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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
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If you are looking for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in one-pot in under 30 minutes that will have your entire family asking for seconds, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi recipe is for you. This dish combines pillowy potato gnocchi with savory chicken sausage, spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something spectacular without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi is it’s simplicity. By using the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to start the cooking process, you’re layering flavors right from the beginning. The combination of dried herbs – oregano and thyme – along with garlic and onion powder creates an aromatic Italian-inspired base that elevates the entire dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, making this creamy gnocchi recipe both comforting and exciting.

Not only is this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi a great weeknight dinner, but it is also perfect for meal prep as it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for lunch the next day. The flavors actually develop and become even more delicious over time. This recipe serves 4-6 people generously and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep purposes.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi

  1. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes are packed with concentrated flavor, bringing a tangy and slightly sweet punch to the dish. The oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes also add richness to the sauce, making every bite more indulgent.
  2. Chicken Sausage: Tender and flavorful, chicken sausage is an excellent lean protein that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. It’s quick to cook and adds a savory, satisfying element to the dish.
  3. Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down to add a pop of color and a touch of greenery to balance the richness of the cream.
  4. Gnocchi: These soft & pillowy Italian dumplings soak up the sauce beautifully and provide a perfect canvas for all the wonderful flavors in the dish.
  5. Heavy Cream and Parmesan: These two ingredients are the magic that transforms the sauce into a creamy, cheesy delight. The Parmesan cheese adds umami depth, while the heavy cream gives the dish its smooth, luscious texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Start with Flavorful Base: Begin by sautéing diced onions and garlic in the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. This simple step infuses the dish with aromatic flavors that serve as the perfect base for the rest of the ingredients. Cook until the onions are tender, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the Chicken Sausage and Spices: Next, toss in your dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, along with the diced chicken sausage. This is where the dish starts to come to life with fragrant spices and savory sausage. Simmer everything together for about 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Bring in the Gnocchi and Broth: After the sausage is browned and flavorful, add the gnocchi and chicken broth. The broth should just cover the top of the gnocchi. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the flavors of the broth and soften perfectly.
  4. Finish with Creamy Goodness: Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt down quickly, and the cream and cheese will combine to create a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the gnocchi. Make sure everything is well-coated and the spinach is fully wilted.
  5. Garnish and Serve: To add the finishing touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on top for added flavor and a bit of heat.

If you enjoy this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi, you may also like:

Tips & Substitutions

Recipe Tips

  1. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure to follow the timing closely. Once they float to the surface of the broth, they’re done. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
  2. Use Fresh Spinach for the Best Texture: While frozen spinach can work in a pinch, fresh spinach wilts beautifully and offers a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the dish.
  3. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add more heavy cream or even a touch of cream cheese for an extra creamy finish. For a lighter version, you can reduce the cream or substitute with half-and-half, whole milk or canned unsweetened coconut milk.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving can add a nice aromatic freshness that complements the richness of the dish.
  5. Balance the Salt: Since sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese all contribute saltiness, taste the dish before adding more salt, especially if using low-sodium broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

  1. Chicken Sausage:
    • Substitute with: Italian sausage (pork or turkey), ground chicken, ground turkey, or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
    • Alternative: For a meat-free version, use sautéed mushrooms or lentils as a protein-rich substitute.
  2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
    • Substitute with: Fresh tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or tomato paste. Keep in mind that these alternatives will change the flavor profile slightly, so adjust seasonings as needed.
    • Tip: If you prefer a lighter option, sun-dried tomato paste can also work to achieve a more concentrated tomato flavor.
  3. Gnocchi:
    • Substitute with: Other pasta types like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle. You may need to adjust cooking times depending on the pasta you choose.
  4. Heavy Cream:
    • Substitute with: Half-and-half, whole milk or canned, unsweetened coconut milk for a lighter version.
    • Alternative: For a rich but lighter sauce, use ricotta or cream cheese to thicken the sauce.
  5. Parmesan Cheese:
    • Substitute with: Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor or Asiago for a milder but still nutty taste. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a cheesy flavor.
    • Alternative: Manchego cheese can also be used for a similar texture and flavor profile.
  6. Chicken Broth:
    • Substitute with: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  7. Spinach:
    • Substitute with: Kale (be sure to remove the stems and chop it finely), Swiss chard, or arugula. These greens offer similar nutrition and texture, although they may slightly alter the flavor.
    • Tip: For a bolder flavor, you can add a small amount of arugula for a peppery kick.
  8. Onion & Garlic:
    • Substitute with: Shallots can be a milder option for the onion. If you don’t have garlic, garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Dietary Modifications:

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi or pasta
  • Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese
  • Vegetarian: Omit sausage or use plant-based alternative & swap chicken broth for vegetable broth

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi

Enjoy a creamy, comforting bowl of Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Gnocchi with chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy, 30-minute recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners!
  • Prep time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
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Ingredients

  • 1, 7oz jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 4-5 chicken sausages, diced
  • 1lb gnocchi
  • 1.5-2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, add 1.5 tbsp of the oil from the canned sun-dried tomatoes along with the diced onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes until the onions are fork tender
  2. Add dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and diced sausages and mix until until evenly coated. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes
  3. Add gnocchi and chicken broth – you want the broth to just cover the top of the gnocchi. Cover the pan and simmer for about 5 minutes
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream and parmesan cheese and mix until the spinach has wilted and everything is well combined
  5. Top with extra parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to serve & enjoy!
Keywords: 30 min dinnercreamy pastaeasy dinnergnocchione pot mealweeknight dinner
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Hi there! My name is Brooke Nickelatti and I am a recipe developer, food photographer, and lover of nutrition science. I am a firm believer that a healthy lifestyle begins in the kitchen and it is my mission to help others learn how to prepare meals that are both delicious and nutritious in a simple, time, and cost-efficient manner.

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Things Used in Recipe

Salt & Pepper Cellar

Caraway Set

Magnetic Measuring Spoons

Microplane Zester

Material Kitchen Cutting Board

Material Kitchen Knife Set

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Salt & Pepper Cellar

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Caraway Set

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Magnetic Measuring Spoons

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