Spinach Gnocchi
Creamy spinach gnocchi offers tender potato dumplings infused with spinach flavor, served in a rich cream sauce topped with Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal, it combines delicate textures with savory notes, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the potato until tender, then cool slightly and mash.
- Stir in salt, egg, spinach, and flour to form a stiff dough.
- Add more flour if needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Heat butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Saute chopped onions until translucent.
- Stir in whipping cream and pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt.
- Add half of the gnocchi to the boiling water.
- Cook until they rise to the surface, then boil for an additional 4 minutes.
- Remove the cooked gnocchi and drain.
- Repeat with the remaining gnocchi.
- Mix the cooked gnocchi into the cream sauce.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the gnocchi are light and fluffy, be careful not to overwork the dough after adding the flour. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute; just ensure it's thoroughly drained. For a different flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. This dish pairs beautifully with Basic Pesto Sauce for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gnocchi topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. A side of garlic bread and a light salad make excellent accompaniments to this dish. For an Italian-inspired meal, consider pairing it with Italian Bean Bake for a hearty vegetarian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or butter until warmed through, or microwave for quick reheating, adding a splash of cream if desired to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Gnocchi contains roughly 605 calories, with 12g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2040mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for a few hours or freeze them for longer storage. Just ensure they are well-floured to prevent sticking. Cook them directly from the freezer without thawing, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
What type of potato is best for gnocchi?
Starchy potatoes, such as Russets, are ideal for making gnocchi as they yield a light texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, which can make the gnocchi dense. Baking the potatoes instead of boiling them also helps to reduce moisture, leading to better gnocchi.
Can I add other ingredients to the gnocchi dough?
Absolutely! You can incorporate herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor, or even cheese such as ricotta for a richer taste. Experimenting with different greens, like kale or Swiss chard, can also provide a unique twist to the traditional spinach gnocchi.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).