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- 1 pound potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Optional: Toasted pine nuts for garnish To make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach, gather these simple and fresh ingredients. Start with one pound of potato gnocchi. You can find this at most grocery stores. Use two cups of fresh spinach, which adds color and nutrition. Heavy cream creates the creamy texture, so use one cup. For flavor, add half a cup of basil pesto. This can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your time. Don’t forget the cheese! Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the dish. Use half a cup to get that rich taste. For cooking, you need two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This will help sauté the garlic. Speaking of garlic, two cloves, finely minced, give great flavor. Lastly, season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want a crunchy touch, consider adding toasted pine nuts as a garnish. With these ingredients, you can create a delightful dinner that everyone will love. - Fill a large pot with salted water. - Bring to a rolling boil and add potato gnocchi. - Cook until they rise to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Cooking gnocchi is simple. I always use plenty of salt. This adds great flavor. Once the water boils, drop in the gnocchi. Watch for them to float; that means they are done. Drain them well and put them aside. - Sauté minced garlic in olive oil. - Gradually pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. - Stir in basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. For the sauce, heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Then, slowly pour in heavy cream. Let it simmer gently. Next, mix in basil pesto and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the sauce is creamy and smooth. - Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. - Fold in the drained gnocchi. - Season with salt and black pepper. Now, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook it for about two minutes until it wilts. Gently fold in the gnocchi, coating each piece in the creamy sauce. Finally, season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust if needed. This step brings everything together in a lovely way. - Ensure the water is well-salted for flavor. Salt brings out the best taste in gnocchi. - Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking. This helps keep the gnocchi intact and makes cleanup easier. - Do not overcook the gnocchi to maintain texture. Cook them just until they float to the top. Overcooking makes them mushy. - Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning. Garlic can go from golden to burnt in seconds. Stir it often to keep it safe. - Serve in shallow bowls for presentation. This makes the dish look more inviting and allows for easier eating. - Garnish with toasted pine nuts and basil. The nuts add crunch, while basil gives a fresh touch. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi. This option still gives you that soft and chewy texture. For a dairy-free choice, simply swap the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without the dairy. Want to add more flavor? Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables. These ingredients bring a sweet and savory taste that pairs well with the creamy pesto. If you need extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works great too. Just toss them in right before you serve your dish. You can switch up the sauce to keep things exciting. For a different flavor, replace the basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto. This gives a tangy and rich twist. If you want something even creamier, try a creamy Alfredo sauce base instead. Both options will keep your meal exciting and delicious. To keep your creamy pesto gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps retain flavor. You can keep the dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet. Use medium heat and add a splash of cream. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. I recommend avoiding the microwave. It can change the texture of the gnocchi. Freezing this dish is not a good idea. The texture of the gnocchi will change when frozen. Instead, enjoy it fresh. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them as described above. I love serving Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette pairs well. You can also serve garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, add a nice touch. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the dish perfectly. Yes, making homemade gnocchi is fun and easy! You need just a few ingredients: potatoes, flour, and egg. Start by boiling the potatoes until soft. Then, mash them and mix with flour and an egg to form a dough. Roll the dough into small pieces and shape them into little dumplings. Boil them in salted water until they float, just like store-bought gnocchi! Absolutely! Creamy Pesto Gnocchi works great for meal prep. You can make it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy and delicious. This blog post covered how to make creamy pesto gnocchi. We explored key ingredients like potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and pesto. You learned step-by-step instructions to cook this meal. The tips helped ensure perfect texture and flavor. Remember, you can modify it to fit dietary needs or flavor preferences. Don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients. Enjoy every comforting bite of this simple yet delicious dish!

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Spinach

Savor the deliciousness of Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach, a quick and comforting dish that's sure to impress! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this creamy masterpiece with potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and rich basil pesto. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and bursting with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful meal to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound potato gnocchi

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto (you may use store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: Toasted pine nuts for a delightful garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Gnocchi: Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, which is typically around 2-3 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. Drain them well and set aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until the aroma is released, taking care not to let it burn or brown.

      Make the Creamy Base: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes creamy and well integrated.

        Add Spinach and Gnocchi: Incorporate the chopped spinach into the skillet. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes or until wilted. Gently fold in the drained gnocchi, ensuring that each piece is beautifully coated in the creamy pesto sauce.

          Season: Season the dish generously with salt and black pepper to your taste. Let it cook for an additional minute to ensure everything is heated through evenly.

            Serve: Plate the Creamy Pesto Gnocchi hot, and if desired, garnish with toasted pine nuts for an added crunch and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for rich flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls for a rustic feel, and scatter a few extra pine nuts alongside the dish for a decorative touch. Add a sprig of fresh basil on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious creation!