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To make this quick and tasty dish, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 package (16 oz) of potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup creamy ricotta cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the dish. The potato gnocchi gives a wonderful softness. The spinach adds a fresh green touch that is both healthy and bright. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Ricotta and Parmesan cheese add creamy richness that binds it all together. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. The flavors meld beautifully in just one pan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process. To make this one-pan spinach gnocchi, start with a quick guide. You will sauté, simmer, and stir all in one pan. This keeps cleanup easy and the flavors rich. A single-pan method helps meld the tastes together. You won't lose any flavor by using extra pots. 1. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: First, heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3-4 minutes. They should soften and release their juices. 2. Cook the Gnocchi and Add Spinach: Now, add the package of gnocchi to the skillet. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You will know the gnocchi is done when they float to the top. Once they do, stir in the chopped spinach, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. After the spinach wilts, remove the skillet from heat. Spoon dollops of creamy ricotta cheese over the gnocchi. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt slightly. Finally, give everything a gentle stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a pop of color, serve directly from the pan with fresh basil leaves on top. You can drizzle a bit of extra olive oil for added richness. Enjoy your meal! To enhance the flavor profile, use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes bring out the best taste. You can add herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish too. Adjust texture and creaminess by controlling the amount of ricotta. If you want it richer, add more. For a lighter version, reduce the ricotta. Mixing in a bit of pasta water can also help make it creamier. Pair your dish with crusty bread or a light salad. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette complements the meal well. Serve the gnocchi straight from the pan for a rustic feel. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color. Drizzling olive oil on top adds richness and looks great. Prep ingredients in advance for a quicker cook time. Chop spinach and halve tomatoes the night before. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Use a large skillet for cooking to save on cleanup. A good non-stick skillet makes cooking and serving easy. A lid helps to melt cheese faster, saving you time. {{image_2}} You can change up the veggies in your dish. Try using kale or mushrooms. These options add great taste and nutrition. If you want to swap cheese, use dairy-free options if needed. Nutritional yeast works well for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding spices can take your dish to another level. Try thyme or oregano for a different taste. You can also toss in proteins like chicken or shrimp. This makes the meal heartier and adds more flavor. If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily adapt this dish. Use dairy-free cheese instead of ricotta and Parmesan. For gluten-free options, look for gnocchi made from rice or corn. These swaps keep the meal tasty and fit your diet. To keep your one-pan spinach gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool before sealing it. This way, it won’t trap moisture. The meal lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently to prevent sticking. This method keeps the gnocchi soft and creamy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the gnocchi tough. If you want to save leftovers, you can freeze portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to label them with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove for the best texture. What is the best type of gnocchi to use? I recommend using potato gnocchi. It has a soft texture and absorbs flavors well. You can find it in most grocery stores. Fresh gnocchi is great if you can get it. Dried gnocchi works too, but it may take longer to cook. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove. The flavors will still taste great, but the spinach may lose some color. How do I know when the gnocchi is done cooking? When the gnocchi floats to the top of the water, it is done. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't overcook. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. What can I do if my sauce is too thick? If your sauce is thick, add a splash of water. Stir it well to combine. You can also add more olive oil for richness. Adjust to your preferred consistency. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well. Just thaw it and squeeze out excess water before adding it. This will prevent your dish from getting watery. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? You can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Cream cheese also works if you want a richer taste. Greek yogurt can add a tangy flavor while keeping it creamy. This blog post shared a tasty, easy gnocchi recipe with fresh ingredients. We covered each step from cooking to serving. You learned tips to enhance flavor and texture, along with ideas for swaps and variations. Remember, this dish is flexible to fit your needs. Feel free to experiment with ingredients to suit your taste. With the right techniques, this one-pan meal will shine at your table. Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful dish!

20-Minute One-Pan Spinach Gnocchi

Craving a quick and delicious dinner? Try this 20-Minute One-Pan Spinach Gnocchi recipe! Packed with fresh spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy ricotta, this meal combines flavor and simplicity effortlessly. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make and clean up. Ready to impress with minimal effort? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 package (16 oz) of potato gnocchi

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup creamy ricotta cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly.

      Add the gnocchi to the skillet with the tomatoes. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the gnocchi float to the top.

        Stir in the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

          Remove the skillet from the heat and dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the gnocchi. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

            Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly.

              Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

                  - Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the pan, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness.