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- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh spinach adds a bright taste and vibrant color. Fresh garlic gives a strong, tasty kick that dried garlic can't match. When you use quality cheese, like freshly grated Parmesan, you get a rich, creamy texture. Fresh ingredients not only taste better but also add nutrients to your meal. You can swap out ingredients if needed. If you can't find potato gnocchi, try using store-bought or homemade pasta. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you're dairy-free, look for plant-based cream and cheese. You can also add veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Enjoy experimenting! To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the potato gnocchi into the pot. Cook the gnocchi for about 2-3 minutes. You will know they are ready when they float to the top. Once cooked, drain them well but do not rinse. This keeps the starch on the gnocchi, which helps the sauce stick. Next, take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell good and turn a light golden color. Stir it often to avoid burning. Now, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it around until it wilts down, which takes about 3-4 minutes. When the spinach looks soft, gently pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to mix everything together. Turn the heat up a little to bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring to make sure it doesn't curdle. After the cream is simmering, reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. This will help the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Mix until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Use a spatula or tongs to toss the gnocchi gently in the creamy sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to soak up the delicious flavors. Once heated through, take the skillet off the heat. Spoon the creamy gnocchi into serving plates or a large bowl. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness to your meal. For extra flair, you can sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top and add a twist of black pepper. To prevent overcooked gnocchi, keep an eye on the pot. Boil salted water and add the gnocchi gently. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi will float when they are ready. If they stay in too long, they can become mushy. Always drain them right after cooking. Do not rinse them; you want to keep the starch on them. This helps the sauce stick better. To make a richer sauce, use more butter and cream. Start by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream slowly. Stir it well to mix. You can also add more Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. It adds depth and flavor. If you want a hint of sweetness, try a pinch of sugar. This balances the garlic's strong taste. To enhance the flavors, season your dish well. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add brightness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Consider a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors! {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to this dish. Chicken or shrimp pairs well with the creamy sauce. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. Sauté them in the garlic butter before adding the spinach. For shrimp, add raw shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until pink, then follow the recipe as usual. Both options will make it heartier and more filling. If you want a vegetarian twist, consider adding other vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can all be great choices. Sauté these veggies with the garlic. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. This way, the dish stays fresh and exciting. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. You can also find plant-based butter for sautéing. These swaps keep the dish creamy without dairy. To keep leftovers fresh, store the gnocchi in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay good for up to three days. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the gnocchi soggy. Reheat your gnocchi on the stove for the best results. Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. If you choose this method, place the gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for one minute, then stir and heat again if needed. To freeze, place cooled gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer the gnocchi to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, cook them straight from the freezer in boiling water for about 4-5 minutes. No need to thaw! This keeps their texture intact. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook it straight from the freezer. Follow the package directions, usually around 3-5 minutes in boiling water. Frozen gnocchi tastes great and saves time. To add spice, try red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and add more if needed. You can also use a dash of hot sauce or minced fresh chili. These options give your dish a nice kick. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. A light white wine complements the flavors nicely, too. Gnocchi is cooked when it floats to the top of the boiling water. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Once it rises, it's ready to be drained and tossed with the sauce. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Look for gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or other gluten-free flours. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy every bite worry-free. This blog post covers the key steps to make creamy garlic butter spinach gnocchi. We explored the importance of fresh ingredients and shared helpful substitutions. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, tips to avoid overcooked gnocchi, and ways to enhance the flavor. You learned about delicious variations, storage tips, and common questions. In essence, cooking this dish can be fun and satisfying. With fresh ingredients and a few tricks, you can impress anyone at your table. Now, go enjoy making your gnocchi!

Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Gnocchi

Indulge in a deliciously creamy garlic butter spinach gnocchi that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! This simple recipe combines soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, savory sauce that comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s a delightful meal the whole family will love. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and make this comforting dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Gnocchi: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, generally around 2-3 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. Once they float, they are ready. Drain the gnocchi and set aside, ensuring not to rinse them to retain their starch.

    Sauté the Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant and just golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

      Add the Spinach: To the skillet, add the fresh spinach, stirring constantly until it wilts down, which takes approximately 3-4 minutes.

        Create the Sauce: Gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat slightly, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while continuing to stir to prevent curdling.

          Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce achieves a silky, smooth consistency. Adjust the flavor with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

            Combine with Gnocchi: Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, using a spatula or tongs to gently toss them in the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the gnocchi can absorb the flavors.

              Serve the Dish: Once thoroughly heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the creamy gnocchi to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley, adding a vibrant pop of color and brightness to the dish.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. Add a twist of fresh black pepper and an additional parsley garnish for a beautiful finish.