Description
Creamy spinach artichoke gnocchi bake brings Italian comfort to the dinner table. Cheesy layers of pillowy potato dumplings meld with tangy artichokes and fresh spinach, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent adhesion.
- Aromatic Foundation: In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its intricate flavor profile.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing them to soften and meld together harmoniously.
- Creamy Transformation: Pour heavy cream and milk into the vegetable mixture, gently incorporating cream cheese until the sauce achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Flavor Elevation: Season the sauce with salt, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a nuanced and vibrant taste experience.
- Gnocchi Immersion: Introduce uncooked gnocchi to the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coating and allowing a brief simmer to initiate subtle softening.
- Cheese Culmination: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan across the surface, creating a decadent, golden-potential topping.
- Baking Finale: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape of culinary delight.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from oven, allow minimal resting, and serve immediately while maintaining peak temperature and visual appeal.
Notes
- Prevent Gnocchi Overcooking: Watch carefully during simmering to avoid turning gnocchi mushy; 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot for maintaining tender texture without disintegrating.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Shred cheeses freshly for superior melting quality and more even coverage; pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can impact melting performance.
- Sauce Consistency Control: If sauce appears too thick, gradually introduce additional milk to achieve desired creamy smoothness without compromising overall flavor intensity.
- Dietary Modification Options: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version; use gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals; substitute regular cheeses with plant-based alternatives for vegan adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 508
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 529 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg