Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe

I love trying new recipes, and I was so excited when I stumbled upon this super creamy gnocchi recipe. With just the right balance of savory ingredients, this creamy Tuscan gnocchi recipe is loaded with delicious flavors that will impress absolutely anyone.

Perfect for a cozy night or as a comforting meal for a busy weeknight, this easy gnocchi recipe features fluffy, pillowy gnocchi coated in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with Italian spices.

So get ready to enjoy the Italian flavors with this popular gnocchi recipe from Olive Garden.

Just imagine such an impressive, colorful, and delicious Italian dinner recipe ready in under 30 minutes, packed full of creamy flavors that will walk you through the delicious aromas of Italian cuisine from the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe

• A flavorful recipe. What’s not to love about a recipe that consists of a creamy and flavorful sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, loaded with delicious Italian flavors?
• Easy to make. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe it’s super easy to make, and it can be made by almost everyone who knows how to handle a pan and a few ingredients. So it’s a great option for a quick and easy dinner on a busy weeknight.
• Comfort food: This gnocchi recipe is a classic comfort food that many people love since it’s made from a type of pasta that gives it a soft and fluffy texture once cooked, and when paired with a creamy sauce, it makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• A versatile recipe. Gnocchi is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked with many different sauces and toppings. So feel free to experiment with other flavors and ingredients to make it your own.
• A crowdpleaser. This delicious dish is perfect for feeding your family or a group of friends since it will be loved even by the pickiest eaters.
• Vegetarian. This gnocchi recipe is also vegetarian-friendly since it excludes meat or meat-based products. 
• It’s a one-pot meal. This recipe is made in only one pot, meaning minimal clean-up is involved, and it can be a great option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time washing dishes after cooking.

Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Video Recipe

What Are Gnocchi?

As an Italian-inspired dish, gnocchi has been around for centuries, but chefs have only recently begun experimenting with bold new combinations of textures and tastes.

Made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs, gnocchi are small Italian dumplings with a soft and pillowy texture, usually served with sauce or different toppings.

This recipe for gnocchi that we are about to explore takes these ingredients to the next level. Just imagine a creamy sauce made from an interesting combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach that will tantalize your taste buds from the first try.

There is so much to say about gnocchi dishes, starting from existing types to tips and tricks for preparing the best dishes with them. So let’s dive into the gnocchi world together.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

So are you ready to take on the challenge of making your own creamy Tuscan gnocchi? But before we start, let’s ensure you have everything you need to create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe successful.

• Butter – A great source of fat and flavor, butter adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce that will be hard to forget.
• Onion – I used a medium yellow onion sautéed in butter for this recipe to add flavor and a delicious aroma to the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves – You will need fresh minced garlic for this recipe to help enhance the dish’s flavor, aroma, and nutritional value, making it a more delicious and healthy meal.
• Potato Gnocchi – One of the main ingredients in this Tuscan dish, providing a hearty and filling base for the creamy and flavorful sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These tomatoes are used to infuse a sweet and savory flavor into the dish, offering a burst of umami and sweetness to the sauce. This pairs perfectly with the creamy and chewy texture of the gnocchi.
• Chicken Broth – Provides extra flavor to the recipe. You can also replace it with vegetable broth. As this recipe uses broth, ensure you regulate the amount of salt you use.
• Heavy Cream – This is the key ingredient in the recipe that creates a rich, creamy, and luxurious sauce, coating the gnocchi and other ingredients. Opt for full-fat heavy cream to achieve a smooth and velvety texture.
• Italian seasoning – Use this spice mix to ensure you obtain an authentic and aromatic Italian flavor. 
• Baby Spinach – Apart from its incredible taste, this dish features fresh spinach that adds color and flavor while also boosting the nutritional content due to its rich vitamin and mineral profile.
• Parmesan Cheese – Include freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to introduce a rich, salty, and nutty flavor to the dish.
• Basil – Freshly chopped basil is required to garnish this dish before serving.

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi

Making this Tuscan gnocchi recipe at home is easy and incredibly satisfying. And know that we are informed about all the necessary ingredients; let’s follow these step-by-step instructions to create a restaurant-quality Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi that will impress your family and friends.

Cook The Gnocchi

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and saute the chopped onion until tender and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds until fragrant.

Now, you can add the gnocchi and sear in the flavored butter for one minute. 

Pro Tip: You can also cook the gnocchi before making the sauce according to the package directions, then add them directly to the sauce. However, I recommend cooking them within the sauce to ensure they absorb all the delightful flavors.

Making The Sauce

After one minute, add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your preference, and give everything a thorough mix. Then, reduce the heat to medium.

Cover the pan with a lid and let cook for 5 minutes.

Flavorful Finale

Remove the lid and stir in the fresh baby spinach. Let it cook for one minute or until wilted, then add the parmesan cheese and simmer for 2 more minutes until the gnocchi is soft and cooked through and the sauce is thickened.

Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and enjoy.

Essential Tips For Succes

• High-Quality Ingredients: If you want to enjoy that authentic flavor of traditional Tuscan cuisine, make sure you use fresh ingredients such as fresh gnocchi, fresh spinach, good-quality cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Use The Right Pan: Use a non-stick pan to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom and tearing apart. 
• Don’t Overcrowd The Pan: If you plan to make a large batch of this Tuscan gnocchi recipe, use a pot that’s large enough.
• Add The Greens At The End. The spinach and basil should be added at the end and cooked just until wilted. Once overcooked, the spinach will become slimy and lose its vibrant color.

