Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi: 1 Amazing Dish

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Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal that feels incredibly special. I first tried making it when I was looking for a quick, comforting dish to lift my spirits after a long day, and I stumbled upon this gem. The aroma of fresh basil and garlic wafting from the oven, combined with the tender gnocchi and vibrant spinach, is pure magic. It’s so satisfying to create this restaurant-quality meal at home, and I can honestly say this easy creamy pesto spinach gnocchi recipe never disappoints. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

This dish is a winner for so many reasons:

Incredible flavor: The combination of basil pesto, creamy sauce, and tender gnocchi is pure comfort.
Super quick prep: You can have this on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with greens: You get a good serving of spinach in every bite of this spinach pesto gnocchi with cream sauce.
Budget-friendly: It uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds of this delightful pasta bake.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with add-ins, this spinach pesto gnocchi with cream sauce is a crowd-pleaser.
Hearty and satisfying: It’s a complete meal that leaves you feeling full and happy.

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this amazing gnocchi with creamy pesto and spinach dish:

1 pound gnocchi – store-bought or homemade, your choice!
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – for a vibrant green color and nutrients
1 cup ricotta cheese – this makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and rich
1 cup heavy cream – the backbone of our luscious sauce
1/2 cup pesto sauce – use your favorite store-bought or homemade basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully for that gooey topping
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty depth
1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that essential savory kick
1 teaspoon onion powder – enhances the overall flavor profile
Salt and pepper, to taste – season to your preference
Olive oil – just a little to grease the baking dish

How to Make Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Step 1: Let’s get this party started! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil. This prevents any sticking and ensures a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Time for the gnocchi! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your gnocchi and cook them according to the package directions. They’re ready when they float to the surface – usually just a few minutes. Drain them well and set them aside.
Step 3: Now, let’s whip up that amazing sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup pesto sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. The aroma of the pesto is already fantastic!
Step 4: Gently fold in the 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped into the creamy mixture. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the sauce. This is where the dish gets its gorgeous green hue and a boost of freshness.
Step 5: Add the cooked gnocchi to the bowl with the sauce and spinach. Gently stir everything together until each piece of gnocchi is lovingly coated in that luscious, creamy pesto sauce. This is a key step in how to make creamy pesto spinach gnocchi.
Step 6: Pour this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so everything bakes up perfectly.
Step 7: Top it all off! Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the gnocchi mixture. This cheesy layer will bake into a bubbly, golden-brown crust that you’ll absolutely adore.
Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point!
Step 9: Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy this delicious creamy pesto spinach gnocchi dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Want to elevate your gnocchi game? Follow these tips for a truly exceptional dish:

Don’t overcook the gnocchi before baking; they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the pine nuts if your pesto doesn’t already include them. You can find great tips on toasting nuts from Allrecipes.
Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a splash more cream or a bit more ricotta if it seems too thick.
If you have time, letting the assembled bake sit for 10-15 minutes before baking can help the flavors meld beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy pesto spinach gnocchi?

The secret to the best creamy pesto spinach gnocchi lies in the quality of your pesto and the balance of the creamy sauce. Using good quality ricotta and heavy cream ensures a rich base, while fresh spinach adds brightness. Don’t overbake, or the gnocchi can become tough. For more on achieving perfect pasta textures, check out resources on cooking gnocchi.

Can I make creamy pesto spinach gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this dish ahead! Assemble the gnocchi, sauce, and spinach in the baking dish, top with cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy pesto spinach gnocchi?

A common pitfall is overcooking the gnocchi initially, which can lead to a mushy texture. Another mistake is not distributing the sauce evenly, resulting in dry pockets. Ensure all the gnocchi are well-coated before baking for consistent creaminess. You can find more helpful cooking advice on our Recipes page.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

This delightful spinach and pesto gnocchi dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic dressing cuts through the richness of the gnocchi perfectly. You could also offer some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra creamy sauce – a classic for a reason! A sprinkle of extra fresh basil on top just before serving adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful creamy pesto spinach gnocchi:

Calories: 520 kcal
Fat: 25g
Protein: 15g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information about our site, visit our About Me page.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

This delicious creamy pesto spinach gnocchi makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for an easy spinach pesto gnocchi dinner later in the week. Once baked, let the dish cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing. This helps prevent any condensation that could make it soggy. For refrigeration, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it for longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. For more recipe ideas, explore our Recipes section.

To reheat, you have a couple of great options. For a quick reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. If you have a bit more time and want that lovely bubbly texture back, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little dry after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi

What is creamy pesto spinach gnocchi?

Creamy pesto spinach gnocchi is a delightful Italian-American baked pasta dish. It features tender potato gnocchi enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from pesto, ricotta, and heavy cream, mixed with fresh spinach. It’s baked with cheese until bubbly and golden, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for dinner.

Can I use homemade pesto for this creamy pesto spinach gnocchi?

Absolutely! Using homemade pesto can really elevate this dish. If you’re making your own, ensure it has a good balance of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. This will add an extra layer of fresh flavor to your creamy pesto spinach gnocchi.

Is this recipe a quick creamy pesto spinach gnocchi?

Yes, this is definitely a quick creamy pesto spinach gnocchi! With about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. You can find more quick recipes on our Recipes page.

What can I add to make this creamy pesto spinach gnocchi dish more substantial?

To make this creamy pesto spinach gnocchi dish even more substantial, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, pancetta, or Italian sausage. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers also add a wonderful depth of flavor. For a vegetarian protein boost, chickpeas or white beans work quite well. For more details on our site, please see our Privacy Policy.

Variations of Creamy Pesto Spinach Gnocchi You Can Try

This dish is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

For a heartier meal: Add some cooked chicken breast, Italian sausage, or even some pan-seared shrimp to the mixture before baking. They pair beautifully with the creamy pesto and spinach.
Dietary adjustments: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free gnocchi. For a lighter take, you could try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it won’t be quite as rich. This dish is already a fantastic vegetarian creamy pesto gnocchi, but these tweaks make it more accessible.
Flavor boosters: Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Homemade pesto boost: If you’re feeling ambitious, making your own pesto for a homemade pesto spinach gnocchi recipe makes a huge difference. The fresh herbs and quality ingredients truly shine through.