If you love comfort food but want something a little extra special, this Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach is about to become your new favorite. It’s everything you crave in a cozy meal—pillowy-soft gnocchi, a rich and hearty Bolognese sauce, a touch of creaminess, and fresh spinach for a burst of color and nutrition. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach
Rich and Comforting: A luscious, meaty Bolognese sauce coats every bite of tender gnocchi.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything cooks together for maximum convenience.
Creamy and Satisfying: A hint of cream adds just the right amount of indulgence.
Nutrient-Packed: Fresh spinach sneaks in extra vitamins and a pop of color.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients in Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach
This dish is made with simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the rich sauce beautifully.
Ground Beef or Sausage: Adds deep, savory flavor to the Bolognese sauce.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the base of the sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of a classic, hearty Bolognese.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a deeper, richer sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to enhance the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious, velvety texture.
Spinach: A fresh, nutrient-packed addition that wilts beautifully into the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, salty finish.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but necessary to balance the flavors.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the sauce. Cover and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender.
Add the Cream and Spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes silky.
Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan and mix until melted and incorporated.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon onto plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired, and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach
With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Alongside a Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
Topped with Extra Cheese: Because there’s no such thing as too much Parmesan.
Paired with a Glass of Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the dish beautifully.
Additional Tips
Use Store-Bought or Homemade Gnocchi: Either works, just adjust cooking time as needed.
Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Double the Batch: It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A1: Yes! Just add it directly to the sauce and increase the cooking time slightly.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: The sauce freezes well, but gnocchi can get a little soft when thawed. If freezing, make the sauce ahead and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Q4: Can I use a different pasta instead of gnocchi?
A4: Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work well.
Q5: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A5: Half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk can be used for a lighter option.
Q6: How can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based version.
Q7: Can I make this spicy?
A7: Yes! Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat this?
A8: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Q9: Can I make this ahead of time?
A9: Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.
Q10: What other veggies can I add?
A10: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all work great in this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach is the ultimate cozy, one-pan meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!
Print
Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese with Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy gnocchi Bolognese is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a quick dinner idea. Featuring tender potato gnocchi, rich and savory Bolognese sauce, and fresh spinach, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. A one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics
- Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Make the Bolognese Sauce
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring well.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Gnocchi & Cream
- Stir in heavy cream and gnocchi, covering and simmering for 5 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Finish with Spinach & Cheese
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan, mixing until wilted.
- Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine for a deeper taste.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg