Flavorful Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

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Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi has become my absolute go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that feels incredibly special. I remember the first time I tried making it – I was a little nervous about combining gnocchi with a creamy sauce, but the result was pure magic! The aroma of fresh basil and garlic filled my kitchen, and the way the spinach wilted into the rich sauce was just beautiful. This easy creamy pesto spinach gnocchi is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. It’s a dish that truly warms the soul, and I’m so excited to share this version of spinach pesto gnocchi with cream with you. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

You’re going to adore this dish for so many reasons. It’s a true winner:

Incredible Flavor: The combination of savory pesto, rich cream, and tender gnocchi is pure comfort food bliss.
Speedy Prep: You can have this on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with Goodness: Fresh spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals to this decadent meal.
Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour this creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
Easy Entertaining: Serve this gnocchi with spinach pesto and cream sauce when guests come over – it always impresses!
Satisfying Meal: This gnocchi with spinach pesto and cream sauce is hearty enough to be a complete dinner.

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Gathering the right creamy pesto spinach gnocchi ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious meal. You’ll need:

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) – I prefer store-bought for a quick weeknight meal, but homemade is amazing if you have time!
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – This wilts down beautifully into the sauce, adding a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and nutrients.
1 cup ricotta cheese – This is key for that super creamy texture and helps bind everything together.
1 cup heavy cream – For that luxurious, rich sauce that coats every piece of gnocchi.
1/2 cup pesto sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto for that vibrant basil and garlic punch.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – This melts into gooey perfection on top, creating that irresistible cheesy crust.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the pesto wonderfully.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For an extra layer of savory garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Balances the garlic and adds a subtle sweetness.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Always season to your preference!
Olive oil, for greasing the baking dish – Just a little bit to prevent sticking.

Having these simple yet impactful creamy pesto spinach gnocchi ingredients on hand makes dinner a breeze!

How to Make Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Ready to whip up this amazing dish? Learning how to make creamy pesto spinach gnocchi is simpler than you think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is just divine!

Step 1: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Typically, you’ll boil them in salted water until they float to the surface – usually just a few minutes. Once they’re ready, drain them well and set them aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy base. I like to whisk together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, pesto sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper until it’s wonderfully smooth.
Step 4: Gently fold the chopped fresh spinach into the creamy pesto mixture. Watch as it wilts slightly, distributing that vibrant green color throughout the sauce.
Step 5: Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the bowl with the sauce and spinach. Stir everything together gently, making sure each little gnocchi is coated in that luscious, creamy pesto sauce.
Step 6: Pour the entire gnocchi mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes consistently.
Step 7: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This cheesy topping is what makes this bake so irresistible!
Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown. The smell that comes out of the oven will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager to dig in!
Step 9: Once it’s out of the oven, let the creamy pesto spinach gnocchi cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Following these steps for how to make creamy pesto spinach gnocchi guarantees a delicious and comforting meal every time.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Want to elevate your creamy pesto spinach gnocchi game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a huge difference:

Don’t overcook the gnocchi before baking; they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
If using store-bought pesto, taste it first – some are saltier than others, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a splash of the gnocchi cooking water back into the sauce mixture.
Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle warmth that complements the spinach and pesto beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi?

The secret to the best creamy pesto spinach gnocchi lies in the balance of creaminess and flavor. Using ricotta cheese alongside heavy cream creates an incredibly luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the gnocchi, while fresh spinach adds a bright, healthy element. For more insights into creating balanced flavors, you can explore culinary techniques.

Can I make Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the entire mixture, including adding the gnocchi and sauce, up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the spinach might release a bit more liquid, so you may want to drain any excess before baking. It makes weeknight dinners even easier!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi?

A common pitfall is overcooking the gnocchi, which can make them mushy. Another is not tasting and seasoning the sauce adequately before baking. Always ensure your sauce is well-seasoned before adding the cheese topping. For more on proper seasoning, consider looking into seasoning tips.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

This rich and satisfying dish is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple additions to round out the meal. These creamy pesto spinach gnocchi serving suggestions are perfect for a cozy dinner or even a casual get-together.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic contrast to the creamy gnocchi. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-based dressing.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra delicious sauce. It’s a classic pairing that always satisfies.
Roasted Asparagus: For a touch of green and a slightly different texture, roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of Parmesan is lovely. The slight char complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Understanding the creamy pesto spinach gnocchi nutritional information can help you fit this delicious dish into your meal plan. This recipe is designed to be satisfying and flavorful, offering a good balance of ingredients. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, you can check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

Calories: 520 kcal
Fat: 25g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the type of gnocchi and pesto.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

This creamy pesto spinach gnocchi is such a delightful dish, and luckily, it stores and reheats like a dream, making it perfect for enjoying as spinach pesto gnocchi comfort food later in the week. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool completely before you think about storing it. This is important to prevent excess moisture buildup.

For refrigeration, store the cooled bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can stay frozen for about 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of great options. You can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake a larger portion in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems a bit dry. For more on food storage, visit our privacy policy which touches on food handling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

What is Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi?

Creamy pesto spinach gnocchi is a comforting baked pasta dish where tender gnocchi are tossed with a rich, creamy sauce made from pesto, heavy cream, and ricotta cheese, along with fresh spinach. It’s typically topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a fantastic vegetarian dinner option!

Can I substitute the gnocchi?

Absolutely! While gnocchi are the star, you can easily swap them out. Try using penne, rotini, or even cavatappi pasta. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free gnocchi or pasta. The cooking time for other pasta shapes might vary, so follow package directions. You can find more recipe ideas on our recipes page.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you’re missing ricotta, don’t worry! You can use an equal amount of cream cheese, softened, for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, some people find that using a bit more heavy cream and an extra egg yolk helps create a luscious sauce, though it won’t have the same binding quality as ricotta in this creamy spinach gnocchi pesto sauce.

How do I make the creamy spinach gnocchi pesto sauce richer?

To make the creamy spinach gnocchi pesto sauce even richer, you can add a tablespoon or two of butter along with the heavy cream and ricotta. You can also incorporate a bit of the starchy gnocchi cooking water back into the sauce before baking to help emulsify it and make it extra smooth and luxurious. For more about us, visit our about me page.

Variations of Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi You Can Try

This dish is so versatile, and I love experimenting with different ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of delicious variations to explore for your creamy pesto spinach gnocchi.

For Two: Halve all the ingredients for a perfect creamy pesto gnocchi for two. You can use a smaller baking dish or even individual ramekins. The cooking time might be slightly less, so keep an eye on it.
Add Protein: Boost this dish by adding cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers also add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Vegan Alternative: For a creamy pesto spinach gnocchi vegan alternative, swap the dairy cheeses for vegan mozzarella and Parmesan shreds. Use a plant-based cream (like cashew or oat cream) and ensure your pesto is vegan.
Lighter Option: While it’s a rich dish, you can lighten it up slightly by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or by incorporating more spinach and a bit less cheese. This is a great way to make it more of an everyday meal.