Creamy Spinach Alfredo Gnocchi: A 5-Ingredient Wonder

Ever have one of those nights where you stare into the pantry, willing a delicious dinner to magically appear? I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. That’s exactly why this Creamy Spinach Alfredo Gnocchi is my go-to lifesaver. It feels indulgent and fancy, but it comes together with just five simple ingredients and one pan. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar without any of the stress. Who says you need a long grocery list to get a comforting, satisfying meal on the table?

Why You’ll Love This

This dish is the perfect trifecta: fast, easy, and so, so comforting. The pillowy gnocchi soak up that rich, garlicky sauce, and the spinach gives you that little boost of green we all need. It’s a complete meal all by itself, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with whatever you have in the fridge. You’ll love it because it solves the eternal ‘what’s for dinner?’ question with minimal effort and maximum flavor. A true weeknight winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (16-oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi: The hearty base of our dish that cooks up soft and tender.
• 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth and rich Alfredo sauce.
• 1 (1-oz) packet Alfredo sauce mix: Our secret weapon for big flavor with zero fuss.
• 4 cups fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color, nutrients, and a lovely fresh flavor.
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, savory punch and helps thicken the sauce.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk in the packet of Alfredo sauce mix until it’s smooth and there are no lumps.
2. Let the cream mixture come to a gentle simmer. You’ll see little bubbles forming around the edges. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Give it an occasional stir.
3. Now, dump the entire package of gnocchi right into the simmering sauce. Gently stir them so each piece gets coated. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 5 minutes. The gnocchi will plump up and become tender.
4. Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. It will look saucy and wonderful. Now, gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely into the sauce, making it even thicker.
5. Finally, turn off the heat and fold in the fresh spinach. It will wilt perfectly from the residual heat in about a minute. Give it one final stir, and you’re done! Season with a little black pepper if you like.

Simple Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for whatever you’re craving or have on hand. For a protein boost, add a drained can of chickpeas or two cups of shredded rotisserie chicken when you stir in the gnocchi. Not a fan of spinach? Swap it for chopped kale or even some frozen peas (just thaw them first). If you’re out of heavy cream, half-and-half will work in a pinch, though your sauce might be a tad thinner. And for a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning at the end is just delicious.

Quick Tips For Success

• Don’t skip the lid! Covering the skillet is crucial for steaming the gnocchi to perfect tenderness.
• Use a good, non-stick skillet to prevent any cheesy sauce from sticking and burning on the bottom.
• For the best texture, use fresh shredded Parmesan from a block. The pre-shredded stuff in bags doesn’t melt quite as smoothly.
• If your sauce seems a bit too thick after adding the cheese, just splash in a tablespoon or two of milk or water to loosen it up.
• And my biggest tip? Taste one gnocchi before serving to make sure it’s cooked through. No one likes a tough gnocchi!

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? They reheat beautifully! Let the gnocchi cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Just warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce back up. You can also use the microwave, but heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to avoid the sauce separating. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can become grainy when thawed.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This creamy gnocchi is a complete meal all on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a simple side. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For a cozy night in, a side of crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable for scooping up every last bit of sauce. And if you’re serving a crowd, it pairs wonderfully with simply roasted chicken breasts or some garlic butter shrimp for an extra-special touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable? Absolutely! You sure can. There’s no need to thaw it first—just add it straight from the freezer. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time under the lid.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier? You can lighten it up a bit by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and adding more spinach. It will still be creamy and delicious, just a little lighter.

What other easy dinner recipes can I make with minimal ingredients? I’m a huge fan of one-pan wonders! A simple skillet chili, a quick shrimp scampi, or a hearty lentil soup are all fantastic options for busy nights when you need minimal ingredient recipes that deliver on flavor.