Savory Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Spinach

$- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon for a vibrant flavor - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish To make this dish, you need just a few simple items. The potato gnocchi serves as the base. The butter gives it a rich taste. Minced garlic adds a strong flavor that pairs well with spinach. Fresh spinach not only looks nice but also adds nutrients. Red pepper flakes can spice things up, but they are optional. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess, while lemon zest gives a fresh kick. Lastly, parsley makes it look pretty! You can change up this recipe to fit your tastes. Here are some ideas: - Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. - Vegetables: Toss in cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for more flavor. - Herbs: Try fresh basil or thyme for a different aroma. - Cheese: Use feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. These options let you make this dish truly yours! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. When the water is bubbling, add the gnocchi. Cook them for 2-3 minutes or until they float. This means they are ready! Drain the gnocchi and set them aside for later. Next, take a big skillet and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great and turn light golden. Be careful not to burn it. Now, add the drained gnocchi to the skillet. Stir them gently to coat them in the garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want them to get a nice golden color. Then, add the fresh spinach. If you like heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Season the dish with salt and black pepper. Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. This gives a fresh kick. Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with parsley for color. Enjoy your meal! To cook gnocchi just right, you need boiling water. Add salt to the boiling water. This helps flavor the gnocchi. Watch for them to rise to the top. This means they are done. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to drain them well. If they sit too long, they can become sticky. You can boost the flavor of your gnocchi in many ways. Adding lemon zest brightens the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme add depth. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives heat. You can also swap Parmesan for Pecorino for a sharper taste. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite. Do not overcook your gnocchi. Overcooked gnocchi can be mushy. Make sure to drain them well to avoid water mixing in. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic. If garlic turns brown too fast, it will taste bitter. Always use fresh spinach and wash it well to remove dirt. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of this dish greatly benefits from fresh garlic and spinach, so opt for fresh produce whenever possible for the best taste. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi just until they float to the surface; overcooking can result in a mushy texture. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute or add other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrition. Make It Creamy: For a richer dish, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the spinach, creating a deliciously creamy sauce. {{image_4}} If you want to make this dish vegan, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free gnocchi. This choice keeps the meal tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can add other greens to the dish. Kale or arugula works great. For a twist, try sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. They add color and extra flavor. You could also use different herbs, like basil or thyme, for a fresh taste. Try adding lemon juice for a zesty kick. Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls for a nice look. Add extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge for squeezing. This way, each bite is fresh and creamy. You can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a full meal. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a special treat. To store leftover gnocchi, first let it cool down. Place it in a clean, airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. To reheat gnocchi, you have a few options. You can use a skillet on medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to the pan. Add the gnocchi and stir gently for about five minutes. This will help regain its nice texture. Alternatively, you can microwave it. Place it in a bowl and add a splash of water. Cover it with a lid and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through. You can also freeze gnocchi if you have extra. First, let it cool completely. Lay it out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze it for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the gnocchi to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, it will last for up to three months. When ready to use, cook it straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooking gnocchi is quick and easy. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Wait until they float to the top of the boiling water. This shows they are ready. After that, drain them right away. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. There is no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to boiling water. They may need a minute or two longer to cook. Keep an eye on them for best results. You can pair Garlic Butter Gnocchi with many tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. - A simple salad with mixed greens and lemon vinaigrette. - Crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. Each option adds a new layer of flavor to your meal. Enjoy experimenting! The blog post covered the key steps to make delicious Garlic Butter Gnocchi. We explored the main ingredients and their measurements, along with optional add-ins to personalize the dish. I shared tips for cooking the gnocchi perfectly and avoiding common mistakes. We also discussed variations for dietary needs and storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Try making this dish your own. Enjoy the rich flavors and the fun of cooking!$

Savory Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Spinach

A delicious and quick dish featuring potato gnocchi sautéed in garlic butter with fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

16 oz potato gnocchi
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 zest of lemon
to taste Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi to the water. Cook them according to the package instructions until they rise to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set aside for later use.
In a spacious skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being careful to avoid any burning.
Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet, stirring gently to ensure they are evenly coated in the rich garlic butter. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi develop a lovely light golden brown color on the edges.
Incorporate the fresh spinach into the skillet, followed by the optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Continue to cook for around 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down significantly.
Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, ensuring everything is well combined.
Serve the gnocchi hot from the skillet, garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls, with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan on top and a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing over just before eating.

Keyword garlic butter, gnocchi, quick meal, spinach