Creamy Pesto & Spinach Gnocchi Bake

Creamy Spinach Pesto Gnocchi Bake Delight 🍽️✨

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful dish, this gnocchi bake is the perfect choice. Combining tender gnocchi with vibrant spinach, rich creamy pesto, and melty cheese, this spinach gnocchi casserole is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and bursting with delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises a satisfying experience. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your meal while enjoying the indulgence of cheesy baked pasta.

2. Ingredients

• 1 pound of store-bought or homemade gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup basil pesto or homemade pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes or cooked chicken for added protein

3. Step-by-step Instructions for the Creamy Spinach Pesto Gnocchi Bake

Preparing the Gnocchi and Spinach

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Set aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and basil pesto. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Assembling the Gnocchi Bake

Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked spinach mixture, pesto sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix gently to combine.

Baking the Gnocchi Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle additional mozzarella before baking.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Gnocchi Bake

Allow the spinach gnocchi casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, just ensure to store it in a sealed, freezer-safe container.

5. Serving Suggestions for the Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Serve this delicious gnocchi bake with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for garnish. For a protein boost, serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

6. FAQs about the Gnocchi Bake and Variations

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi adds an extra special touch, but store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and makes this creamy pesto gnocchi dish quick and easy.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free béchamel and use dairy-free cheese options. The flavor remains rich and satisfying.

How long does it take to prepare?

The entire process takes approximately 40-45 minutes — 10 minutes for prep, 15 minutes for cooking, and 20 minutes for baking.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This spinach gnocchi casserole is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian pesto and cheese.

Can I add extra vegetables or proteins?

Certainly! Feel free to add cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to customize your gnocchi bake.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

To make your cooking experience seamless, consider using these helpful tools:

• T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – This durable set ensures easy cooking and cleanup for your skillet and baking dishes.
• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics – Ideal for quickly roasting or reheating leftovers with perfect crispness.
• Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – Adds versatility for preparing proteins or vegetables to complement your casserole.
• Philips 7000 Series Pasta Maker with 8 Shaping Discs – Create fresh gnocchi and pasta from scratch to elevate the dish.

Investing in quality kitchen tools can enhance your cooking efficiency and make prepping delicious meals like this gnocchi bake easier and more enjoyable.

8. Conclusion

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this creamy spinach pesto gnocchi bake. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and savory spinach gnocchi casserole that’s perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this dish and impress with minimal effort. Customize it to your taste and enjoy a comforting plate of goodness that’s sure to become a family staple. Happy cooking!

Creamy Spinach Pesto Gnocchi Bake Delight

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A creamy, flavorful baked gnocchi dish with fresh spinach and vibrant basil pesto, topped with melted cheese for a comforting meal.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix heavy cream with pesto, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine cooked gnocchi, spinach mixture, and pesto cream. Mix well.
6. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.

Notes

• Feel free to add grilled chicken or mushrooms for extra protein.
• Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 420 Kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 55mg