Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
Comfort food doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is the perfect example — a one-pan Italian-inspired dish that’s rich, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, swirled with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Each bite bursts with velvety texture and Mediterranean warmth.
If you love creamy pasta dishes like Tuscan chicken or Alfredo, this gnocchi version might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner. It’s restaurant-level delicious yet simple enough for any home cook.
🍅 What Makes This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi So Special
This dish strikes a balance between indulgence and freshness. The cream sauce feels luxurious but is lifted by the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and tender spinach. The gnocchi, which cooks directly in the sauce, soaks up every bit of flavor — no need for a separate pot of boiling water!
Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or just treating yourself, this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi delivers comfort, elegance, and minimal cleanup.
🧄 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach (loosely packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 oz (450 g) potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Cracked black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to brown it.
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for another minute to release their flavor into the oil and butter mixture.
3. Pour in the Cream and Broth
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Gnocchi Directly in the Sauce
Add the gnocchi straight to the skillet (no need to boil separately). Stir to coat them in the sauce. Simmer uncovered for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in Spinach and Parmesan
Reduce heat to low and add the spinach. Stir until wilted, then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi directly into the sauce. Simmer for 6–8 minutes until tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan. Mix until spinach wilts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with basil or parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
🌿 Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality gnocchi.
Fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section will yield the best texture, but shelf-stable varieties also work beautifully. - Don’t overcook!
Gnocchi cooks quickly and can become mushy if left simmering too long. Once tender, remove from heat. - Want extra flavor?
Add a splash of white wine before the cream for a restaurant-style depth of flavor. - Make it vegetarian-friendly.
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and enjoy a rich, meatless meal. - Balance the richness.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the creamy sauce perfectly.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is indulgent on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides like:
- Garlic bread or focaccia for soaking up sauce
- Grilled or roasted chicken if you want added protein
- A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette for contrast
- White wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, for a complete Italian-style meal
🧀 Variations
- Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi: Add cooked, diced chicken breast or leftover rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Spicy Gnocchi: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili oil before serving.
- Mushroom Tuscan Gnocchi: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a deeper, earthy flavor.
🕓 Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Do not freeze: Cream-based sauces may separate when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Fun Fact: The Magic of Gnocchi
Gnocchi, pronounced NYO-kee, are small Italian dumplings made primarily from potato, flour, and egg. Their name comes from the Italian word nocca, meaning “knuckle” — a nod to their rounded shape. Originally from Northern Italy, gnocchi has evolved into a versatile comfort food that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces, pesto, or tomato-based dishes.
In Tuscany, creamy sauces with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes are a local favorite — and this modern twist on Tuscan flavors captures that comforting tradition beautifully.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s one-pan and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
- Combines classic Tuscan flavors with minimal effort.
- Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting.
This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi proves that simplicity and elegance can coexist in one skillet. It’s the kind of meal that looks gourmet but comes together faster than takeout — and every forkful tastes like a hug from Italy.
