Description
Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes
Need a comforting, yet simple dinner idea? This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is your new go-to. It’s loaded with tender gnocchi, creamy pesto, tangy artichokes, and melted gouda cheese, all in one pan. The perfect weeknight meal that’s both easy and impressive, with flavors inspired by the heart of Italian cuisine!
500g gnocchi
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tbsp dried oregano
½ tbsp dried basil
150ml white wine or water
250ml cream
250ml vegetable stock or water
125g baby spinach
280g marinated artichokes, drained
4 tbsp basil pesto
200g gouda cheese, grated
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add oregano and basil.
3. Cook gnocchi until lightly golden, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Deglaze with wine, add cream, stock, and simmer.
5. Stir in pesto, spinach, and artichokes. Top with cheese and bake 15-20 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 min
Kcal: 763 kcal
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and basil, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop light golden spots. This step adds crucial texture.
Pour in the white wine (or water) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the cream and vegetable stock. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the basil pesto until fully incorporated, then fold in the baby spinach and drained artichoke hearts. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. Evenly sprinkle the grated Gouda cheese over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy gnocchi bake is a complete meal on its own. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. To complement the Italian flavors, serve with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay.
How-to Summary
Sauté aromatics and toast gnocchi. Deglaze with wine, add cream and stock. Off heat, stir in pesto, spinach, and artichokes. Top with cheese and bake until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese? Yes. Mozzarella, fontina, or a Italian cheese blend are excellent substitutes for Gouda, offering similar meltiness.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? Ensure your pesto and vegetable stock are vegetarian-friendly (some contain animal-derived rennet or meat flavors). The recipe as written is easily made vegetarian.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? Let the cream and stock mixture simmer a bit longer on the stovetop before adding the pesto. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in during the simmering stage.
Can I use frozen gnocchi? Absolutely. There’s no need to thaw; add them directly to the skillet. You may need to extend the initial browning time by a minute or two.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the gnocchi; cook in batches if necessary to get proper color. Do not skip deglazing with wine or water, as this lifts flavorful bits from the pan. Ensure your skillet is oven-safe before placing it in the oven. Finally, resist the urge to stir after adding the cheese topping, as this will prevent a beautiful, golden crust from forming.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi bake is the ultimate fusion of convenience and decadent flavor. With its one-pan method and short ingredient list, it simplifies weeknight cooking without compromising on the rich, comforting taste that feels like a special occasion. Mastering the simple techniques of toasting the gnocchi and building the creamy sauce will yield a restaurant-quality dish that is sure to become a family favorite.