Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that comes together in no time, then you’ll adore this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The combination of fresh baby spinach, tangy marinated artichokes, and the melty goodness of gouda cheese creates a delightful meal that everyone will love.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s so quick to prepare that you can whip it up even after a long day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast!
• Family-friendly: Creamy and cheesy, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal.
• Rich flavors: The combination of pesto, spinach, and artichokes creates a deliciously satisfying dish that feels indulgent.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delightful dish! You likely have most of these on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Gnocchi

• 500 g gnocchi
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce

• ½ tbsp dried oregano
• ½ tbsp dried basil
• 150 ml white grape juice (or water)
• 250 ml cream
• 250 ml water (or vegetable stock)

For the Greens

• 125 g baby spinach
• 280 g jar marinated artichokes (drained)
• 4 tbsp basil pesto

For Topping

• 200 g gouda or similar cheese (grated)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have in your pantry or your personal tastes. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add more veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Try swapping gouda for mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor.
• Switch up the greens: Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different texture and taste.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). In a cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Sautéing them well brings out their sweetness which adds depth to our dish.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

If needed, add a bit more olive oil before adding in the gnocchi. Stir them occasionally until they turn lightly golden brown—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Cooking the gnocchi until slightly crispy enhances their flavor and texture!

Step 3: Deglaze with Juice

Once your gnocchi are golden, it’s time to deglaze the pan! Pour in white grape juice or water while using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. This adds even more flavor! Afterward, stir in the cream and water (or vegetable stock), letting everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi is fully cooked.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now comes the fun part! Stir in the basil pesto along with baby spinach and drained marinated artichokes. The spinach will wilt beautifully from the heat, creating a lovely green hue throughout your dish. Finally, top everything off with shredded gouda cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. This step gives everything that gooey cheesiness we all crave!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Once it’s out of the oven, serve directly from the pan—it’s cozy and inviting! Enjoy every creamy bite of your delicious Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes!

Now that you’ve got this recipe down, I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes

Cooking this creamy pesto gnocchi is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll make it even better!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality artichokes will enhance the dish’s flavor, making each bite more vibrant and delicious.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi as they cook; they should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. This will ensure a perfect texture in your dish.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, replace some of the cream with vegetable stock. This keeps the flavors rich while lightening up the meal.
• Experiment with cheeses: While gouda is fantastic, feel free to swap it for other melting cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare everything up to baking in advance. Just store it in the fridge and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes

Presenting your creamy pesto gnocchi beautifully can make this comforting dish even more enjoyable. Here are some serving suggestions that will wow your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few sprigs of fresh basil on top add both a pop of color and an aromatic freshness that complements the pesto beautifully.
• Grated parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan offers a salty contrast that elevates the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy dish, allowing you to soak up any leftover sauce with each bite.
• Simple green salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the gnocchi.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers can add color and nutrition to your meal while providing satisfying textures.
• Steamed asparagus: The slight bitterness of steamed asparagus complements the creamy sauce beautifully, adding elegance to your dinner plate.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store leftovers for a quick, delicious meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the gnocchi to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to avoid drying out.
• Cover and stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes.

Can I use other vegetables in this creamy pesto gnocchi?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the dish!

How do I make my creamy pesto gnocchi even creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, consider using additional cream or stirring in some cream cheese or ricotta just before serving.

Can I prepare the creamy pesto gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later.

What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?

Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly for this creamy pesto gnocchi. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making homemade gnocchi!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes as much as I do! It’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Your family will love it, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something comforting and satisfying. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!