Description
Comforting spinach artichoke gnocchi bake brings Italian-inspired warmth to dinner tables with creamy cheesy goodness. Hearty potato pillows nestled among tender spinach and tangy artichokes promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Starch:
- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (14 ounces/400g) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Warm the cooking chamber to 400F (200C) and delicately coat a baking vessel with a light lubricant to prevent sticking.
- Select a spacious oven-compatible skillet and activate medium thermal intensity. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
- Incorporate chopped artichoke clusters and verdant spinach leaves, encouraging them to meld and soften within the culinary environment.
- Stream velvety heavy cream and milk into the developing mixture, then fold in cream cheese until the texture transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Enhance the sauce with nuanced seasoning – integrate salt, cracked black pepper, and optional fiery red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
- Gently introduce uncooked gnocchi pillows, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly enrobed in the creamy sauce. Allow gentle simmering for roughly 2-3 minutes to initiate slight softening.
- Distribute mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across the surface, creating a tantalizing blanket of dairy decadence.
- Transfer the skillet into the preheated cooking chamber, allowing the dish to transform for 15-20 minutes until the top achieves a golden, bubbling landscape.
- Extract from heat, permit minimal resting time, and serve while maintaining optimal warmth and appetizing appeal.
Notes
- Swap gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi to create a lower-carb version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
- Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based adaptation that maintains creamy texture.
- Enhance protein content by adding cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta for extra flavor complexity.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for those preferring gentler heat profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 505
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg