Easy Spinach Gnocchi Recipes to Try Now

If you’ve been looking for a fresh, comforting, and vibrant dish to brighten up your dinner table, Spinach Gnocchi is your new best friend. This delightful recipe offers pillowy soft gnocchi infused with spinach, combining a mild earthiness and stunning green color that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for weeknight meals, these spinach gnocchi are surprisingly easy to make from scratch and can be customized in so many tasty ways. From simple butter sauces to hearty tomato bases, Spinach Gnocchi promises a homemade meal that everyone will love and ask for again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Nutritious: Packed with spinach, this dish adds a boost of vitamins and minerals to your comfort food.
• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients come together fast, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the fuss.
• Versatile Dish: Spinach Gnocchi pairs well with many sauces, making it adaptable to various flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly: The vibrant green gnocchi is fun to eat and helps sneak vegetables into picky eaters’ meals.
• Impresses Guests: Homemade gnocchi looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these tender Spinach Gnocchi calls for a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each contributes to the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and color that makes this dish so unique.

• Fresh Spinach: The key ingredient, wilted and finely chopped to infuse vibrant green color and mild, earthy flavor.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold, boiled and mashed smoothly for the gnocchi’s soft and pillowy base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Binds the dough together while allowing the right tender chew in each bite.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder providing structure and richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a subtle umami depth and saltiness to the dough.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance the flavors.
• Optional Nutmeg: A pinch can add warmth and delicate spice to the gnocchi.

Variations for Spinach Gnocchi

One of the best things about Spinach Gnocchi is how easily you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Try these variations to keep your meals exciting and inspired.

• Ricotta Spinach Gnocchi: Substitute some potato with ricotta cheese for an even softer, creamier texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a blend of gluten-free flours like rice and tapioca flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Herbed Spinach Gnocchi: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to the dough for extra flavor bursts.
• Roasted Garlic Gnocchi: Mix in roasted garlic paste for a robust, aromatic twist.
• Vegan Spinach Gnocchi: Replace the egg with flax or chia seed gel and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

How to Make Spinach Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Begin by washing fresh spinach thoroughly. Wilt it in a hot pan or steam briefly, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Chop finely and set aside.

Step 2: Cook and Mash the Potatoes

Boil potatoes with skins on until tender. Drain, peel while warm, and mash thoroughly using a potato ricer or masher to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Make Dough

In a large bowl, mix mashed potatoes with chopped spinach, beaten egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Gradually add flour and gently knead until a soft dough forms that holds together but isn’t sticky.

Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi

Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each into long ropes about 1 inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces, then use a fork to gently press and create ridges on each piece for sauce to cling to.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop gnocchi pieces in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 6: Serve with Your Favorite Sauce

Toss the cooked gnocchi in your preferred sauce—whether buttery sage, tomato basil, or creamy Alfredo—and garnish as desired.

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Gnocchi

• Perfect Potato Texture: Use starchy potatoes like russet for a light and fluffy dough that isn’t sticky.
• Dry Spinach Well: Removing excess water from spinach prevents soggy dough and helps gnocchi hold shape.
• Don’t Overwork Dough: Knead lightly to keep gnocchi tender instead of tough.
• Test Before Shaping: Boil a small piece of dough to check texture and adjust flour if needed.
• Use a Fork for Ridges: Creating ridges allows sauce to cling better, amplifying flavor.

How to Serve Spinach Gnocchi

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, or fragrant fresh herbs like basil and thyme over the gnocchi for that extra burst of aroma and texture.

Side Dishes

Serve Spinach Gnocchi alongside crisp mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or a fresh tomato salad to balance the rich gnocchi flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate gnocchi with a drizzle of brown butter sauce and crispy sage leaves or layer in a baking dish topped with mozzarella and bake for a melty, golden spinach gnocchi casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep cooked spinach gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they retain their texture and flavor.

Freezing

Before cooking, arrange shaped gnocchi pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and cook directly from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cooked gnocchi gently in a skillet with a little butter or warm in simmering water until heated through without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture thoroughly before mixing it into the dough to avoid sogginess.

What type of potatoes work best for gnocchi?

Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold yield light, fluffy gnocchi with the right texture for shaping and cooking.

How do I prevent gnocchi from falling apart?

Ensure the dough is well balanced with enough flour and avoid overworking it; also, cook in plenty of salted water and remove as soon as they float to prevent overcooking.

Can I make Spinach Gnocchi vegan?

Absolutely! Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain flavor and binding.

What sauces pair best with Spinach Gnocchi?

Spinach Gnocchi tastes wonderful with simple browned butter and sage, creamy Alfredo, tomato basil, or even pesto sauces.

Final Thoughts

Spinach Gnocchi is truly a game-changer when you want a comforting meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare. With its vibrant color, tender texture, and endless serving possibilities, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover how simple fresh ingredients can transform into a dinner full of warmth and happiness.

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