Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi (5-Ingredient Recipe)

This Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi is an easy, 5-ingredient dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. There’s no need to boil the gnocchi separately. It cooks right in the skillet with cherry tomatoes, garlic, vegetable broth, and spinach. It’s a simple one-pan gnocchi dinner that tastes so good.

Some nights just feel nonstop. You walk through the door, the kids are hungry, and there are still a dozen things competing for your attention. That’s where this Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi really helps. It’s easy, satisfying, and it’s made with just five ingredients.

The ingredients are simple: vegetable broth, baby spinach, gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, and garlic. You might already have them on hand. But don’t think that just because it’s made with a few ingredients, the flavor is simple too. This dish is full of flavor.

The tomatoes soften into the broth, the garlic adds plenty of flavor, and the gnocchi cooks right in the skillet. There’s no separate pot of boiling water and no sauce to prepare on the side. Baby spinach wilts into the sauce at the end, adding freshness without creating another step. By the time the gnocchi is tender, dinner is ready to spoon into bowls.

In about 20 minutes, you have a warm, flavorful dinner on the table. Whether it’s just you, your family, or even a surprise guest, this recipe works. It’s one of those meals that feels like a little win at the end of a long day.

If one-pot dinners are your kind of comfort, you might also enjoy Easy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese, One Pot Hamburger Helper, Stovetop Tuna Noodle Casserole, Easy Skillet Lasagna, Skillet Tortellini with Sausage, One Pot Chicken and Rice, and Easy One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Why You’ll Love Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi ❤️

This easy 20-minute gnocchi is filled with tender potato, juicy tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a midweek meal.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

✔️ Ready in 20 minutes – There’s very little preparation, and the gnocchi cooks in about five to six minutes once it reaches the skillet.
✔️ Everything cooks in one pan – No boiling, no straining, and no pile of dishes. The sauce simmers, the gnocchi softens, and everything comes together in one pan. That makes cooking and cleanup feel a whole lot easier.
✔️ Just five ingredients – You just need vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and gnocchi. You might already have most of it in your kitchen.
✔️ Flavorful and filling – The broth and tomatoes make a rich, garlicky sauce that fills the kitchen with that homemade smell. The gnocchi turns soft and pillowy, and the spinach adds a fresh pop to every bite.
✔️ Cleanup is quick and easy – One skillet means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. And honestly, that always feels like a win.

A Simpler Way to Enjoy Gnocchi

When it comes to pasta, there’s something special about gnocchi. Soft, tender, and a little bit different from the usual noodles, they’re a real favorite around here. Each bite is rich and satisfying. The tender pasta almost melts in your mouth.

Gnocchi comes from Italy, where pasta traditions run deep. The name actually comes from the Italian word nocchio, which means “knot” or “knuckle.” Versions of gnocchi have been around since Roman times. Back then, they were more like dumplings made with breadcrumbs and flour. The potato-based version we know today came along much later.

Traditional potato gnocchi is usually made with potatoes and flour, and some recipes also include eggs. And while homemade can be wonderful, it takes time. All the peeling, boiling, mashing, and mixing is not exactly a quick process. On a busy night, it’s not even on the table as an option.

Store-bought gnocchi can make an easy dinner any night of the week. Whether it’s refrigerated or shelf-stable, store-bought gnocchi gives you that soft texture and familiar flavor without all the extra steps.

Cooking the gnocchi right in the tomato and garlic broth makes the shortcut even more useful. The gnocchi absorbs flavor as it cooks, and its starch helps create the sauce. You get the comfort of a gnocchi dinner with far fewer steps.

How to Cook Gnocchi in One Skillet

Gnocchi does not need to be boiled separately for this recipe. It cooks directly in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce.

The skillet should be at a gentle simmer before you add the gnocchi. Once it is stirred into the sauce, cover the pan and let it cook for five to six minutes. Stir once or twice so the gnocchi cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom.

As the gnocchi softens, it releases starch into the broth. This naturally thickens the cooking liquid and helps it cling to the gnocchi.

The finished gnocchi should be tender when pierced with a fork. If the sauce becomes too thick before the gnocchi is cooked, add a small splash of broth.

Ingredients for Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi

Simple and full of flavor, this 5-ingredient gnocchi recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to keep around.

Here’s what goes into the skillet:

• Vegetable Broth: Adds savory flavor while providing the liquid needed to cook the gnocchi directly in the skillet.
• Baby Spinach: Tender greens that wilt down easily, adding a mild, fresh flavor. Look for pre-washed baby spinach to make dinner even easier.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings make the dish filling and absorb the flavor of the broth as they cook.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet with a little tang, as they simmer, they break down into a fresh, simple sauce that tastes homemade.
• Garlic: A few cloves go a long way. Garlic adds mellow richness as it cooks and brings that comforting, just-about-to-eat feeling into the room.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust the seasoning to suit your broth and gnocchi, since both can already contain salt.

When it comes to five-ingredient recipes, you don’t count salt and pepper, since they’re just flavor enhancers that you can always adjust to taste.

How to Make Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi

This one-pan gnocchi dinner comes together in five simple steps. Have the tomatoes halved and garlic minced before you begin, since the first few steps move quickly.

Let’s get started!

STEP 1: COOK THE GARLIC

Lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one to two minutes, stirring often. The garlic should smell fragrant and soften slightly. Watch it closely so it does not brown or burn.

