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
Scale
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
