Save This one-pot creamy tomato gnocchi fills the kitchen with the promise of comfort food and comes together in just thirty minutes. Tender gnocchi bubbles away in a velvety tomato sauce, folded with fresh spinach and showered in Parmesan. It is ideal for busy nights and guarantees smiles around the table.
My family could not believe something so delicious could be ready so quickly. The first time I served this, my husband went back for thirds and the last bit of sauce was scraped from the pot with bits of bread.
Ingredients
- Gnocchi: Choose high quality shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi with a pillowy texture. Fresh gnocchi from the deli section cooks fastest and absorbs sauce beautifully
- Yellow onion: Finely chop for sweetness and aroma that forms the flavor backbone
- Garlic: Mince it small for that essential Italian depth
- Baby spinach: Choose fresh tender leaves that will melt seamlessly into the sauce
- Cherry tomatoes or canned tomatoes: Use fresh if they are sweet and juicy. Canned diced tomatoes also work for convenience
- Tomato passata or crushed tomatoes: Rich thick base that makes the sauce luscious
- Heavy cream: Brings the creamy element that sets this dish apart. Full-fat has the dreamiest effect
- Vegetable broth: Adds savoriness and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for the best melt and boldest nutty flavor
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for richness and a peppery note
- Dried Italian herbs: A blend like basil oregano and thyme makes the flavors pop
- Salt: Select fine sea salt to bring everything together
- Black pepper: Crack it fresh for brightness
- Red pepper flakes: Optional for a subtle gentle heat
- Fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan for finishing: Choose fresh basil and real Parmesan for the best garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sweat the Onion:
- Pour olive oil into a large deep skillet or Dutch oven and place over medium heat. Scatter in the chopped onion and cook gently for three to four minutes until it turns translucent and softens without browning. Stir regularly to build sweetness
- Soften the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute. Let the garlic release its fragrance but avoid letting it color or burn to preserve a delicate background flavor
- Sauté the Tomatoes:
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes or drained canned diced tomatoes. Continue cooking and stirring for three to four minutes. Let the tomatoes release juice and start to break down which creates fresh brightness and silky texture
- Build the Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato passata along with the vegetable broth and dried Italian herbs. Season with salt black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed and simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Add the gnocchi straight into the bubbling sauce. Stir to coat each piece then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for seven to eight minutes stirring every now and then so nothing sticks. The gnocchi will soften and soak up flavor as they cook
- Finish with Cream and Spinach:
- Lower the heat to a gentle setting. Pour in the heavy cream and add all the fresh baby spinach. Stir until the leaves wilt into the sauce and everything looks creamy and glossy. This takes about two minutes
- Add the Parmesan:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese making sure it melts fully and thickens the sauce even more. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed so the flavors are perfectly balanced
- Plate and Garnish:
- Serve portions hot right from the pot. Scatter torn fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan over each bowl for irresistible aroma and flavor
Save Every time I make this I am reminded of how my kids sneak the cheese off the counter and how quickly even picky eaters dig in. Spinach disappears unnoticed into the creamy sauce and the joy of gnocchi night brings everyone to the table.
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy consistency. Gnocchi dishes do not freeze well as the texture can become mushy upon thawing
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free meal. Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different flavor. For gluten-free diners select potato gnocchi made with gluten-free flour blends and always check labels
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Crusty bread is a must for scooping up the luscious tomato sauce. Serve as a standalone main or add roasted mushrooms or grilled chicken for extra protein
Cultural Context
Gnocchi have deep Italian roots often made from potatoes and flour and serve as a rustic alternative to pasta. This creamy tomato adaptation is not traditional but brings together the comfort of classic Italian flavors and the convenience of modern home cooking. It is inspired by the simplicity of weeknight meals in busy Italian households
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring swap spinach for young asparagus or peas. Use roasted butternut squash in the fall for extra depth. Summer tomatoes make this dish vibrant and fresh when in season
Save Create gnocchi night memories and serve this one-pot dish for pure comfort—all ready in half an hour—with irresistible aroma in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Add it directly to the sauce and adjust simmering time until tender.
- → Is there a vegan version?
Swap in plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan for a completely dairy-free alternative.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers blend beautifully with the tomato and gnocchi base.
- → How can I make it gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free gnocchi—always check packaging for wheat ingredients before preparing.
- → What cheese works besides Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or other hard Italian-style cheeses can substitute for Parmesan in this dish.
- → What side dishes pair well?
A fresh green salad and warm crusty bread make perfect accompaniments for extra heartiness.