Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (2024)

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Everyone always wants to know, so hear it loud and clear, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi recipe is probably one of my favorite dinner recipes on the entire site.

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The sauce is both light and totally creamy, filled with fresh, bright greens and those sweet and almost tangy sun dried tomatoes all nestled around sink-your-teeth-into-them pillows of gnocchi, my goodness, it’s the ultimate gnocchi recipe. It is light but packed full of flavor ingredients and the textures, gosh it’s just irresistible.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (1)

Junior High English

If that’s not a run-on sentence that’s totally worth getting a red pen mark from my English teacher, I don’t know what is.

Actually, my Jr. High English teacher hated me. I don’t know, maybe I just felt she was out to get me, well me and the rest of the class that also thought she hated me. What would she think if she knew I was making a living by writing for millions of people every month? I hope she’d feel like I did her proud. Like every time she emphasized writing to capture people that maybe that little girl she’d get after really did have some worth.

I remember on one occasion passing through the field to get to class and somehow she saw me spit my gum in the weeds. When I entered the portable and class began, she stood at the front and asked me to stand, and then she made me turn back around and go search for the piece of gum and throw it away. I was so humiliated. But alas, I never spit my gum out in the weeds again.

But this isn’t about Jr. High. And thank heavens as there was nothing more awkward than those years, and this gnocchi is anything but awkward, in fact it’s elegantly perfect- the opposite of my frizzed out hair, braces wearing self.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (2)

Carrian’s Favorite Recipe

Cade and I have been making versions of this gnocchi since our first few years of marriage. Every few years altering a little of this and that. Originally we used artichokes and later felt they competed with the gnocchi so we switched to leeks. After years of only using tomatoes we threw in the addition of sun-dried tomatoes which add a sweet and tangy flavor that’s out of this world.

Last but certainly not least, the cooking white wine.

I know, you all don’t have to use cooking white wine, but since we don’t have wine in our home it’s our only choice. After winning a cooking competition in California for my Panko Crusted Chicken with Lemon Cream Sauce I’ve been sold on how much it can alter a dish for the better.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (3)

Ingredients for Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi

Most ingredients in this recipe are going to come from the produce section. I love when a recipe is like that! It means it’s going to be flavorful and packed with nutrients! Here is your grocery list:

  • Olive Oil (from the sun dried tomatoes)
  • Leek
  • Garlic
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes
  • White Wine (cooking wine)
  • Butter
  • Gnocchi
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Spinach
  • Basil
  • Heavy Cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper

The measurements for each ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (4)

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi

The only thing better than a delicious recipe is an EASY delicious recipe! You will have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. Here are the basic steps with photos:

  • Heat the oil from the sun dried tomatoes to a large skillet over medium eat. Then add the leeks and cook until tender.
  • Then add the garlic and cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (5)

  • Add the sun dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of salt to taste.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (6)

  • Add the white cooking wine and bring everything to a simmer. Then add the butter and season to taste with salt.
  • Stir in the previously cooked gnocchi, cheese and heavy cream.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (7)

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (8)

  • Finally, add the spinach and basil and stir until wilted.
  • Salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (9)

Cooking Wine

Cooking wine is different than regular alcohol and can be found by the oils and vinegars section. If you can’t use regular wine or cooking wine you can always sub a little chicken broth and or white grape juice.

When using cooking wine always use a little less than the recipe calls for as it isn’t as light and packs more sodium than the true ingredient.

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is a thick, small, and soft dough dumpling that can be made from semolina (or flour) or potato.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (10)

Is Gnocchi Pasta?

Gnocchi is not a form of pasta. It is actually a dumpling.

Is Gnocchi a Side Dish or Main Dish?

Gnocchi can be served as a main dish or a side dish.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (11)

What are Leeks?

Leeks are vegetables in the onion family and cousins to garlic, shallots, or chives. They are mild in flavor and slightly sweet.

