Description
Enjoy a comforting and easy weeknight dinner with Creamy Butter Gnocchi with Spinach and Basil. This dish combines tender store-bought gnocchi with a luscious butter sauce, fresh spinach, fragrant basil, and melty shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), delivering a perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh herbal brightness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a versatile, all-in-one plate that satisfies with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 500g store-bought potato gnocchi
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (use plant-based butter for vegan option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for gentle kick)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Scoop them out gently and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to form a flavorful base.
- Add Spinach and Basil: Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and chopped basil. Stir gently until the spinach wilts but remains bright green, infusing the sauce with fresh herbal notes.
- Stir in Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and stir continuously to melt it slowly into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Carefully fold them into the creamy sauce to coat every piece. Heat for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the gnocchi; remove as soon as they float for optimal texture.
- Use fresh basil for the best vibrant flavor over dried herbs.
- Melt the cheese slowly on low heat to avoid clumping and keep the sauce smooth.
- Add butter last for the richest, silkiest sauce texture.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity from vegetarian Worcestershire sauce as you cook.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: gnocchi, creamy butter sauce, spinach, basil, vegetarian, quick dinner, easy recipe, mozzarella cheese vegetal