Creamy Spinach Gnocchi (One-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner)

Creamy Spinach Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort meal that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish made entirely in one pan. This recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with fresh spinach, garlic, and a silky cream sauce flavored with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.

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Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this creamy spinach gnocchi is the perfect meatless main dish or a rich side that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Quick and effortless: Everything cooks in one skillet — even the gnocchi! That means less cleanup and more time to relax.
✨ Comforting and creamy: The sauce is luscious, rich, and perfectly coats every bite of gnocchi.
✨ Flexible and family-friendly: Customize it with your favorite greens or add protein to make it a complete meal.
✨ Ready in 20 minutes: The perfect balance of convenience and indulgence for busy nights.

What Makes Creamy Spinach Gnocchi So Good

This recipe turns simple pantry staples into something incredibly satisfying. The creamy sauce simmers gently with the gnocchi, allowing the starch to naturally thicken everything into a velvety, cohesive dish. The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning gives it that comforting homemade flavor that’s both earthy and aromatic.

You don’t need to pre-cook the gnocchi — it goes straight into the sauce, where it soaks up flavor and becomes perfectly tender. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a pro chef with minimal effort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make your creamy spinach gnocchi masterpiece:

• Gnocchi: Use shelf-stable potato gnocchi (like Delallo or similar). They cook directly in the sauce and hold their shape perfectly.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best, but frozen (thawed and drained) is fine too.
• Heavy cream: The star of the sauce — rich, smooth, and indulgent. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter touch.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps cook the gnocchi. Substitute with vegetable broth or even water if needed.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a burst of flavor and aroma.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and balance.
• Smoked paprika: For subtle smokiness and color.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a hint of spice.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and adjust as you go.
• Olive oil: Used to cook the spinach and bring everything together.

What Type of Gnocchi Works Best

This recipe is incredibly forgiving when it comes to gnocchi types:

• Shelf-stable gnocchi: My go-to choice for this recipe. It’s convenient and holds up well in creamy sauces.
• Refrigerated gnocchi: Found in the chilled pasta section — works just as well!
• Cauliflower gnocchi: For a lower-carb option, this works great too.
• Homemade gnocchi: Possible, but be gentle — it can fall apart more easily in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Spinach

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add fresh spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until the leaves are wilted. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce and Cook the Gnocchi

In the same skillet, add uncooked gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cover the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi becomes soft and the sauce starts to thicken.

3️⃣ Combine Everything

Return the cooked spinach to the pan. Stir everything together on low heat for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the gnocchi.
Taste and adjust with more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips for Success

✅ No need to pre-cook gnocchi: It will cook right in the sauce, saving time and dishes.
✅ Use a good-quality skillet: Heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast-iron works best to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
✅ Thin the sauce if needed: If it gets too thick after cooling, just add a splash of cream, broth, or milk before serving.
✅ Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free gnocchi.
✅ Add protein: Toss in cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier version.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Veggies: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or broccoli.
• Greens: Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
• Cheese lovers: Top with freshly grated Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano.
• Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or chives for brightness.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the cream with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk thickened with a bit of flour and olive oil.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: Not recommended — creamy sauces tend to separate once thawed.

What to Serve With Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

This rich, creamy gnocchi pairs beautifully with lighter sides like fresh salads or roasted vegetables. Here are a few ideas:

• Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Feta
• Arugula Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
• Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Glaze
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette for dipping

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