
I absolutely love this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe because it brings together rich, savory flavors with such ease and speed. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how quickly I could whip up a meal that felt both indulgent and comforting—but without the mess of multiple pots. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a cozy dinner without the fuss.
You’ll find that this recipe really shines with the sun-dried tomato oil and fresh basil, giving the dish that authentic Tuscan vibe right in your own kitchen. Plus, the creamy sauce clings to the gnocchi beautifully, making each bite silky and satisfying. Once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for a fast, flavorful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: It only takes 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy days.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
- Creamy & Flavor-Packed: The rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil delivers amazing depth of flavor.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap chicken broth for veggie stock and heavy cream for half and half.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe lies in simple but flavorful ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I always recommend grabbing fresh baby spinach and good-quality parmesan for best results.
- Sun-dried tomato oil: This packs a punch of bright, tangy flavor that infuses the whole dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Roughly chopped for bursts of chewy, slightly sweet bites.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible aroma and depth.
- Potato gnocchi: Dry packaged works best here—no need to pre-cook!
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness; veggie stock is a great alternative for vegetarians.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious sauce; half and half can lighten it up while keeping creaminess.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Baby spinach: Fresh leaves wilt beautifully and add color and nutrients.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and cheesy depth.
- Basil: Finely chopped for a fresh herbal finish.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own by tweaking the ingredients based on what’s in my fridge or to fit different dietary needs. Feel free to customize and make it truly yours!
- Vegetarian Variation: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth, and ensure your parmesan is vegetarian-friendly.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for some extra heartiness—I’ve done this when my family needed a more filling dinner.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes when sautéeing garlic to give a subtle heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with nutritional yeast for a creamy dairy-free twist.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the flavor base
Start by warming your pan over medium heat and adding the sun-dried tomato oil. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, then sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic smells amazing but hasn’t browned. This step is crucial because it releases those deep flavors that make the sauce so irresistible.
Step 2: Add and sear the gnocchi
Next, add the uncooked potato gnocchi straight into the pan. Let it sear with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute—this helps give the gnocchi a slight golden crust and adds texture to the dish. Resist stirring too much here; let them sit so they get a little crisp on one side.
Step 3: Pour in broth and cream and cook
Now pour in the chicken broth along with your heavy cream, and sprinkle in kosher salt. Stir gently and cook for about 5 minutes so the gnocchi finish cooking and the sauce thickens beautifully. The aroma at this stage will make your kitchen smell like a Tuscan trattoria, trust me!
Step 4: Add spinach and finish with cheese & basil
Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt for just about a minute over low heat. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped basil. Give it a gentle stir to combine—this finish adds freshness and that unmistakable cheesy goodness that makes the dish sing.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: I learned that giving gnocchi a little space helps them sear properly instead of steaming.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes way richer than pre-grated stuff.
- Low and Slow for Wilted Spinach: Adding spinach on low heat prevents it from turning bitter or mushy.
- Taste Before Serving: Salt levels can vary, so taste your sauce before plating to adjust seasoning perfectly.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this dish with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper to elevate the flavor even more. It’s those small touches that make it feel special every time.
Side Dishes
This creamy gnocchi is rich enough on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add freshness and balance. Garlic bread or crunchy crostini also work wonderfully if you want to make it a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers and microgreens for a fancy touch. Another time, I spooned it into hollowed bell peppers for a colorful, eye-catching presentation that impressed everyone.
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 usually let it cool completely before sealing it to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this particular dish because the cream sauce can separate once thawed. But if you want to freeze, try freezing the gnocchi and sauce separately, then combine after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce grainy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi can be used, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to make sure they cook through completely.
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Is it possible to make this vegan?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable stock, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful!
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How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
Make sure to simmer long enough so the cream thickens, and don’t cover the pan during cooking. Using less broth or more cream can also help control the sauce consistency.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the gnocchi for a gluten-free brand, which is widely available these days. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites, especially when I want something that feels special but doesn’t eat up my evening. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with fresh flavors that brighten up the plate every time. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and I bet you’ll keep it in your weekly rotation like I do.
PrintOne-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi (In 15 Minutes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi recipe that combines tender potato gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, uncooked (dry packaged gnocchi)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or veggie stock
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 ounces baby spinach, fresh
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium pan, heat the sun-dried tomato oil, then add the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté on medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sear the Gnocchi: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the pan and sear it with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute, allowing the gnocchi to slightly brown and absorb flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth (or veggie stock) and heavy cream (or half and half), then season with kosher salt. Stir gently and cook for 5 minutes to allow the gnocchi to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the pan and cook on low heat for an additional minute until the spinach wilts.
- Finish with Cheese and Basil: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Stir to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
- Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh gnocchi can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes during sautéing.
- Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh basil leaves for presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 996 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg