavy cream. It gives your dish a rich texture. After adding the cream, let it simmer gently. This helps it thicken without curdling. Stir often to keep it smooth.

For the best way to sauté gnocchi, use medium heat. This prevents sticking and allows even browning. Toss them gently in the pan for about 2-3 minutes. Look for a light golden color to know they’re ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want an alternative to heavy cream, consider using half-and-half. It’s lighter but still creamy. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

For vegan choices, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For pesto, look for brands made without cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your creamy pesto gnocchi with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens and cherry tomatoes works well. You could also serve garlic bread for a hearty meal.

For presentation, serve in individual bowls. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper. Add fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes!

Variations

Additional Ingredients

You can easily change this dish by adding protein or veggies. Here are some ideas:

– Protein add-ins: Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp gives a nice boost. These add flavor and make the meal heartier.

– Vegetable variations: Try adding bell peppers or zucchini. Both add color and extra nutrition to the dish.

Flavor Variations

Switching up the flavors can make this dish feel new and exciting. Consider these options:

– Different pesto flavors: Use sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist. Each brings a unique taste to the creamy base.

– Spicy options: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. This simple addition can elevate the flavor and make it more exciting.

Cooking Techniques

You can prepare this dish in different ways to suit your needs:

– Instant Pot method: This method saves time. Just add all ingredients to the pot and let it do the work. You’ll still get creamy, delicious gnocchi.

– Oven-baked variations: For a crispy top, bake the dish in the oven. Transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden.

These variations make the dish flexible and fun. You can create your own version every time you make it!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your creamy pesto gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep moisture in. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to reheat just what you need. It’s best to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste.

Reheating Guidelines

When reheating, do it slowly on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. You want the texture to stay creamy, not dry. If you heat it too fast, the sauce can break or become clumpy.

Freezing Options

Yes, you can freeze creamy pesto gnocchi. To freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the flavors bright and fresh.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, opt for a vegan alternative. Also, use vegan pesto.

What can I substitute for gnocchi?

You can use pasta shapes like shells or penne. You can also try dumplings or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Cooking Time and Servings

How long does it take to cook?

This dish takes about 25 minutes to cook from start to finish. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with cooking taking the remaining 15 minutes.

How many servings does the recipe yield?

This recipe yields four servings. It’s perfect for a small family or a cozy dinner with friends.

Ingredient Queries

Is it necessary to use fresh spinach?

Using fresh spinach is best for flavor and texture. You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use jarred pesto?

Yes, jarred pesto works well in this recipe. It saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just choose a good quality brand for the best taste.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy pesto gnocchi. We shared the key ingredients like gnocchi, spinach, and cream. I explained the cooking steps, tips for perfecting your dish, and variations to try. Don’t forget about storing and reheating your leftovers for later.

In conclusion, enjoy experimenting with this easy recipe. Feel free to mix ingredients and make it your own! Your taste buds will thank you.

- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream The main ingredients bring life to this dish. Gnocchi adds a delightful chewiness. You can buy it or make it from scratch. Fresh spinach offers a vibrant green color and nutrients. Heavy cream provides a rich, silky texture. - ½ cup basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Basil pesto adds a burst of flavor. It blends well with the cream. Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness. They also add color and freshness. Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty taste. It melts beautifully into the sauce. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil helps cook the garlic. It adds a nice base flavor. Garlic brings aroma and depth. It makes the dish smell amazing. Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing flavors. Adjust these to your taste. These ingredients come together to create a delicious, creamy dish. Each one plays a vital role. Enjoy the process of cooking and tasting along the way! - Sautéing the garlic Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell nice, but not burn. - Browning the gnocchi Next, add the gnocchi to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi turns golden brown. This step gives the gnocchi a nice texture. - Adding cream and pesto Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This helps the cream thicken just a bit. Then, add the basil pesto and mix until the gnocchi is fully coated. - Incorporating spinach and tomatoes Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the tomatoes will soften. This adds color and flavor to your dish. - Melting Parmesan cheese Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until it melts. This creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together. - Seasoning and resting Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well before serving. To achieve the perfect creaminess, start with heavy cream. It gives your dish a rich texture. After adding the cream, let it simmer gently. This helps it thicken without curdling. Stir often to keep it smooth. For the best way to sauté gnocchi, use medium heat. This prevents sticking and allows even browning. Toss them gently in the pan for about 2-3 minutes. Look for a light golden color to know they're ready. If you want an alternative to heavy cream, consider using half-and-half. It’s lighter but still creamy. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For vegan choices, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For pesto, look for brands made without cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. Pair your creamy pesto gnocchi with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens and cherry tomatoes works well. You could also serve garlic bread for a hearty meal. For presentation, serve in individual bowls. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper. Add fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish by adding protein or veggies. Here are some ideas: - Protein add-ins: Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp gives a nice boost. These add flavor and make the meal heartier. - Vegetable variations: Try adding bell peppers or zucchini. Both add color and extra nutrition to the dish. Switching up the flavors can make this dish feel new and exciting. Consider these options: - Different pesto flavors: Use sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist. Each brings a unique taste to the creamy base. - Spicy options: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. This simple addition can elevate the flavor and make it more exciting. You can prepare this dish in different ways to suit your needs: - Instant Pot method: This method saves time. Just add all ingredients to the pot and let it do the work. You’ll still get creamy, delicious gnocchi. - Oven-baked variations: For a crispy top, bake the dish in the oven. Transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until golden. These variations make the dish flexible and fun. You can create your own version every time you make it! To keep your creamy pesto gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep moisture in. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to reheat just what you need. It's best to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating, do it slowly on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. You want the texture to stay creamy, not dry. If you heat it too fast, the sauce can break or become clumpy. Yes, you can freeze creamy pesto gnocchi. To freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the flavors bright and fresh. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, you can make this dish vegan. Use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, opt for a vegan alternative. Also, use vegan pesto. What can I substitute for gnocchi? You can use pasta shapes like shells or penne. You can also try dumplings or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. How long does it take to cook? This dish takes about 25 minutes to cook from start to finish. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with cooking taking the remaining 15 minutes. How many servings does the recipe yield? This recipe yields four servings. It’s perfect for a small family or a cozy dinner with friends. Is it necessary to use fresh spinach? Using fresh spinach is best for flavor and texture. You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn't available, but drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Can I use jarred pesto? Yes, jarred pesto works well in this recipe. It saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just choose a good quality brand for the best taste. This blog post covered how to make a delicious creamy pesto gnocchi. We shared the key ingredients like gnocchi, spinach, and cream. I explained the cooking steps, tips for perfecting your dish, and variations to try. Don't forget about storing and reheating your leftovers for later. In conclusion, enjoy experimenting with this easy recipe. Feel free to mix ingredients and make it your own! Your taste buds will thank you.

One-Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi With Spinach

Indulge in a delightful dish with this one-pot creamy pesto gnocchi with spinach that's perfect for busy weeknights! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this comforting meal featuring tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce. It's simple, delicious, and sure to impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and make this tasty dish a new favorite in your home!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup basil pesto

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Add the gnocchi to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn golden brown.

      Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.

        Add the basil pesto and mix well until the gnocchi is evenly coated.

          Stir in the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

            Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy gnocchi in individual bowls, topped with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and fresh basil leaves for a touch of color.