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- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) You can swap gnocchi for pasta if needed. Use canned tomatoes in juice for easy prep. Instead of olive oil, try avocado oil for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a vegan brand. Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach; just thaw and drain it well. {{ingredient_image_1}} This dish comes together quickly. You need about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. Gather your ingredients first. This saves time and keeps you organized. 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. 3. Next, pour in a can of diced tomatoes. Keep the juices for flavor. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat. Let this simmer for 5 minutes. 4. While the tomato mix cooks, boil salted water in another pot. Add 1 pound of gnocchi and cook it for 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi is done when it floats. Drain it well and set aside. 5. After 5 minutes, stir in 3 cups of chopped spinach. Let it wilt for about 2 minutes. 6. Now add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Mix well with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 7. Remove from heat and sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir gently to mix and let the cheese melt slightly. 8. Serve hot! Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Prepare the ingredients while the oil heats. This keeps everything flowing. - Start cooking the gnocchi as soon as you add the tomatoes to the skillet. - Timing is key. You want the gnocchi ready when the sauce is done. - If you need extra flavor, add fresh herbs at the end. They brighten up the dish. To cook gnocchi well, use plenty of water. Salt the water well; this adds flavor. Cook the gnocchi until they float. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook them. If you do, they become mushy. Drain them gently and set aside. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil and parsley. They add brightness to the dish. You can also use more garlic for a richer taste. If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor as well. Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy touch. This looks rustic and inviting. For a fancier look, scoop into bowls. Top with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil. This adds a nice shine and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce! Pro Tips Choosing Gnocchi: Opt for fresh gnocchi if possible; it has a lighter texture compared to shelf-stable varieties. Enhancing Flavor: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the dish's flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad or crusty bread to make a complete meal. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the gnocchi. {{image_2}} You can easily boost this dish by adding protein. Chicken is a great choice. Simply cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. Cook until the chicken is browned. For shrimp, add them just after the tomatoes. They cook quickly and add a nice touch. Both options make this dish more filling and tasty. This recipe is easy to adapt for vegetarians and vegans. To keep it vegetarian, just stick to the original recipe. For a vegan version, swap the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. You can also increase the spinach or add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrition. If you want a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands are available in stores. They taste great and cook similarly to regular gnocchi. Make sure to check the labels for allergens. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. To keep your Quick Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down at room temperature first. Then, place it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat gently. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally until hot. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled gnocchi skillet in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can use store-bought gnocchi or make your own. I often choose store-bought for speed. Look for fresh or frozen gnocchi in the pasta aisle. Fresh gnocchi cooks fast and has a soft texture. Frozen gnocchi works well too; just follow the package instructions. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the gnocchi and sauce, then store them separately. Keep the gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce can also be stored for up to three days. Reheat both before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Gnocchi cooks fast. Boil them until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they rise to the surface, they are ready. You can also taste one to check for doneness. If it’s soft, it’s perfect! In this post, we explored the key ingredients for gnocchi, including required and optional items. I shared step-by-step instructions to make it easy. You learned essential tips for perfecting your dish and exciting variations to try. We also discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Remember, making gnocchi can be fun and rewarding. Use these tips to create your own version. Enjoy your cooking and share your delicious gnocchi with friends!

Quick Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Skillet

A quick and delicious skillet dish featuring gnocchi, fresh spinach, and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free alternative)
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir in the dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • While the tomato mix is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  • After the tomato mixture has simmered, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, mixing well with the tomato and spinach sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently to combine and allow the cheese to melt slightly.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for additional flavor and color.

Notes

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic feel, or ladle into individual bowls, topping each with a few extra basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil for added elegance.
Keyword gnocchi, quick meal, spinach, tomato