What to Serve with Tuscan Gnocchi

This creamy Tuscan gnocchi recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines soft potato gnocchi with a creamy and flavorful sauce. If you want to take your creamy gnocchi recipe to the next level and impress your family or guests, you may want to know how to serve it creatively and excitingly.

Fortunately, many serving suggestions can elevate your creamy Tuscan gnocchi into an impressive meal. So here are some great ideas for serving this dish in delicious and creative ways.

• Keep it simple. Once you turn off the heat, transfer your gnocchi to a plate, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley/basil for extra flavor, and enjoy immediately.
• Serve It As A Side Dish. You can also serve this creamy Tuscan gnocchi alongside roasted or grilled meats as a side dish.
• Try a Fresh Salad Pairing: Enhance your gnocchi experience by serving it with a refreshing salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
• Dip with Your Favorite Bread: Elevate the enjoyment by having your preferred bread on hand for savoring every bit of the delectable Tuscan sauce.
• Add Some Crunch: For added texture, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs over the dish before serving. This brings a delightful crunch to each bite.

Wine Selection

If you want to make everything perfect, pair this creamy Tuscan gnocchi recipe with the right type of wine to elevate the flavors of this dish and create a wonderful dining experience. So let’s explore what type of wines will perfectly complement this savory flavor profile.

• Chardonnay: A medium to full-bodied white wine with buttery notes and hints of oak can complement the creamy sauce and flavors of the gnocchi.
• Pinot Grigio: This light and crisp white wine, with its subtle acidity, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Sauvignon Blanc: With its vibrant acidity and citrusy notes, a Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the creaminess and add a lively dimension to the meal.
• Chianti: If you prefer red wine, a Chianti, a medium-bodied Italian red wine, can work well with the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and the heartiness of the gnocchi.
• Pinot Noir: Another red wine option, a light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir, can provide a balance to the dish’s creamy texture without overpowering it.

Avoid heavy and tannic wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah since they will ruin the sauce’s creaminess and overpower the gnocchi’s delicate flavors.

Variations

While the classic creamy Tuscan gnocchi recipe is a timeless favorite, there are many variations and twists that you can make to customize the dish to your liking. So whether you prefer a spicier version, a lighter sauce, or a vegan twist, the options are endless. 

Let’s explore some delicious and creative variations for this recipe and create a dish that has your signature.

• Add Protein: For a heartier version of this recipe, you add some protein, such as grilled chicken breast, Italian sausage, or pan-seared shrimp, to the sauce.
• Try Different Greens: Instead of spinach, use kale or arugula instead.
• Make it Vegan: If you follow a vegan diet, turn this recipe into a vegan version using coconut cream and plant-based cheese. You can also add vegan protein such as chickpeas or tofu.
• Use Different Cheeses: Replace the classic Parmesan cheese from this recipe with other types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Pecorino Romano.
• Make it Spicy: Add one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist.
• Use Different Types of Gnocchi: Instead of regular potato gnocchi, try using your favorite gnocchi from the above list for a delicious and colorful variation.
• Make A Light Version: Use low-fat milk and cheese, and substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth to create a lighter Tuscan gnocchi recipe.

Troubleshooting

Even though this Tuscan gnocchi dish is quite simple to make, some troubleshooting may appear while preparing it. So here are some troubleshooting tips that will help you overcome some common issues when making this recipe:

1. The Sauce is Too Thin – This may happen if you didn’t simmer the sauce long enough to thicken. So try letting it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches the right consistency. Or, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it quickly.
2. The Sauce is Too Thick – Thin it out by adding a small amount of water or chicken broth. Start with a tbsp at a time and whisk until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Gnocchi is Mushy – This may happen if you overcook the gnocchi, so follow the cooking instructions and remove them from the water as soon as they float to the surface (if you cook them before making the sauce). 
4. The Sauce is Separating – this may happen due to overheating or overcooking. So ensure you cook the sauce at low heat and stir constantly to prevent it from overheating. 

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made this delicious Tuscan gnocchi recipe, you’ll want to ensure the leftovers will stay fresh for as long as possible. To do that, it’s important to know the proper storage tips to keep your leftovers tasting just as delicious as they did on the day you made them. Learn how to store these Tuscan gnocchi leftovers by following the next steps.

• Fridge: You can store the Tuscan gnocchi leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: If you have cooked a large batch of gnocchi and any leftovers won’t be consumed in the next 4-5 days, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

To do that, transfer the leftovers to a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer. 

TIP:  Let the leftovers cool completely at room temperature to prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the gnocchi soggy and mushy.

To Reheat

• You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 30-second intervals stirring in between until it’s heated through.
• Or you can use the stovetop and reheat the gnocchi in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Substitutions

• Butter: Replace the butter with olive or coconut oil for a vegan or dairy-free version.
• Gnocchi:  If you can’t find gnocchi, you can make homemade gnocchi using potatoes, flour, and eggs, or you can replace them with another type of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
• Heavy cream: Use half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream, but the sauce may not be as thick and creamy.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Replace them with cherry tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Sure, you can make this Tuscan sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then reheat it gently on the stove on low heat before adding it to the cooked gnocchi.

Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead Of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in the recipe, but just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to the sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Sure, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Then reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding 2 tablespoons of broth or water, if the sauce looks too thick.

By adding some liquid, you can help to loosen up the sauce, restoring it to its original creamy consistency.

How Do I Know If The Gnocchi Is Cooked Properly?

To check if the gnocchi is cooked properly, cut one of them in half and look at the texture. The center should be soft and pillowy, while the exterior should be slightly firm and hold its shape. 

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