STEP 2: SOFTEN THE TOMATOES

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about five minutes. Stir occasionally as they soften and release their juices. Use the back of a wooden spoon to press some of the tomatoes against the skillet. Let the tomato juices cook with the garlic for another one to two minutes.

STEP 3: ADD THE BROTH

Pour two cups of vegetable broth into the skillet and stir to combine it with the tomatoes and garlic. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for two minutes. This gives the flavors time to come together before the gnocchi is added.

STEP 4: COOK THE GNOCCHI

Add the gnocchi and stir until each piece is coated in the tomato broth. Return the skillet to a gentle simmer, then cover it with a lid or foil. Cook for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi is ready when it’s soft and tender throughout.

STEP 5: WILT THE SPINACH AND SERVE

Stir the baby spinach into the skillet. Cook for one to two minutes, until the leaves have wilted into the sauce. Add more vegetable broth a little at a time if the sauce is thicker than you prefer. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and serve. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the kind of dish that makes everyone say, “Seconds, please!”

EASY VARIATIONS FOR SKILLET TOMATO AND SPINACH GNOCCHI

With these variations, you can enjoy Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi in so many different ways.

Here are some tasty ideas:

• Change the greens – Replace spinach with chopped kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. Kale and chard may need a few extra minutes to soften.
• Use another broth – Try chicken, mushroom, or even bone broth. Each one brings its own distinct taste to the dish.
• Add protein – Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or chickpeas. Just cook the protein first before adding everything else.
• Add cheese – A sprinkle of cheese can add creaminess. You can add grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or fresh mozzarella balls to the dish.
• Toss in more veggies – You can add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts, just sautéed them before adding the broth or gnocchi.
• Use flavored gnocchi – Try different types of gnocchi, like sweet potato gnocchi, whole wheat gnocchi, or even cauliflower gnocchi for a new tasty flavor.
• Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
• Add fresh herbs – Basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme bring freshness and a pop of color. You can cook them with the dish and add them on top just before serving.
• Go creamy – A splash of cream, a dollop of sour cream, or some cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce.

What can you serve with Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi?

Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi is filling enough to serve on its own, but a fresh side can round out the meal.

A simple side salad always works well. Use crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumbers. Top it off with your favorite dressing like Greek Yogurt French Salad Dressing, Light and Creamy Balsamic, or Greek Salad Dressing.

Roasted vegetables are another good option. Broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add texture and can cook in the oven while the gnocchi simmers on the stove. You can mix them straight into the gnocchi for a heartier dish or enjoy them on the side.

For extra protein, serve the gnocchi with salmon, chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausages. Chickpeas or white beans can also be stirred directly into the skillet for a vegetarian option.

When it comes to dessert, fresh fruit are a light way to end any meal. You can enjoy Blueberry Cantaloupe Salad or Strawberry Cheesecake Bites. If you want something richer, you can enjoy a few cookies or brownie bites.

How to store leftover Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb some of the sauce while it sits, so the leftovers may look thicker the next day. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or water before reheating.

For the best texture, reheat the gnocchi gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it is warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals. Cover the dish loosely and stir between intervals so the gnocchi heats evenly.

Cooked gnocchi can be frozen for up to two months, although it may become softer after thawing. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

What can you do with leftover Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi?

When you have leftover Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi, you can turn it into a new meal. Here are some tasty ways you can do that:

• Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Pizza Bake – Spread pizza sauce or pesto in a small baking dish. Add the leftover gnocchi, top with mozzarella, and bake until hot and melted. Serve it with toasted bread for dipping.
• Next-Day Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Soup – Add the leftover gnocchi to vegetable broth with diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until everything is warmed and heated through.
• Cheesy Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi Peppers – Spoon leftover gnocchi into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender..

Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi FAQ

Does gnocchi need to be boiled first?

Not for this recipe. The gnocchi cooks in the skillet with the tomatoes, garlic, and broth. This saves a pot and helps the gnocchi absorb more flavor.

Can I use refrigerated, shelf-stable, or frozen gnocchi?

Refrigerated and shelf-stable gnocchi both work well. Frozen gnocchi can also be used, but it may take longer to cook.

How much broth should I add?

Start with two cups. Add more broth after the gnocchi has cooked only if the sauce is too thick. Different brands of gnocchi absorb different amounts of liquid, so you’ll want to watch you dish when it’s cooking.

Can I replace the fresh spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can be used instead. Kale and Swiss chard should be added earlier so they have enough time to soften.

Is this gnocchi recipe dairy-free and vegan?

The sauce is naturally dairy-free. To make the full recipe vegan, use gnocchi and broth that do not contain dairy, eggs, or other animal ingredients.

How do I keep the gnocchi from sticking?

Use a gentle simmer and stir the skillet a couple of times while the gnocchi cooks. Make sure there is enough broth in the pan before covering it.

A One-Pan Gnocchi Dinner for Busy Nights

Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi gives you tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in one satisfying dinner. It takes about 20 minutes, uses five main ingredients, and leaves you with one skillet to wash. And you’ll have a fast, fresh, and satisfying dish.

Tried this Skillet Tomato and Spinach Gnocchi? Leave a comment and give them a star rating below. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love hearing how much your family enjoys them, too. Your feedback also helps more people find recipes like this.

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