The part that you eat is the white and light green stem area. The deeper green parts or “leaves” are tough and not really edible but can be used to flavor broth.

What to Substitute for Leeks?

A mild sweet onion or green onions (scallions) would be the closest in taste to leeks. Shallots could also be used.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (12)

How to Clean Leeks

We have a whole post on cleaning leeks, so head there and you will have everything you need to prep your leeks for this recipe. Leeks are grown down in the dirt and get very dirty in between the layers. They should be cleaned before eating.

How Long Will Gnocchi Keep?

The leftovers will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (13)

This is the gnocchi recipe to end all gnocchi recipes! We have perfected every ingredient in this quick and easy dinner recipe. No run-on sentence needed here, just put this recipe on your menu this week!!

More Gnocchi Recipes:

  • Beef Ribs with Charred Pepper Cream Gnocchi
  • Olive Garden Gnocchi Chicken Soup
  • Browned Butter Sage Gnocchi
  • Ricotta Gnocchi

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi

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4.19 from 33 votes

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Olive oil, from the sun dried tomatoes
  • 1 Leek, Cleaned and sliced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1/2 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, oil packed, chopped
  • 2/3 Cup White Wine, cooking, (or chicken broth or regular white wine)
  • 3 Tablespoons Butter
  • 17 oz. Gnocchi, refrigerated *see note
  • 1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 Cups Spinach, fresh, chopped
  • 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream, (half and half works as well)
  • 1/4 Cup Basil, fresh, chopped
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil from the tomatoes. Once hot, add the leeks and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.

    3 Tablespoons Olive oil, 1 Leek

  • Add in the garlic and tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, stirring occasionally and gently pushing with a spoon. Stir in the sun dried tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes, adding a sprinkle of salt to taste.

    4 Cloves Garlic, 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes, 1/2 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes

  • Quickly add the white cooking wine and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook down by 1/3, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the butter and season to taste again.

    2/3 Cup White Wine, 3 Tablespoons Butter

  • Stir in the cooked gnocchi (see note) and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the cheese, spinach, heavy cream and basil and heat until the spinach is wilted. Serve with salt and pepper to taste!

    17 oz. Gnocchi, 1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese, 2 Cups Spinach, 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream, 1/4 Cup Basil, Salt and Pepper

Notes

Note- If using gnocchi from the pasta section of the store, cook in a pot of boiling water until it begins to float. Drain and use.

Store left overs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 576kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 691mgPotassium: 923mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3175IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 206mgIron: 8mg

Author: Sweet Basil

Course: 100 Family Favorite Easy Healthy Recipes

Cuisine: American

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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe Oh Sweet Basil (2024)

FAQs

What flavor do sun-dried tomatoes add? ›

Sundried tomatoes impart a smoky flavor with hints of tobacco. They can be covered with virgin olive oil, for later use. Or, soak in warm water until moist and pliable for immediate use. Add to your favorite sauces, stews and warm vegetable dishes.

How to make sun-dried tomatoes less chewy? ›

Begin by placing the tomatoes in a bowl and covering them with warm water or other, more flavorful liquid. You may want to add a pinch of salt to the bowl to give them even more oomph. Then, let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour, or until they have rehydrated and become soft.

What makes sun-dried tomatoes so good? ›

The drying also slows down the natural enzymes that make fruit turn mushy. Besides extending their shelf-life, sun-drying tomatoes also concentrates their flavor, making them even more delicious.

How to properly cook gnocchi? ›

Cook gnocchi:

Bring a large pot water to a boil; add 1 tablespoon salt. Add half of the gnocchi; when they rise to the top (after about 2 minutes), continue to cook until tender, about 15 seconds more.

Do Italians eat sun-dried tomatoes? ›

Their chewier texture and tougher skins make them very similar to dried fruit. In Italy, sun-dried tomatoes are eaten as part of an antipasto or on toasted bread. They are also perfect in pasta sauces, salads, and on pizzas.

