If you love fuss-free comfort food that’s vibrant, filling, and totally delicious, One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach will win your heart (and your weeknight dinner rotation!). This recipe brings together pillowy potato gnocchi, a velvety tomato sauce, and nutritious spinach, all in one pan—meaning less cleanup and more cozy time at the dinner table. Creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying, it’s a vegetarian meal that tastes like a hug, whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a solo feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach recipe keeps things refreshingly simple. Each ingredient has a special job, from building savory depth to adding a final, bright finishing touch—so don’t skip out on these heroes of flavor!
- Olive oil: Gives the base a luscious mouthfeel and helps the garlic and onion gently soften without burning.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the flavor backbone, adding warmth and aroma to your sauce.
- Yellow onion: Brings a sweet, earthy flavor, making the sauce richer and more balanced.
- Crushed tomatoes: The hearty, tangy core of the sauce—you want a good quality can for best results.
- Vegetable broth: Lends savory depth and helps simmer the gnocchi evenly.
- Italian seasoning: A handy blend of herbs that instantly makes any tomato sauce taste Tuscan.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little background heat—adjust to taste!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for pulling all the flavors together; don’t forget to taste as you go.
- Shelf-stable potato gnocchi: These chewy, tender dumplings are the ultimate weeknight shortcut.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds beautiful color, a mild earthy flavor, and a boost of nutrition.
- Heavy cream (optional): Stirring this in at the end delivers a silky creaminess—totally worth it if you want extra indulgence.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts seamlessly into the sauce and is irresistible sprinkled over just before serving.
- Fresh basil (optional): A handful on top gives a garden-fresh finish and a pop of green.
How to Make One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is wonderfully fragrant—this short step lays down the aromatic foundation for One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach!
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a big stir and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer—the flavors will begin to mingle and the kitchen will already smell fantastic!
Step 3: Add the Gnocchi
Now the best part: add the potato gnocchi directly to the pot. No need to pre-boil! Stir to make sure every gnocchi is coated and submerged in the tomatoey goodness. Pop the lid on and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened a bit.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Lift the lid and tumble in the heaps of fresh baby spinach. Stir until the leaves just wilt, turning the sauce a brilliant green-flecked red. The spinach adds freshness and makes One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach irresistibly vibrant.
Step 5: Finish With Cream & Cheese
If you’re adding heavy cream, pour it in now, along with the grated Parmesan. Stir everything together until luxuriously creamy and melty. Give the sauce a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Now you’re ready to serve up this weeknight winner!
How to Serve One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach
Garnishes
Take your One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach to the next level by showering it with extra Parmesan and scattering fresh basil leaves over the top. For a little zing, try a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This gnocchi is cozy and hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread for dunking, or some roasted vegetables. These sides add freshness and crunch, balancing out the creamy, saucy gnocchi beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving family-style in the pot, try scooping the gnocchi into small shallow bowls or ramekins and topping with broiled mozzarella for a bubbly, golden finish. Or spoon onto a platter and add a scattering of toasted pine nuts and extra basil for rustic dinner party flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage not to eat every last bite, One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach keeps well in the fridge. Let leftovers cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even more delicious by the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of gnocchi can soften a bit after thawing. For best results, place cooled portions in airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. You can also microwave individual servings, just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi work just as well for One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time—just taste to make sure they’re tender before serving.
Is there a vegan version of this dish?
Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan and cream, or opt for your favorite plant-based alternatives. The tomato sauce and spinach are already vegan, so it’s easy to adapt One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach for a dairy-free meal.
What protein can I add to make it more filling?
For a protein boost, stir in drained canned white beans, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked shredded chicken at the end. These add-ins will bulk up the dish without overshadowing the flavors of One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe reheats beautifully and makes a comforting lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just store individual portions, and don’t forget to freshen up with a little extra cheese or basil before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free gnocchi, then One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach is entirely gluten-free! Always check your gnocchi label to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with flavor (but short on time or energy), you simply can’t go wrong with One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach. It’s the kind of meal that brings joy to your busiest nights and a touch of magic to your table—so gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and treat yourself to a bowlful tonight!
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One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach is a quick and flavorful vegetarian dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce and fresh spinach. Creamy, comforting, and easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Tomato Gnocchi:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
For the Spinach:
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot. Sauté garlic and onion until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the pot, cover, and cook until tender and sauce thickens.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in spinach until wilted. Optionally, add cream and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning. Serve warm with additional cheese and basil.
Notes
- You can make this recipe dairy-free by omitting the cream and cheese or using plant-based alternatives.
- For added protein, stir in some cooked white beans or grilled chicken at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
