If your busy weeknights are anything like mine—short on time and everyone’s hungry—this Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, and all ready in just 15 minutes.
This meal is a hit with both kids and adults, combining the soft pillowy texture of gnocchi with a velvety tomato sauce that tastes like comfort in a bowl. Everything cooks in one pot (no draining or fuss), so cleanup stays simple!
It’s the kind of meal that flexes to what you have on hand. Use fresh or frozen spinach, swap the sun-dried tomatoes for pesto, or make it fully plant-based with coconut milk instead of half-and-half. Pantry staples come together to make something that feels restaurant-worthy and balanced with minimal effort.
Ingredients (makes 4 servings)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable gnocchi
- 5 oz baby spinach (or frozen)
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (or sun-dried tomato spread)
- ½ cup red pasta sauce
- ¼ cup half and half (sub coconut milk for vegan)
- 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- For finishing: Fresh lemon juice, sliced fresh basil, Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the gnocchi: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and sauté, uncovered, for 5–7 minutes until slightly browned and crisp on the outside.
- Cook the spinach: Add spinach and continue cooking until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Transfer gnocchi and spinach to a bowl and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Sauté the shallot until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, pasta sauce, and half-and-half (or coconut milk). Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2–3 minutes.
- Add protein: Stir in the cannellini beans, then return the gnocchi and spinach to the pan. Mix well to combine and heat through.
- Finish and serve: Add lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve warm with extra basil, cheese, or a simple side salad.
Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach (One Pot Meal!)
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the gnocchi: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and sauté, uncovered, for 5–7 minutes until slightly browned and crisp on the outside.
- Cook the spinach: Add spinach and continue cooking until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Transfer gnocchi and spinach to a bowl and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Sauté the shallot until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, pasta sauce, and half-and-half (or coconut milk). Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2–3 minutes.
- Add protein: Stir in the cannellini beans, then return the gnocchi and spinach to the pan. Mix well to combine and heat through.
- Finish and serve: Add lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve warm with extra basil, cheese, or a simple side salad.
Notes
- No sun-dried tomatoes? Swap in a spoonful of pesto for a fresh, herby twist.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a plant-based creamer in place of half-and-half.
- Add more veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
Nutrition info (per serving, 4 servings):
~420 calories, 17 g protein, 15 g fat (≈2.5 g saturated), 52 g carbs (≈7 g fiber, 6 g sugar)
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly—just add a few extra minutes to the sauté time to ensure it browns nicely.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This gnocchi reheats beautifully and holds up well for lunches. The sauce even deepens in flavor after a day.
How can I make it higher in protein?
Use protein-enriched pasta sauce, add a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the sauce, or add in more white beans or even some diced chicken for an extra protein boost.
More Easy Main Dishes You’ll Love
- Creamy Butternut Squash Coconut Curry (25-Minute Meal)
- Crispy Sheet Pan Black Bean Tacos
- Healthy Sweet Potato Tofu BBQ Pizzas (Gluten-Free, High-Protein)
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