Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is a delightful, flavor-packed pasta dish that pairs pillowy gnocchi with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, all blended into a rich, creamy sauce with spinach and parmesan. This recipe is not only comforting and easy to prepare, but it elevates weeknight dinners into something special and satisfying—all in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply craving a cozy meal, this recipe balances hearty texture, beautiful color, and savory depth of flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying an indulgent yet approachable Italian-inspired dish in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavor – The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and fresh cherry tomatoes creates a vibrant, tomato-forward sauce with depth.
- Creamy indulgence – Milk or cream plus parmesan cheese give silky, luxurious comfort that wraps around each gnocchi.
- Quick and easy – Starter-to-finish, this comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy evenings.
- Nutritious twist – Fresh spinach adds vitamins and color, and you can control richness by using milk instead of cream.
- Versatile – Great as a weeknight main, but elegant enough for guests and easy to adjust to dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (fresh or frozen) gnocchi
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 4 oz sun‑dried tomatoes (oil‑packed or dry, chopped)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or left whole for texture
- 1 parmesan rind (optional, adds depth)
- 2½ cups broth, water, or a 50/50 mix
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped or torn
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi
- In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot and mix well.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and start to break down. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash the tomatoes if needed.
- Add the parmesan rind (if using), gnocchi, and your chosen liquid (broth, water, or mix). Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until the gnocchi are tender—approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and gently separate any gnocchi sticking together.
- Reduce heat to medium‑low. Pour in the milk or cream, then stir in the fresh spinach and grated parmesan. Keep the pot half‑covered and stir often until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency and the spinach has wilted, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove and discard the parmesan rind before serving, if used. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Prevent sticking: Stir gnocchi gently and occasionally during simmer to avoid clumping.
- Control consistency: Omit the parmesan rind if you prefer a lighter sauce, or add a splash more liquid if it gets too thick.
- Prefer a chunkier texture? Simply leave the cherry tomatoes whole for added bite.
- Adjust creaminess: Use whole milk to lighten, or half‑and‑half for rich but less heavy than cream.
- Parmesan rind hack: If you don’t have a rind, a handful of shredded parmesan still delivers a nutty flavor.
Substitutions And Variations
- Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based milk (such as oat or almond) and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Alternatives: Roasted red peppers or sundried tomato pesto can substitute if you want a twist.
- Greens Variations: Swap spinach with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard—adjust cooking time so leafy greens wilt fully.
- Gnocchi Alternatives: Use small pasta like shells or cavatappi; cooking time may vary slightly.
- Protein Addition: Stir in cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or white beans for added protein.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. To reheat, gently steam the gnocchi in a covered pot on the stove over low heat, or warm it in the microwave until thoroughly heated—stirring halfway through helps maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 830 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 128 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Fat: 21 g (Saturated: 12 g, Polyunsaturated: 1 g, Monounsaturated: 5 g)
- Cholesterol: 51 mg
- Sodium: 1812 mg
- Potassium: 2629 mg
- Fiber: 14 g
- Sugar: 31 g
- Vitamin A: 4412 IU
- Vitamin C: 51 mg
- Calcium: 933 mg
- Iron: 15 mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
- Add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or chili oil for extra flavor dimension.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to balance the richness.
- For a perfect drink pairing, serve alongside a crisp Pinot Grigio or a refreshing dry rosé.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing gnocchi with creamy sauce often changes the texture when thawed, becoming watery or grainy. To freezer‑friendly meal prep, freeze components separately: cook the gnocchi plain, store sauce separately (without spinach), then combine and reheat together later. This way, you preserve the sauce’s texture.
How do I make it gluten‑free?
Substitute the gnocchi with a certified gluten‑free brand. Most store‑bought gnocchi is available in gluten‑free options (usually made with rice or potato flour). Just check labels to ensure they’re fully gluten‑free—and adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this less creamy?
Absolutely! Use milk instead of cream, cut the amount of cheese by half, or omit the parmesan rind. You can even boost the tomato flavor by adding more cherry tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce while reducing dairy.
What if I don’t have a parmesan rind?
No problem—just stir in a bit more grated parmesan or skip it entirely. The rind mainly adds depth; full‑flavored cheese still delivers plenty of rich taste.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe—you’re truly elevating dinner into a creamy, flavorful culinary experience. I hope you enjoy how the tangy sun‑dried tomatoes meld with silky sauce and tender spinach, all embraced by comforting, pillowy gnocchi. It’s a dish that’s effortless yet indulgent, perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy meals at home. Your taste buds—and anyone lucky enough to share—are in for a real treat. Here’s to joyful cooking and plenty of tasty memories to come!
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Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is a creamy, hearty dish made with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and tender gnocchi—all simmered together in a rich tomato base. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
16 oz fresh or frozen gnocchi
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 parmesan rind (optional)
2½ cups broth, water, or a mix
1 cup milk or heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot and mix well.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and start to break down. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash the tomatoes if needed.
- Add the parmesan rind (if using), gnocchi, and your chosen liquid (broth, water, or mix). Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until the gnocchi are tender—approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and gently separate any gnocchi sticking together.
- Reduce heat to medium‑low. Pour in the milk or cream, then stir in the fresh spinach and grated parmesan. Keep the pot half‑covered and stir often until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency and the spinach has wilted, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove and discard the parmesan rind before serving, if used. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
To reheat, gently warm in a covered pot or microwave, stirring halfway. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-6851508916a881918e50c2d69888eb12-article-creation#:~:text=minutesCookTime-,25minutes,-TotalTime
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 830 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 128 g
- Protein: 42 g