Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi cooks directly in a tomato-cream sauce for a quick, comforting skillet dinner. Sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated flavor, and spinach folds in at the end. A spoonful of the tomato oil is an easy way to build the sauce without adding another ingredient.

Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil from a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, plus extra as needed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 3 packed cups baby spinach
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for serving

How to Make It

1. Warm the tomato oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; stir for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring so it does not scorch.
2. Pour in broth and cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in gnocchi and optional pepper flakes. Cover and cook for 4 minutes, then uncover and simmer for 3–5 minutes more, stirring often, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce coats it.
3. If the sauce thickens before the gnocchi is ready, add broth a few tablespoons at a time. Fold in spinach and stir for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in Parmesan. Taste for salt and pepper. Rest for 2 minutes, adjust the sauce with a splash of broth if needed, and top with basil and extra Parmesan.

Tips for the Best Result

This timing is for shelf-stable potato gnocchi. Fresh or frozen gnocchi may need different cooking times; follow the package guidance and adjust liquid as needed. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a little broth, stirring frequently. The sauce thickens as it stands.

Image: AI-generated serving illustration. Cooking times are approximate; use the texture and temperature cues above.