Romantic Spinach and Parmesan Gnocchi

Name: Romantic Spinach and Parmesan Gnocchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium potatoes (about 500g); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; Salt to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Classic Recipes

I absolutely love making this Romantic Spinach and Parmesan Gnocchi for a cozy dinner at home. The moment the gnocchi hits the boiling water, you know it’s going to be a delightful meal. Pairing the soft pillows of dough with a creamy spinach and parmesan sauce creates a dish that not only warms your heart but also serves as the perfect romantic treat. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe is a beautiful way to impress your special someone without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:53:35.265Z

When I first attempted to make gnocchi from scratch, I was surprised by how therapeutic the process feels. The mixture of velvety spinach with creamy parmesan creates a sauce that is irresistibly delicious. The colors blend beautifully, and the taste is even better. I remember the first time I made this dish to impress my partner; the look of joy on their face was priceless!

One tip I’ve learned over time is to use fresh spinach for the sauce rather than frozen. Fresh spinach not only retains a vibrant color, but the flavor is infinitely better. Making sure to sauté the garlic just until fragrant enhances the taste, allowing the simple ingredients to shine in this romantic pasta dish. Don’t skip this step!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy spinach sauce complemented by parmesan cheese
Soft and pillowy gnocchi that melts in your mouth
Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion

      

The Art of Gnocchi Making

Making gnocchi is both an art and a science. Start by boiling your potatoes until they are fork-tender; this usually takes about 15 minutes. Be cautious not to overcook them, as soggy potatoes can lead to a heavy gnocchi. After draining, mash them while they are still hot to achieve a smoother texture. If you allow them to cool too much before mashing, you may struggle to get rid of lumps, which can affect the final texture.

When combining the mashed potatoes with flour and egg, use a light touch to avoid overworking the dough. A well-handled dough will result in gnocchi that are pillowy and tender. Roll the dough into ropes with a gentle hand, aiming for even thickness; this helps ensure that all pieces cook consistently. Cutting them into uniform sizes will also make a difference in cooking time, so aim for pieces about 1 inch long.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

The sauce is where the flavors truly come alive. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—make sure it’s hot enough to sizzle but not smoking. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant and lightly golden to avoid bitterness. Introduce the chopped spinach next; sauté it until wilted, which should take another 2-3 minutes. This step not only brings out the spinach's flavor but also keeps the bright green color intact.

When you add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, keep the heat moderate. Cook it gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. If your sauce appears too thin after a few minutes, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Conversely, if it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency without losing flavor. Seasoning the sauce is key, so taste and adjust with salt and pepper before tossing in your cooked gnocchi.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a lovely and romantic meal.

For the Gnocchi

2 medium potatoes (about 500g)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
Salt to taste

For the Sauce

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking for a smooth experience.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delightful homemade gnocchi dish.

Make the Gnocchi

Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash them while hot. Allow to cool slightly, then mix in flour, egg, and salt to form a dough. Roll into ropes and cut into pieces. Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is lightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

Once the gnocchi are cooked, gently toss them with the sauce. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top and enjoy a romantic meal!

Remember to serve this dish immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips

For extra richness, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. This little detail elevates the flavor profile beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy! Place the gnocchi and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. When reheating, do so on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or extra cream to keep it saucy. This will help prevent the gnocchi from becoming overly chewy or dry.

Freezing the gnocchi is also an excellent option. After shaping the gnocchi, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can cook them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize the sauce by adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can even stir in some cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost that transforms this side dish into a hearty main course. If you want a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative while still maintaining a creamy texture.

For those looking to amp up the nutritional aspects, you can incorporate additional greens like kale or Swiss chard into the sauce along with the spinach. This will not only enhance the color but also add layers of flavor and a variety of vitamins. Just remember to sauté them until tender before adding cream and cheese.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh spinach offers a better taste and texture.

→ What type of potatoes are best for gnocchi?

Starchy potatoes like Russets work best for a fluffy gnocchi.

→ Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the gnocchi and freeze them. Just cook from frozen when ready to use.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative to the heavy cream?

Yes! You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.