When you need a quick, comforting dinner that still feels special, this Tuscan Gnocchi in Cream Sauce is your answer. It’s rich, full-flavored, and comes together in one pan in about 15 minutes. Every bite is creamy and cozy — with soft, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and butter.
It’s the kind of meal that tastes restaurant-worthy but couldn’t be easier to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: Ready in 15 minutes.
- One Pan: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
- Comforting but fresh: Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with bright Mediterranean ingredients.
- Customizable: Add chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian.
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this creamy Tuscan gnocchi and some easy substitutions:
- Shelf-stable gnocchi – The kind from the pasta aisle works best; no boiling needed!
- Butter – Adds rich flavor. Substitute with olive oil if you prefer.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for the best aroma.
- Heavy cream – For the silkiest sauce (half and half also works for a lighter version).
- Chicken or vegetable broth – Keeps the sauce flavorful without being too heavy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil – Use the julienned kind, or chop whole ones.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated so it melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Baby spinach – Adds color and freshness.
- Lemon juice – Brightens up the whole dish.
- Salt, pepper, and fresh basil – To season and garnish.
🍅 What Makes It “Tuscan”?
This recipe isn’t a traditional Italian family heirloom — it’s a modern, Olive Garden–style creation inspired by the flavors of Tuscany: tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and herbs in a creamy sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.
👩🍳 How to Make Tuscan Gnocchi
The beauty of this dish is that the gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, releasing starch to naturally thicken it and deepen the flavor.
- Sauté the garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter (or use some oil from the sun-dried tomatoes). Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. - Make the sauce:
Stir in cream and broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. - Cook the gnocchi:
Add uncooked gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and cook for 4 minutes. - Thicken the sauce:
Remove the lid, stir, and simmer uncovered for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and gnocchi is tender. - Add the finishing touches:
Stir in spinach, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the spinach wilts, remove from heat. - Garnish and serve:
Top with more Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve straight from the pan and enjoy!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Keep sides simple to let the gnocchi shine:
- A crisp green salad or roasted veggies
- Garlic bread or warm baguette
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
⭐ More Gnocchi Favorites
If you love this dish, try these next:
- Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
- Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes
- Gnocchi alla Vodka
- Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
💛 Recipe Card
Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup chicken or veggie broth
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (uncooked)
- ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (julienne)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 cups baby spinach
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 30–60 seconds.
- Stir in cream and broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and cook 4 minutes.
- Uncover, stir, and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and gnocchi are tender.
- Stir in spinach, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat, garnish with basil and extra cheese, and serve warm.