If you are craving a comforting and effortless dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, this One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe is sure to become your new go-to. Imagine pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious tomato sauce, infused with aromatic garlic and onions, all brightened by fresh spinach and melty mozzarella. It’s a beautiful, cozy meal that comes together in one pan, making dinner both delicious and delightfully simple. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this dish is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe unforgettable. From the silky gnocchi to the fresh spinach and creamy mozzarella, every component brings a little magic to the pot.
- 16 oz shelf stable gnocchi: Provides a soft, chewy base that soaks up all the saucy goodness perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps cook the aromatics gently without overpowering.
- ½ yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed slowly.
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced: Infuses the dish with a warm, fragrant punch that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a rich, savory backbone.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Forms the heart of the sauce, offering acidity and freshness.
- ½ cup vegetable stock: Lightens the sauce slightly and helps cook the gnocchi evenly.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach: Adds a pop of vibrant green color and a mild earthy flavor.
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn: Melts into a gooey topping that’s pure comfort on a plate.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: Adds freshness and a hint of herbal brightness at the end.
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional): A final drizzle gives a subtle fruity richness and shine.
How to Make One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This preheating ensures that when we transfer our skillet into the oven, the heat is just right for baking the gnocchi to tender perfection and melting the cheese to golden bubbly bliss.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Melt the butter and add diced yellow onion, cooking gently for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Then add the sliced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes. The key here is to let the garlic become fragrant without browning it, which keeps the flavor sweet and mellow rather than bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. This step deepens the paste’s flavor and transforms it from sharp to rich and luscious, forming a strong foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir gently and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook slowly so the flavors meld together beautifully without boiling too hard, which can break down the texture.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi & Spinach
Gently add the uncooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring well to submerge the gnocchi in the sauce and distribute the spinach evenly. The gnocchi will begin to soften as it cooks in the sauce, soaking up all those vibrant tomato flavors while the spinach wilts to tender perfection.
Step 6: Bake the Gnocchi
Cover your skillet with a lid or foil, then place it in the oven for 20 minutes. Every 5 minutes, give the gnocchi a gentle stir to prevent sticking and help them cook evenly. This step allows the gnocchi to become perfectly tender while the sauce thickens and concentrates.
Step 7: Broil with Cheese
After baking, remove the cover and lay your slices or torn mozzarella over the top. Slide the skillet under the broiler on high for about 5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops those irresistible golden brown spots.
Step 8: Finish & Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds a delicate richness and sheen before you dish it out. Serve immediately and dive into this comforting, soul-satisfying bowl of deliciousness.
How to Serve One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a no-brainer, but consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan to elevate the cheesy experience. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds an elegant final touch that glistens beautifully on the warm gnocchi.
Side Dishes
This dish packs a lot of flavor on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements it perfectly, cutting through the richness with refreshing brightness. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is another great choice to soak up every last bit of the luscious tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the gnocchi straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic, inviting vibe. You can also portion it into individual oven-safe ramekins topped with cheese and broiled separately to impress guests with mini baked gnocchi gratins. A final sprinkle of chopped herbs or edible flowers can add a sophisticated flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Just cool thegnocchi thoroughly, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid drying out the sauce, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable stock or water. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the gnocchi from becoming rubbery. For a melty finish, add a little extra cheese and broil briefly after warming.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf stable?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will work beautifully and might cook slightly faster. Keep an eye on the baking time and adjust as needed to prevent overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is fully vegetarian. Just be sure to use vegetable stock and check that your mozzarella does not contain animal rennet if you follow strict dietary preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan margarine, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of mozzarella, and ensure your vegetable stock is vegan-friendly.
What can I use if I don’t have vegetable stock?
You can easily substitute with water, but adding a vegetable bouillon cube or some herbs and spices might help maintain the flavor depth in the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is mild by default, making it perfect for picky eaters or kids. For those who enjoy heat, adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking or as a garnish will elevate the spice level.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe enough for anyone who loves comfort food without fuss. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate and brings everyone together around the table. So go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious dinner can be with just one pot!
Print
One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Tomato Gnocchi with Spinach is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that combines tender shelf-stable gnocchi simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fresh spinach and melted mozzarella cheese. Cooked entirely in one oven-safe skillet, this recipe simplifies dinner preparation while delivering layers of flavor with sautéed onions, garlic, and tomato paste, finished with a crisp, bubbly layer of mozzarella under the broiler.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz shelf stable gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the gnocchi later in the recipe.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Warm a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Then add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions turn lightly translucent. Add the sliced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic brown.
- Cook the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often so the tomato paste deepens in color and develops a richer, slightly caramelized flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it bubbles softly without boiling vigorously.
- Add Gnocchi & Spinach: Add the uncooked gnocchi and fresh spinach directly to the skillet. Stir gently to make sure the gnocchi is submerged in the sauce and the spinach begins to wilt evenly.
- Bake the Gnocchi: Cover the skillet with an oven-safe lid or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring approximately every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking of the gnocchi.
- Broil with Cheese: Remove the lid or foil. Evenly arrange the fresh mozzarella slices or torn pieces on top of the gnocchi and sauce. Place the skillet under the broiler on high for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops golden brown spots.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty one-pot meal!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh gnocchi for shelf-stable if available; cooking times may vary slightly.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the ingredients to a baking dish before baking.
- Use vegetable stock or water if preferred; vegetable stock adds more depth of flavor.
- For a richer taste, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- To make it vegan, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Stirring during baking ensures gnocchi cooks evenly and prevents sticking to the pan.
- Keep an eye on the cheese under the broiler to avoid burning, as broiler intensity can vary.
