Description
Creamy Butter Gnocchi with Spinach and Basil is a comforting and elegant dish combining tender potato gnocchi coated in a rich buttery sauce, fresh spinach, and aromatic basil. The addition of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) adds luscious creaminess, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive simple meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g soft potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 3 tablespoons creamy butter
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Gnocchi: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the potato gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooked, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Toss in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring gently until wilted and vibrant green.
- Combine Sauce and Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Stir gently to coat all the gnocchi with the buttery sauce. Allow them to warm through for a minute or two on medium-low heat.
- Add Basil and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy texture that binds the flavors together.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) if desired.
Notes
- Choose your gnocchi wisely: Fresh gnocchi absorbs sauce better than frozen or dried varieties.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow gnocchi to lightly crisp for added texture.
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor outcome.
- Add basil last to preserve its fresh aroma and prevent bitterness.
- Season gradually; salt both pasta water and sauce carefully to avoid over-salting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: gnocchi, creamy butter sauce, spinach, basil, vegetarian, comfort food, easy dinner
