One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
There is something utterly delightful about this One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe that makes me want to cook it again and again. It combines pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich tomato sauce with vibrant fresh spinach and gooey mozzarella cheese, all made effortlessly in a single pot. This dish is not only comforting and hearty but also bursts with fresh flavors and colors, perfect for any weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without a thousand steps. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, showcasing ingredients that each play a crucial role in building incredible flavor and satisfying texture. From the tender gnocchi to the bright punch of garlic and the luscious creaminess of fresh mozzarella, every component contributes to the dish’s irresistible charm.
- 16 oz shelf stable gnocchi: Convenient and soft, they soak up the tomato sauce beautifully without falling apart.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- ½ yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable Italian flavor and depth.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a lovely umami kick.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Forms the heart of the sauce with vibrant color and tangy sweetness.
- ½ cup vegetable stock: Keeps the sauce luscious and ensures the gnocchi cooks to perfection.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach: Adds a pop of green and a fresh, leafy bite that complements the richness.
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn: Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection on top.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: Brings a fragrant, herbal brightness at the very end.
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional): Adds a final touch of silky richness and aroma.
How to Make One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your gnocchi will bake perfectly in the sauce later, melding all those flavors in a cozy, bubbling bake.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, then melt the unsalted butter. Toss in the diced onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and tender. Add the sliced garlic next and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its wonderful aroma without browning too much. This base builds the savory backbone of the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Tomato Paste
Stir the tomato paste into the onions and garlic now, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep stirring as the paste deepens in color and develops a richer flavor, transforming the sauce into something vibrant and intensely flavorful.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You want small bubbles forming steadily but avoid a rapid boil—this lets all the ingredients meld beautifully without drying out.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi & Spinach
Now toss in the uncooked gnocchi along with the fresh spinach. Stir gently to make sure the gnocchi is fully submerged in the sauce and the spinach starts to wilt. This step is what makes this truly a one-pot wonder—everything cooks together, infusing flavor at every turn.
Step 6: Bake the Gnocchi
Cover the skillet with an oven-safe lid or foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, gently stirring about every 5 minutes. This stirring keeps the gnocchi from sticking and ensures even cooking, while the sauce thickens and turns beautifully luscious.
Step 7: Broil with Cheese
Remove the cover and evenly layer fresh mozzarella on top of the gnocchi. Place the skillet under the broiler set to high and watch for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles up, and develops those irresistible golden brown spots you know and love.
Step 8: Finish & Serve
After pulling the skillet out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil all over and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if you like an extra layer of silkiness and aroma. Serve it hot and watch everyone dive in eagerly!
How to Serve One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a wonderful finishing touch, but you can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or even a grating of Parmesan cheese for an extra savory kick. A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds a lovely richness that rounds out the flavors nicely.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every bit of the sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini can add a fresh, earthy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the gnocchi inside individual oven-safe ramekins for personal portions, letting each guest enjoy their own bubbling, cheese-topped delight. Or serve it over a bed of creamy polenta for a decadent layered dish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because the gnocchi absorbs the sauce overnight, it becomes even more flavorful, though the texture softens slightly.
Freezing
This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little water or vegetable stock to loosen it. You can also reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf stable?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will work beautifully with this recipe and may even give a lighter texture. Just adjust baking time slightly, as fresh gnocchi cooks faster than shelf stable varieties.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian as written, thanks to the use of vegetable stock and fresh mozzarella. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil, replace mozzarella with a plant-based cheese, and ensure the vegetable stock is vegan-friendly.
Can I add other veggies to the dish?
Yes! Feel free to include mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the veggie content. Just sauté them during the initial step along with the onions for the best flavor integration.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
You can prepare the sauce and gnocchi in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before baking and broiling the cheese on top. Just use an ovenproof dish that suits the quantity.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
The base recipe is mild and comforting. If you love some kick, add red pepper flakes during the simmering step or sprinkle some on top with the fresh basil at the end.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe enough for anyone craving a cozy, flavorful meal that’s fuss-free but packed with vibrant colors and textures. It’s the perfect comfort dish to share with family or friends, and the best part is all the magic happens in a single pot. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
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One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender gnocchi cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh spinach and melted mozzarella cheese. Prepared in a single oven-safe skillet, this recipe is simple yet satisfying, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz shelf stable gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the gnocchi later in the process.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Warm a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Then add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become lightly translucent. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, so the tomato paste deepens in color and develops a richer flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble gently without boiling vigorously.
- Add Gnocchi & Spinach: Add the uncooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Mix well to ensure the gnocchi is submerged in the sauce and the spinach begins to wilt. Distribute everything evenly across the skillet.
- Bake the Gnocchi: Cover the skillet with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring approximately every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking of the gnocchi.
- Broil with Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and uncover it. Evenly layer the fresh mozzarella over the top of the gnocchi and sauce. Place the skillet under the broiler set to high for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts, becomes bubbly, and develops golden brown spots.
- Finish & Serve: Take the skillet out of the oven. Garnish with the chopped fresh basil and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the melty, savory goodness.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the gnocchi gently while baking to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the sauce and gnocchi to a baking dish before baking and broiling.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted with shredded mozzarella if preferred, but fresh mozzarella provides better melting texture.
- For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
