One-Pot Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi

$- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese The main ingredients are simple yet vital. Potato gnocchi forms the base of this dish. It cooks quickly and offers a soft texture. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition. Ricotta cheese brings creaminess and richness to every bite. - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced The additional ingredients enhance the flavor. Vegetable broth adds depth and moisture. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick. Minced garlic packs a punch, lifting the dish with its aroma. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Seasoning is key to a great meal. Olive oil helps sauté the garlic and adds healthy fats. Nutmeg warms the dish with its unique spice. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch and look lovely on top. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not brown. Next, add the chopped spinach. Cook it until the spinach wilts, which should take around two to three minutes. This step creates a nice base full of flavor. Now, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it simmers, add the potato gnocchi. Stir gently to ensure the gnocchi are fully submerged in the broth. Cook for about three to five minutes. You'll know they're ready when they float to the surface. This is a key sign that they are perfectly cooked. Reduce the heat to low. Now it’s time to stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and nutmeg. Mix everything until creamy. This will give your dish a rich texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional two to three minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Let the dish rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy this delicious meal! To ensure creamy consistency in your one-pot spinach ricotta gnocchi, use full-fat ricotta cheese. This gives a rich and smooth texture. Stir the ricotta in gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi. When you add the cheese, lower the heat to keep it from getting too hot. This step helps the cheese blend well without curdling. For flavor enhancement, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan also boosts flavor. It melts better than pre-grated cheese, adding depth to each bite. A touch of nutmeg brings warmth and complements the spinach nicely. Time-saving techniques make cooking easier. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the spinach and mince the garlic earlier in the day. This reduces your cooking time and gives you more time to enjoy your meal. Using pre-chopped ingredients can also save time. Look for fresh, pre-washed spinach at the store. You can also find pre-minced garlic in jars. These small changes can make a big difference in your cooking speed. Serve your gnocchi warm for the best taste. It tastes great right off the stove. Use bowls for a nice presentation. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a pop of color. Complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well. You could also serve garlic bread for a comforting touch. These sides round out your meal and make it feel special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a vibrant flavor and color to the dish. Be sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any grit before adding it to the pot. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix other cheeses with the ricotta for added flavor. Mozzarella or feta can complement the dish perfectly. Adjusting Consistency: If the dish is too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth or a splash of cream to achieve your desired creaminess. Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi as they cook; they are done when they float to the top. Overcooking can make them mushy. {{image_2}} You can change the ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. Cottage cheese gives a similar taste, with less fat. For a creamier option, try mascarpone. When it comes to greens, fresh spinach is classic, but you can use kale or Swiss chard. Both add great flavor and nutrients. Baby arugula gives a nice peppery kick too! To make this dish gluten-free, swap potato gnocchi for gluten-free gnocchi. These are now easy to find in stores. Always check the label to ensure they meet your needs. If you want to make a vegan version, use tofu ricotta instead of dairy. Blend firm tofu, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. You can also replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. It livens up the dish and complements the creamy sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add another layer of taste. To make it more filling, mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans. These proteins make the dish heartier and can turn it into a full meal. To store your One-Pot Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi, first let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the fridge. The best practice is to eat it within three days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container for this. It can stay good for up to three months. When you reheat the gnocchi, do it gently. The safest method is to use the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth to a pan. Heat on low until warm. This helps keep the texture nice. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to help it heat evenly. The gnocchi stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you see any mold or a strange smell, it’s time to toss it. Also, if the texture becomes very mushy, that’s a sign it has gone bad. Always trust your senses! The total cooking time for one-pot gnocchi is about 20 minutes. This includes 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. You’ll sauté garlic and spinach first, then add the broth and gnocchi. The gnocchi cook quickly, usually 3 to 5 minutes. After that, you mix in the ricotta and Parmesan. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld all the flavors. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in this recipe. Frozen gnocchi saves time and still tastes great. Just add them directly to the simmering broth without thawing. They may take a minute or two longer to cook than fresh gnocchi. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top. If you don’t have vegetable broth, there are a few good options. You can use chicken broth for a richer flavor. Water with added herbs or spices can also work. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning since water is plain. Another option is to make a quick broth by boiling vegetables in water. This blog easily presents a one-pot gnocchi dish that is simple and tasty. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can make this dish your own with variations or dietary swaps. Whether you enjoy it fresh or plan to save leftovers, following these guidelines will help you succeed. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. I hope you feel ready to try this delicious meal soon!$

One-Pot Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi

A creamy and flavorful one-pot dish featuring potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and ricotta cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

16 oz potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup vegetable broth
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the potato gnocchi to the pot, stirring gently to ensure they are submerged in the broth. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and nutmeg, mixing until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish.

Keyword gnocchi, one-pot, ricotta, spinach