The Dreamiest Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach Recipe

Comfort arrives in a delightful creamy gnocchi bolognese with spinach that promises pure culinary magic.

Soft potato dumplings nestle perfectly in a rich, hearty sauce bursting with robust flavors.

Tender spinach leaves add a fresh, vibrant touch to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Deep umami notes from slow-simmered meat create a luxurious backdrop for each delectable bite.

Herbs and seasonings dance together, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Welcoming and warm, this recipe invites you to savor every delicious spoonful of pure satisfaction.

Let’s make something truly memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gnocchi Tips For Creamy Bolognese

• Break ground beef into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform browning and maximum flavor development.
• Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Cook gnocchi directly in the sauce to absorb flavors and prevent overcooking, which can make them mushy.
• Add spinach at the last moment to preserve its vibrant green color and prevent nutrient loss during cooking.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and sprinkle gradually, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce for rich, even distribution.

Gnocchi Bolognese That Returns With Creamy Comfort

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled gnocchi to freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring it stays good for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
• Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Delicious Pairings For Gnocchi Bolognese

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty Bolognese sauce and cut through its creamy texture.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy gnocchi.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, herb-infused Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural element alongside the soft gnocchi.
• Enhance with Herbal Sparkling Water: Choose a sparkling water with a hint of rosemary or basil to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the overall dining experience.

Gnocchi Bolognese Adjustments

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the sauce's delicious essence.

FAQs

• What type of gnocchi works best in this recipe?

Store-bought potato gnocchi is perfect for this dish. Fresh or frozen varieties both work well, ensuring a quick and delicious meal without complicated preparation.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi and verify that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted. You can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version or add more for extra kick.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can increase the ground beef amount or add additional protein like Italian sausage, pancetta, or plant-based meat alternatives to enhance the protein content of the Bolognese.

Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese With Spinach That Feels Rich And Cozy

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whips up a delicious meal in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps anyone can follow, making it ideal for home cooks looking to impress without complex techniques.
• Creamy Comfort in One Pot: Eliminates multiple dish washing by creating a rich, satisfying meal in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and kitchen stress.
• Nutrient-Packed Crowd-Pleaser: Combines protein-rich beef, tender gnocchi, and nutritious spinach, delivering a balanced meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its delicious flavor profile.

Pasta and Spinach in Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source perfect for hearty bolognese sauce, choose lean cut for less grease.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown meat and prevent sticking, extra virgin provides better flavor.

• Onion: Adds deep savory base flavor, sweet undertones enhance meat sauce.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, intense flavor foundation, fresh cloves recommended.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Core sauce ingredient with bright acidic base, San Marzano variety recommended.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens sauce complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious texture and balances tomato acidity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, tangy finishing element with rich umami notes.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings offering hearty texture, fresh preferred over dried.
• Spinach: Introduces fresh green color and nutritional boost, baby spinach works best.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb providing fresh, fragrant finish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement.

Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach Cooking Steps

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and crumble the meat while cooking until it turns a rich golden brown color.

Ensure the beef is evenly cooked and no pink remains.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Onions
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Cook until onions become translucent and the kitchen fills with aromatic fragrances.

Step 3: Build Bolognese Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Broth

Stir ingredients thoroughly and allow the sauce to simmer.

Let the mixture reduce and develop deep, rich flavors for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Elements

• Heavy cream
• Gnocchi

Cover the skillet and simmer, allowing gnocchi to become tender and absorb the sauce’s incredible flavors.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens and Cheese

• Spinach
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts completely.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the gnocchi bolognese to serving dishes.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for a beautiful presentation and extra burst of flavor.

Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic Italian comfort shines in this Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach, blending hearty meat sauce with pillowy potato dumplings. Rich flavors and tender spinach create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by searing ground beef in hot olive oil until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior and crumbles evenly.
2. Introduce aromatic vegetables, softening diced onions and releasing fragrant garlic with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and subtle red pepper heat.
3. Transform the base into a robust sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes and savory broth, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors through gentle simmering.
4. Elevate the dish by introducing pillowy gnocchi and luxurious cream, creating a silky texture that envelops each potato dumpling while gently cooking them to perfect tenderness.
5. Integrate vibrant spinach leaves, letting them wilt gracefully into the sauce, and fold in sharp Parmesan cheese for a nutty, complex undertone.
6. Enhance the presentation with a delicate garnish of freshly grated Parmesan and verdant basil leaves, adding visual appeal and a final layer of aromatic brightness.

Notes

• Tenderize meat by using a meat mallet before cooking to break down fibers and ensure even browning.
• Select high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and juicy texture.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles for lighter alternatives.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra lean ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbles for health-conscious variations.
• Minimize sauce splattering by using a splatter screen or partially covering the skillet during meat cooking.
• Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by avoiding overcooking and monitoring simmer time carefully.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 572
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg