Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet

$- 1 lb potato gnocchi - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Gather these ingredients for a quick meal. I love the potato gnocchi because it has a soft texture. Unsalted butter brings a rich flavor, and garlic adds a nice kick. The cherry tomatoes give a sweet burst, while fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Red pepper flakes can spice things up, but you can skip them if you prefer milder food. Salt and pepper help balance the flavors. Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma, and Parmesan cheese makes everything taste even better. You can find most of these items in any store. Make sure to check the produce aisle for fresh ingredients. Using high-quality items makes a big difference in taste. This dish is not only quick but also packed with flavor and nutrition. To start, you need to cook the gnocchi. Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook them until they float, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Set the gnocchi aside. If you're using store-bought gnocchi, this step is quick and easy. For homemade gnocchi, make sure to use a light hand when rolling them. This helps them stay fluffy. Now, let's make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch for the butter to foam up. Once it does, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown. If garlic gets brown, it will taste bitter. The key to a great garlic butter sauce is timing. You want the garlic to smell fragrant but stay white. This gives the sauce a nice flavor without the bitterness. Next, it's time to add the tomatoes. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for about 3-4 minutes. This helps soften them and release their juices. After that, gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Now, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir everything together carefully. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt but still look fresh. Finally, season the dish. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, if you like some heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the gnocchi are coated in the garlic butter sauce. Your Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet is almost ready to enjoy! To get the best gnocchi, timing is key. Cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water. Wait until they float to the top, usually after 2-3 minutes. This shows they are done. Be careful not to overcook them; they can become mushy. For brands, I recommend De Cecco or Giovanni Rana. They have great flavor and texture. You can make this dish even better by adding herbs. Try thyme or oregano for a savory touch. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. Adjust the heat to fit your taste. If you like it mild, skip the spice. Garnish your dish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. This adds color and taste. You can also use parsley or chives for a fresh twist. Pair your gnocchi with a light salad or crusty bread. A glass of white wine works well, too. It complements the garlic and butter flavors perfectly. {{image_2}} You can switch out spinach for kale or arugula. Both give a nice bite. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, try diced bell peppers or zucchini. For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Each option adds its own flavor, making this dish your own. To make this meal gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty options, so check your store. For vegan choices, swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste without dairy. Different skillets heat in unique ways. If you use a non-stick skillet, you might need less butter. If you have cast iron, let it heat well before adding ingredients. Cooking on an induction cooktop offers quick heat. Adjust your cooking time as needed to keep the gnocchi from sticking. To keep your garlic butter gnocchi fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the gnocchi cools before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any change in color or smell, it's best to toss it. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep moisture. Stir gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi. Heat until warm, about five minutes. You want the gnocchi soft and tasty, not dry. If you want to freeze the gnocchi, place it in a single layer on a tray. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This helps prevent clumping. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It takes about 20 minutes to make this dish. You need 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. First, boil the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes. Then, you sauté the garlic and tomatoes while the gnocchi cooks. Finally, mix everything in the skillet for a few minutes. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi is quick and easy. You don’t need to thaw it first. Just add it directly into boiling water. However, frozen gnocchi may be softer than fresh. You might need to adjust the cooking time. It’s always good to check the package instructions too. You can serve this dish with many sides. Try a simple green salad for a fresh touch. Garlic bread pairs well, too. For drinks, a light white wine works nicely. Lemonade is a great non-alcoholic choice. Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect match! This blog post covered how to make Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet. You learned essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, choosing good gnocchi and perfecting the garlic sauce is key. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients and seasonings. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations. With practice, you can make this dish your own. Try it out; you might find your new favorite meal!$

Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet! This easy recipe combines tender gnocchi with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a quick and satisfying meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight! Enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite! #Gnocchi #GarlicButter #EasyRecipes #QuickMeals

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Ingredients

1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Gnocchi: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the potato gnocchi. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Add Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften and release some juices.

Combine Gnocchi and Spinach: Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, along with the fresh spinach. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Season: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently to coat the gnocchi in the garlic butter sauce.

Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4