Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Easy and Flavorful Recipe

by Abigail on April 6, 2025

If you want a quick and tasty meal, this Tomato Spinach Gnocchi recipe is for you! I’ll show you how to whip up this dish with simple ingredients and easy steps. Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, I’ll share tips for variations and storage. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delightful dish!

$For a tasty Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound fresh gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 2 large tomatoes, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish flavorful and vibrant. The fresh tomatoes and spinach bring color and nutrition. The garlic adds depth, while the spices enhance the taste. To change things up, consider these optional ingredients: - Cherry tomatoes for sweetness - Red pepper flakes for heat - Mushrooms for umami - Zucchini for extra veggies - Chicken or shrimp for protein These additions can spice up your gnocchi dish. You can mix and match based on what you like or have on hand. If you run out of something, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions: - Use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh. - Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard. - Replace tomatoes with salsa or canned tomatoes. - Use any cheese if you don’t have Parmesan. These swaps keep the dish easy to make. You can enjoy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, even if you lack some ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add two minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about one minute. You want them to smell good but not burn. Next, add two diced tomatoes. Stir them in and let them cook for about five minutes. They will soften and start breaking down. Now, toss in two cups of chopped spinach. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried basil and one teaspoon of paprika. Cook this mix for an extra two to three minutes. Stir until the spinach wilts. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. While your sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add one pound of fresh gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions. If using fresh gnocchi, they will float to the top in about two to three minutes. That’s when you know they’re done. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi in a colander. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained gnocchi directly to the skillet with your tomato and spinach sauce. Gently toss them together. You want the gnocchi to be well-coated in the sauce. Serve this delicious mix on plates. Top each serving with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. For a finishing touch, add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. Enjoy your meal! To cook gnocchi perfectly, use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly. Watch for them to float to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This means they are ready! Drain them gently to avoid breaking. For a richer taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach adds a nice color and texture. Choose ripe tomatoes for natural sweetness. Dried basil and paprika give the dish warmth. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Always taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your preference. Serve the gnocchi warm right from the skillet. Top each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a splash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh spinach for the best flavor and nutrition. Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly; remove them from boiling water as soon as they float to maintain a perfect texture. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference for a well-balanced dish. Garnish for Presentation: Adding fresh basil leaves not only enhances the look of the dish but also adds a burst of flavor. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make the dish heartier. Chicken or shrimp work well. Cook the protein in the skillet before adding garlic. This way, it absorbs all those tasty flavors. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu or chickpeas. They also soak up the sauce nicely. While the tomato spinach sauce is great, you can switch it up. Try a creamy Alfredo or a pesto sauce instead. For a spicy kick, mix in some chili flakes with your favorite sauce. You can also use simple olive oil and lemon for a fresh taste. Each sauce brings its own flair to the gnocchi. This recipe is mostly vegetarian, thanks to the cheese. To make it vegan, skip the Parmesan. You can use nutritional yeast instead for that cheesy flavor. Check that your gnocchi is egg-free too, as some brands include eggs. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their diet. To store your leftover Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. This keeps the dish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any moisture, use a paper towel to absorb it before sealing the container. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This helps warm it evenly. If you want to freeze the gnocchi, it’s best to do so before cooking. Place the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. When ready to cook, add them directly to boiling water without thawing. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Frozen gnocchi usually takes a bit longer to cook than fresh gnocchi. They may also have a different texture but will still work well in this dish. You can add many veggies to your gnocchi. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add color and flavor. You can also use kale or arugula for a twist. Just make sure to cook them until soft. Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the boiling water. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes for fresh gnocchi. If you're using frozen gnocchi, it may take a bit longer. Always check for a slightly firm texture. In this article, we explored how to make Tomato Spinach Gnocchi. We covered the main ingredients, optional variations, and substitutions. I detailed the steps to prepare the sauce, cook the gnocchi, and combine everything. You learned tips for the best results, storage methods, and even FAQs to clarify doubts. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Each bite brings warmth and flavor to your table. Try different variations to find your favorite twist. Cooking should be fun and simple!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: This recipe showcases vibrant, fresh ingredients that bring life to your dish, making it not only healthy but also delicious.
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle.
Flavorful Combination: The combination of tomatoes, spinach, and herbs creates a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the gnocchi.
Customizable: This dish is versatile; you can easily add protein like chicken or shrimp or swap in your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Tomato Spinach Gnocchi

For a tasty Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, gather these key ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

– 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped

– 2 large tomatoes, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish flavorful and vibrant. The fresh tomatoes and spinach bring color and nutrition. The garlic adds depth, while the spices enhance the taste.

