One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe

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If you are searching for a comforting and vibrant meal that’s both simple and impressive, this One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe is exactly the dish to turn to. Imagine pillowy gnocchi simmered in a rich tomato sauce, bursting with garlicky depth, fresh spinach leaves wilted to perfection, and topped off with creamy, melted mozzarella—every bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The magic here is that it all cooks in one pot, making dinner effortless but feeling like a special treat, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients, each playing a key role in building incredible flavor, texture, and color. From the soft gnocchi that soaks up the sauce beautifully to the bright green spinach that adds freshness, every item has its place at the table.

• 16 oz shelf stable gnocchi: Ready to cook quickly and absorb all that tomato goodness perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth base for sautéing aromatics.
• ½ yellow onion, diced: Provides gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 5 cloves garlic, sliced: Brings an irresistible fragrant punch that fills the kitchen with warmth.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a lovely, concentrated sweetness.
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, creating a luscious, vibrant base.
• ½ cup vegetable stock: Balances the tomato’s acidity and helps cook the gnocchi in perfect sauce consistency.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
• 1.5 cups fresh spinach: Adds freshness, nutrition, and gorgeous color contrast.
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn: Melts beautifully on top for creamy, bubbly finish.
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: Brightens the dish with its herbal lift and fragrance.
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional): A final drizzle adds silkiness and a touch of fruity richness.

How to Make One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 400°F (200°C). This preheating step is crucial as it ensures the perfect environment for baking the gnocchi later, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheese to brown enticingly.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, then melt the butter until it’s shimmering. Add your diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, gently coaxing out its sweetness until translucent. Toss in the sliced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes—this mellow garlic aroma is what starts the magic of your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Tomato Paste

Now stir in the tomato paste with your onion and garlic mixture. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until it darkens just a little. This step isn’t just to combine ingredients—it develops layers of rich, concentrated tomato flavor that forms the backbone of your sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. You want it bubbling softly—not boiling—to let those flavors meld together without becoming too watery.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi & Spinach

Nestle the uncooked gnocchi right into the sauce along with the fresh spinach. Mix everything carefully so the gnocchi is well submerged and the spinach starts to wilt from the heat. This is where your dish starts to look like the hearty, inviting meal it is meant to be!

Step 6: Bake the Gnocchi

Cover your skillet with an oven-safe lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to keep the gnocchi from sticking and to help it cook evenly in that luscious sauce. This hands-off step lets the gnocchi absorb all the flavors while becoming tender and satisfying.

Step 7: Broil with Cheese

Remove the cover and scatter fresh mozzarella slices over the top. Pop the skillet under the broiler on high for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts, bubbles, and gets those beautiful golden brown spots. This finish adds a creamy, gooey layer that every bite deserves.

Step 8: Finish & Serve

Take your skillet out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil all over for a fresh, herbal burst. If you like, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil to add richness and a silky texture. Serve it hot, grab a fork, and let the warm flavors and textures sweep you away.

How to Serve One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must-have garnish that lifts this dish with its bright, peppery notes. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is lovely too, adding a salty contrast. For an extra touch of indulgence, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil never fails to enhance the flavors and finish the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe is hearty on its own, you might stick with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad also offer a nice balance to this rich, cheesy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your gnocchi straight from the skillet to keep the cozy, rustic vibe, perfect for sharing. Alternatively, portion it out into shallow bowls garnished with basil and cheese for an elegant presentation that looks as good as it tastes. For something fun, try layering it in individual ramekins for personal portions, broiled with cheese until bubbling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soak up more sauce overnight, making for a flavorful next-day meal that’s easy to grab and reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, but because gnocchi can change texture slightly upon freezing, it’s best to freeze without the cheese topping. Store the gnocchi and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh mozzarella.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly. If you like, add a few fresh mozzarella slices on top during reheating to revive that wonderful cheesy finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf stable for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well too; just be aware it might need a slightly shorter baking time since it starts out partially cooked. Keep an eye on it during the baking step and adjust as needed.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach, can I use frozen?

You can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding. This prevents your sauce from becoming too watery and helps maintain the intended texture.

Is it okay to use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?

Definitely! Chicken stock will add a richer, meatier flavor, which can complement this dish beautifully if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.

Can I make this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the sauce and gnocchi on the stovetop and then transfer everything to a baking dish for the oven steps. Just make sure to cover it tightly and bake as directed.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or swirl in a good-quality chili oil before serving. These little heat boosts complement the tomato and cheese wonderfully without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe truly brings a warm, comforting hug of flavors to the table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t want to fuss too much in the kitchen. I hope you dive in and enjoy every gooey, saucy, cheesy bite—you’ll want to make this one again and again!

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