One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe

I absolutely love this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe because it’s a total game-changer on busy weeknights. You get all the rich, comforting flavors of a creamy Tuscan sauce with tender gnocchi — and the best part? You only dirty one pan! When I’m short on time but craving something delicious, this recipe never lets me down.

You’ll find that the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach really elevates the dish, making it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for that last-minute dinner or a cozy weekend treat when you want something impressive without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe strike a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and fresh. You don’t need anything fancy, just good-quality basics that come together quickly.

• Sun-dried tomato oil: Adds a depth of flavor from the luscious tomato essence; if you can’t find this, mix olive oil and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped roughly to release their sweet tang, giving every bite a burst of the Tuscan coast.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that aromatic punch that’s essential in Tuscan cooking.
• Potato gnocchi: I recommend using dry packaged gnocchi; it sears nicely and holds up well in the creamy sauce.
• Chicken broth or veggie stock: Adds savory depth without overpowering the delicate sauce.
• Heavy cream or half and half: Heavy cream gives the richest sauce, but half and half works for lighter results.
• Kosher salt: Essential for balancing all those flavors; taste as you go!
• Baby spinach: Fresh and tender, it quickly wilts to add beautiful color and nutrition.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor; skip the pre-grated stuff if you can.
• Fresh basil: Finely chopped for a bright herbal finish that turns this dish into something special.

Variations

I love experimenting with this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe to keep things fresh and fun. Feel free to swap out or add ingredients depending on what’s in your fridge or your personal preference.

• Protein boost: I sometimes add cooked chicken or Italian sausage slices for a heartier meal that my family really enjoys.
• Vegetarian swap: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth and add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Lighter option: Half and half instead of heavy cream cuts calories but still keeps the sauce creamy.
• Extra herbs: Fresh thyme or oregano can give a subtle twist if you want to play with the herbal profile.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base

First, heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant. This little step is key because it wakes up the oil and infuses it with that intense, tomato-garlic flavor that defines this dish. Just be careful not to burn the garlic — keep an eye on the heat and give it a gentle toss now and then.

Step 2: Sear the Gnocchi

Next, add the uncooked gnocchi straight into the pan. Let them sear with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute, turning occasionally. This searing step adds a slight golden crust to the gnocchi which I absolutely adore — it brings a subtle textural contrast to the creamy sauce later. You’ll notice the gnocchi start to get a little firm on the outside but are still soft inside, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Season

Now pour in the chicken broth (or veggie stock) and heavy cream. Season with kosher salt. Let everything cook together for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid will thicken slightly and become deliciously creamy, coating each gnocchi perfectly. I’ve found that simmering on medium heat works best to avoid breaking the gnocchi apart.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Finish

Finally, toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook for an additional minute on low heat. The spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a lovely pop of green and nutrition. Remove from heat and sprinkle over the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. These last two ingredients add the signature cheesy and herbal notes that make this dish so irresistible.

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves right before serving. Sometimes I even add a tiny drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. These garnishes add freshness and a little something extra that takes this from everyday meal to something a bit special.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this creamy gnocchi, cutting through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works perfectly to scoop up any leftover sauce. If you want to add protein, a simple grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi in individual shallow bowls topped with a fragrant basil sprig and a light dusting of parmesan. It looks restaurant-worthy and makes guests feel special. You can also pre-plate portions and bake briefly with a touch of extra cheese for a golden crust on top—such a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the sauce creamy rather than clumpy. When you’re ready to eat, give it a quick stir before reheating.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this recipe because the cream sauce can separate after thawing. But if you want to, freeze in individual portions and thaw gently in the fridge overnight. Stir well before reheating to recombine the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm the gnocchi gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Microwaving works too, but I find stovetop reheating helps keep the creamy texture intact without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it delivers such comforting, fresh flavors without the hassle or mess. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, I truly believe this will bring a little Tuscan sunshine to your table. So go ahead, try this recipe—you won’t regret it, and your taste buds will thank you!

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