Optional Ingredients for Variation

To change things up, consider these optional ingredients:

– Cherry tomatoes for sweetness

– Red pepper flakes for heat

– Mushrooms for umami

– Zucchini for extra veggies

– Chicken or shrimp for protein

These additions can spice up your gnocchi dish. You can mix and match based on what you like or have on hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you run out of something, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions:

– Use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh.

– Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.

– Replace tomatoes with salsa or canned tomatoes.

– Use any cheese if you don’t have Parmesan.

These swaps keep the dish easy to make. You can enjoy Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, even if you lack some ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Tomato Spinach Sauce

First, grab a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add two minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about one minute. You want them to smell good but not burn. Next, add two diced tomatoes. Stir them in and let them cook for about five minutes. They will soften and start breaking down. Now, toss in two cups of chopped spinach. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried basil and one teaspoon of paprika. Cook this mix for an extra two to three minutes. Stir until the spinach wilts. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Gnocchi

While your sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add one pound of fresh gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions. If using fresh gnocchi, they will float to the top in about two to three minutes. That’s when you know they’re done. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi in a colander.

Combining the Gnocchi with the Sauce

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained gnocchi directly to the skillet with your tomato and spinach sauce. Gently toss them together. You want the gnocchi to be well-coated in the sauce. Serve this delicious mix on plates. Top each serving with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. For a finishing touch, add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Cooking Gnocchi

To cook gnocchi perfectly, use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly. Watch for them to float to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This means they are ready! Drain them gently to avoid breaking.

Enhancing the Flavor of the Dish

For a richer taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach adds a nice color and texture. Choose ripe tomatoes for natural sweetness. Dried basil and paprika give the dish warmth. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Always taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the gnocchi warm right from the skillet. Top each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a splash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh spinach for the best flavor and nutrition.
Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly; remove them from boiling water as soon as they float to maintain a perfect texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference for a well-balanced dish.
Garnish for Presentation: Adding fresh basil leaves not only enhances the look of the dish but also adds a burst of flavor.

Variations

Adding Protein to the Recipe

You can add protein to make the dish heartier. Chicken or shrimp work well. Cook the protein in the skillet before adding garlic. This way, it absorbs all those tasty flavors. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu or chickpeas. They also soak up the sauce nicely.

Alternative Sauces for Gnocchi

While the tomato spinach sauce is great, you can switch it up. Try a creamy Alfredo or a pesto sauce instead. For a spicy kick, mix in some chili flakes with your favorite sauce. You can also use simple olive oil and lemon for a fresh taste. Each sauce brings its own flair to the gnocchi.

Vegetarian vs. Vegan Options

This recipe is mostly vegetarian, thanks to the cheese. To make it vegan, skip the Parmesan. You can use nutritional yeast instead for that cheesy flavor. Check that your gnocchi is egg-free too, as some brands include eggs. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their diet.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your leftover Tomato Spinach Gnocchi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. This keeps the dish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any moisture, use a paper towel to absorb it before sealing the container.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This helps warm it evenly.

Freezing Gnocchi: What to Know

If you want to freeze the gnocchi, it’s best to do so before cooking. Place the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. When ready to cook, add them directly to boiling water without thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook it according to the package instructions. Frozen gnocchi usually takes a bit longer to cook than fresh gnocchi. They may also have a different texture but will still work well in this dish.

What other vegetables can I add to Tomato Spinach Gnocchi?

You can add many veggies to your gnocchi. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add color and flavor. You can also use kale or arugula for a twist. Just make sure to cook them until soft.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done cooking?

Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the boiling water. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes for fresh gnocchi. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, it may take a bit longer. Always check for a slightly firm texture.

In this article, we explored how to make Tomato Spinach Gnocchi. We covered the main ingredients, optional variations, and substitutions. I detailed the steps to prepare the sauce, cook the gnocchi, and combine everything. You learned tips for the best results, storage methods, and even FAQs to clarify doubts.

Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Each bite brings warmth and flavor to your table. Try different variations to find your favorite twist. Cooking should be fun and simpl

Tomato Spinach Gnocchi Delight

A delicious and easy-to-make gnocchi dish with fresh tomatoes and spinach.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound fresh gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sprinkle in dried basil and paprika. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions or until they float to the surface (usually about 2-3 minutes for fresh gnocchi).
Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to the skillet with the tomato and spinach sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the gnocchi with the sauce.
Plate the gnocchi mixture and sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese over each serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins as desired.

Keyword gnocchi, spinach, tomato, vegetarian