Should I refrigerate sun-dried tomatoes in oil? ›

Bella Sun Luci Sun dried Tomatoes in Oil

To maximize the shelf life of your product we encourage customers to store all Bella Sun Luci sundried tomato products, once opened in a refrigerator. Our recommendation is to use the tomatoes within six months after opening, add olive oil as needed to keep tomatoes covered.

Should I soak sun-dried tomatoes before use? ›

However, if you do need them soft you can rehydrate by soaking in either warm water or good quality oil (olive oil is most common) for about 10 minutes. Salads and Sandwiches: Rehydrate the tomatoes by marinating in a bit of salad dressing then enjoy tomatoes in your salad in the winter or on a sandwich.

Do dry sun-dried tomatoes go bad? ›

Sun-dried tomatoes can last for at least a year while preserved in oil. After opening, you should use your sun-dried tomatoes within a month.

How to get sun-dried tomatoes soft? ›

Place 1/2 cup tomatoes in heatproof bowl, cover with 1 cup broth or 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 cup warm water, then cover with plate and microwave for 2 minutes. Let sit until skin side of tomato can be pierced easily with fork, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and blot well with paper towels.

What type of tomatoes are best for sun-dried tomatoes? ›

Roma tomatoes, San Marzano, or smaller grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can be used to make sun-dried tomatoes. Without their moisture, their flavor is amplified, boosting the taste of a dish. In the sun. Using the sun is the classic way to dry tomatoes like they once did on the rooftops of southern Italy.

What do sun-dried tomatoes do for your body? ›

Antioxidant Powerhouse: Sun-dried tomatoes are a potent source of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Heart Health: Studies suggest that regular consumption of lycopene-rich foods like sun-dried tomatoes may lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure.

Are sun-dried tomatoes anti-inflammatory? ›

Incorporating sun dried tomatoes into any meal is a smart way to stay healthy! These little gems are packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants (including lycopene) that are event believed to decrease the risk of certain cancers, neutralize free radicals and decrease inflammation.

What pairs well with gnocchi? ›

Top 10 ways to serve gnocchi
  • Gnocchi & tomato bake. ...
  • Spinach & ricotta gnocchi. ...
  • Gnocchi with roasted squash & goat's cheese. ...
  • Gnocchi with courgette, mascarpone & spring onions. ...
  • Gnocchi bolognese with spinach. ...
  • Gnocchi with mushrooms & blue cheese. ...
  • Gnocchi with lemon & chive pesto. ...
  • Swede gnocchi with crispy sage.

Why does my gnocchi fall apart when I cook it? ›

My Gnocchi Are Falling Apart When I Cook Them

This means there isn't enough flour and your dough is too wet.

Is it better to boil or fry gnocchi? ›

Perhaps I'm just a gnocchi snob, but the difference between boiled gnocchi and sautéed gnocchi is pretty amazing. Boiled gnocchi can be a bit stodgy, a bit slimy, a bit heavy… fried gnocchi is perfectly crispy and fluffy and light and toasty and all sorts of other lovely adjectives.

Do sun-dried tomatoes taste like regular tomatoes? ›

Sun-dried tomatoes provide an appealing punch of concentrated tomato taste. Slightly sweet, tart, and tangy, with a pleasant chewiness, their contribution is unique, and many dishes benefit from the bright component (in both taste and color).

How do you describe the taste of sun-dried tomatoes? ›

Sun-dried tomatoes have an intense sweet-tart flavor that's much more potent than fresh tomatoes, so a little goes a long way. They also have a chewier texture, so hydrating the regular ones before using them is important if you're not planning to cook them in any liquid, like for a salad.

Are sun-dried tomatoes tasty? ›

These little gems are ripe tomatoes that have been left to dry out in the sun, a technique that goes back centuries, preserving their flavor and extending their shelf life. The end result? A potent, sweet, and tart taste that can elevate any dish, from pasta and salads to pizzas and even sandwiches.

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