One Pot Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

The most famous question of them all: what’s for dinner?

I GET IT. Even as a single lady, this is a question I wish someone would answer for me 99% of the time.

And do I have the answer for you! The best kind, too.

The kind that takes less than 20 minutes, is made in ONE POT, and even has some veggies thrown in.

Did you catch the part where I said one pot? Yes, ONE pan to clean. Ain’t no body arguing with that.

What’s in Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi?

Let’s take a closer look. Simple, fresh ingredients…

• leek
• onion
• garlic
• cherry tomatoes
• spinach
• refrigerated gnocchi
• white wine or veggie stock
• butter
• parmesan
• half and half (or heavy cream) – optional but recommended

10 ingredients (or fewer)! All made in one pot? I think we may have arrived at the weeknight dinner of all dinners!

I wanna talk about it for a minute though, naturally.

First things first: the leek. I’ve been on an absolute leek kick for what feels like a year or more (hello, risotto, dip, galette, and shakshuka). Leeks are part of the onion family but have a milder, more delicate flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy dishes.

I mean, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Plus, they’re in season! Spring leeks, baby!

How to Make One Pot Gnocchi

It’s not quite a throw it in the one pan and be done, but it’s just as simple. It’s not a throw and go kind of recipe because WE NEED FLAVOR IN LAYERS!

I’ve talked a lot about layering in flavor with salt in recipes over on Instagram. You’ve got to add the amount of salt you want in a recipe bit by bit throughout the cooking process so the flavors build on each other.

Similarly, we want to cook the leek and onion first, add in the garlic, and then continue with the rest of the ingredients. Starting with the aromatics as the building blocks guarantee flavor.

Next in go the tomatoes – whole. They’ll start to blister and roast, at which point you’ll begin to gently “smash” them. This releases the juices and starts to create the sauce.

What better to deglaze a pan with than white wine? If you have some on hand. If you don’t, use some stock – vegetarian to keep it veg-friendly or chicken if it’s what you have on hand. Using stock adds more flavor to the sauce (as does the wine ;)).

Some spinach for color and nutrients, then some parmesan, butter, and half-and-half for added creamy richness. Ah, the creaminess!

P.S. Many gnocchi’s are gluten-free, which means you can enjoy this “pasta” dish worry free if you’re gluten intolerant! WIN!

One Pot Creamy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

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• Author: Becca | Fork in the Kitchen
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings 1x

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Description

A luxurious, one-pot vegetarian dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes!

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 3 TBSP olive oil
• 1/2 cup halved and sliced leek (~1 large leek)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-pint cherry tomatoes
• 3/4 cup white wine or vegetable stock
• 3 TBSP unsalted butter
• 17 oz. refrigerated fresh gnocchi
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Several handfuls of baby spinach (1-2 cups)
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add leek and onion and cook for about 3 minutes. Add a pinch of salt- remember to continue to add it in layers for flavor! Add garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add cherry tomatoes; cook until they begin to blister, about 5 minutes, and then begin to smash them down gently with the back of your spoon. Let the juices cook about 1-2 minutes.
3. Deglaze the pan with white wine or vegetable stock. Bring it back to a simmer and let it cook down for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the butter to melt.
4. Add in the gnocchi, stir to coat and make sure they are in a single layer to cook evenly. Cover the pan (use foil if you don’t have a lid) and cook about 2 minutes longer than the package suggests (since you won’t be boiling them, it may take a little longer). Mine usually cook for about 4-5 minutes. Be sure to taste test! Stir in parmesan, spinach, and half-and-half. The spinach will wilt with the heat of the gnocchi. Serve immediately with additional parmesan and/or fresh basil as desired.

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Notes

To cut the leeks: trim off the root end and top stems (where the white turns dark green). Cut lengthwise and lay on the flat side. Cut into 1/2 inch half circles. Clean properly by placing cut pieces in a bowl of water and stir around to remove any dirt and sand. Drain and rinse.

If reheating, do so slowly on the stove as the gnocchi tend to get hard if microwaved (in my experience!).

• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: gluten free, quick, easy, vegetarian

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