Description
1 lb potato gnocchi
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
½ cup vegetable broth
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender.
Stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until the sauce is creamy and coats the gnocchi evenly.
Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 340 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect, creamy gnocchi every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic, chop spinach, zest and juice the lemon, and measure out all cheeses and seasonings before you begin cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach has fully wilted and reduced in volume.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi is done when it floats to the top and is tender.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gently fold everything together until the cheeses melt into a creamy, cohesive sauce that coats the gnocchi.
- Final Seasoning: Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a complete meal, serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. To add protein, top with grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or white beans stirred directly into the sauce.
How-to Summary
Sauté garlic, wilt spinach, simmer with broth, cook gnocchi in the same pan, then stir in ricotta, Parmesan, and lemon for a quick, creamy, one-pan vegetarian dinner ready in 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. You may need to add an extra minute to the cooking time. There’s no need to thaw it first.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, as the gnocchi can become soft upon sitting. You can prep the ingredients ahead, but cook just before serving.
What can I substitute for ricotta? Full-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth) or mascarpone cheese are excellent substitutes for a similarly rich and creamy texture.
Is the gnocchi pre-cooked? Most shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in stores is par-cooked. It is designed to be cooked briefly in boiling water or sauce, as done in this recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic: Sauté just until fragrant (about 1 minute). Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Crowding the Pan: Use a large skillet to ensure the gnocchi has room to cook evenly without steaming.
- Adding Cheese on High Heat: Always reduce the heat to low before adding ricotta and Parmesan to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
- Skipping the Lemon Zest: The zest provides essential bright, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese—don’t omit it.
Conclusion
This creamy lemon spinach gnocchi is the ultimate proof that a decadent-tasting meal can be incredibly simple and fast to prepare. With its vibrant flavors, luxurious texture, and one-pan convenience, it’s a recipe that will become a reliable favorite for busy weeknights yet feels special enough for a casual dinner with friends. Mastering the easy techniques outlined here will ensure restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen every time.
