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- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) - 1 large egg - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping This dish offers a blend of protein from ricotta and healthy fats from olive oil. Each serving contains key nutrients, including calcium from cheese and fiber from spinach. You can enjoy a serving of creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi for a hearty meal. First, take 2 cups of fresh spinach and chop it finely. In a medium skillet, add the chopped spinach and a splash of water. Cook it over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Stir occasionally to help it cook evenly. Once the spinach is wilted, remove it from heat. Let it cool for a few minutes. Squeeze out any extra moisture and chop it again if needed. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with the cooled spinach. Crack in 1 large egg and add 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients until they blend well. Now, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, a little at a time. Stir gently until a soft dough forms, but do not overmix. This helps keep the gnocchi light and fluffy. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch segments. If you want, you can roll each piece over the tines of a fork to create ridges. This step is optional but helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the gnocchi in batches. Watch for them to float to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they are cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet you used for the spinach, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the cream sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about one more minute. This helps meld the flavors together nicely. Plate the creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi in shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. If you like, sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese on top. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of cream sauce over the dish. Enjoy your delightful dinner! Making creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi can be fun, but some common mistakes pop up. - Overmixing the Dough: This can make your gnocchi tough. Mix just until combined. - Not Salting the Water: A pinch of salt in boiling water is key. It adds flavor to the gnocchi. - Cooking in Batches: Avoid crowding the pot. Cook gnocchi in small batches for even cooking. To get that perfect light and fluffy texture, follow these simple tips: - Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and good-quality ricotta make a big difference. - Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix gently and stop as soon as it comes together. - Test Cook a Few: Before cooking all, try a few pieces. This helps you adjust the dough if needed. Having the right tools can make cooking easier: - Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for mixing dough. - Fork or Gnocchi Board: For creating ridges on the gnocchi, if you choose to. - Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing cooked gnocchi from boiling water. - Skillet: A good skillet is essential for making the cream sauce. With these tips and tricks, you’ll make a delicious creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{image_4}} You can change a few items to fit your taste. If you want a lighter meal, use low-fat ricotta cheese. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. You can also try using sweet potato instead of regular potatoes for a different texture. If you love a bit of zest, lemon zest can add a bright flavor to the dough. To enhance the taste, consider adding spices. A pinch of garlic powder gives a nice depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can bring more aroma. Try adding a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat. Nutmeg adds warmth, but keep it light. Don’t forget, the right seasoning makes a huge difference in your dish. Many people have dietary needs. For a vegan dish, replace ricotta with cashew cream or tofu blended with lemon juice. You can also use plant-based cream to make the sauce. For those avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without milk. Each of these changes makes the dish friendly for various diets while keeping it delicious. To store leftover gnocchi, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This will help keep the gnocchi fresh and avoid sticking together. To freeze gnocchi, lay it on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the pieces do not touch. Freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the gnocchi to a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, cook it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To reheat gnocchi, you can use a skillet or the microwave. For the skillet, add a bit of olive oil. Heat the gnocchi on medium until warm, stirring gently. In the microwave, place the gnocchi in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover it and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until heated through. Enjoy your creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi just like the first time! You can serve creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi with a variety of sides. A fresh salad pairs well. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread also makes a great side. Its crunch complements the soft gnocchi. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins add flavor and balance. Roasted vegetables can also be a tasty option. Their sweetness contrasts with the rich gnocchi. Yes, you can make gnocchi in advance. After shaping the gnocchi, place them on a baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch each other. Freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. When you are ready to cook, boil them straight from the freezer. Just add a minute to the cooking time. You can tell when the gnocchi is fully cooked by watching for floating. When they rise to the surface of the boiling water, that’s a good sign. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You can also taste one to check its texture. It should be soft but still hold its shape. If it's too firm, give it another minute. In this blog post, we explored how to make Creamy Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi. I covered each step, from prepping spinach to serving suggestions. You learned about ingredients, cooking tips, and how to store your leftovers. Now, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Experiment with flavors or share it with friends. Cooking can be fun, and this gnocchi is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Creamy Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi

Indulge in the deliciousness of creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi with this easy recipe! Discover how to make tender gnocchi from scratch using fresh ingredients like spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan. This comforting dish features a rich cream sauce that pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy gnocchi. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight with this delightful twist on a classic favorite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 large egg

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Spinach: In a medium skillet, add the chopped spinach along with a splash of water. Cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture and chop the spinach finely.

    Make the Gnocchi Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, egg, grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be sure not to overmix to keep the gnocchi light and fluffy.

      Shape the Gnocchi: On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the rope into 1-inch segments. To create ridges, you may roll each piece over the tines of a fork, but this step is optional.

        Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi in batches to the boiling water. Once they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes), they are cooked. Remove them using a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

          Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for the spinach, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the cream, stirring until smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

            Combine: Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the cream sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow it to simmer on low heat for an additional minute to meld the flavors together.

              Serve: Plate the creamy spinach ricotta gnocchi and garnish with fresh basil leaves. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls for a cozy presentation. Drizzle with a bit of extra cream sauce and place a small basil leaf on top for added color and freshness!