Creamy Garlic Gnocchi with Spinach (Printable)

Tender gnocchi bathed in rich garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach. A comforting, restaurant-worthy Italian classic.

# What You Need:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 1 lb potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

→ Vegetables

09 - 3.5 oz fresh baby spinach

→ Garnish

10 - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
11 - Freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions until they float to the surface, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
03 - Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce achieves a light thickness.
04 - Add the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss gently to coat, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly coated in sauce.
05 - Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but you'll be eating in under half an hour.
  • The sauce clings to every pillow soft gnocchi like a warm hug on a plate.
  • You probably have most of these ingredients already, and the rest are easy to grab on the way home.
  • It's fancy enough for date night but comforting enough for a quiet Tuesday alone.
02 -
  • Don't let the garlic brown or it will taste sharp and unpleasant, keep the heat medium and watch it closely.
  • If your sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the gnocchi cooking water to loosen it up, the starch helps it cling better anyway.
  • Fresh spinach wilts down to almost nothing, so don't be shy with the handful, it shrinks fast.
03 -
  • Reserve a cup of the gnocchi cooking water before draining, the starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded, it melts smoother and tastes infinitely better.
  • If you want extra garlic flavor without the bite, roast a few cloves beforehand and mash them into the sauce.
  • A tiny pinch of nutmeg might seem odd, but it adds a warmth that makes people ask what your secret is.
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