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- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving In this recipe, we start with the main ingredients. Gnocchi is the star, and you can use store-bought or make it at home. I love the texture of fresh gnocchi, but store-bought works well for a quick meal. Next, we need unsalted butter. This gives the dish its rich flavor. Garlic is the third main ingredient. Minced garlic adds a lovely aroma and taste. For the additional ingredients, cherry tomatoes give a pop of sweetness. When you cook them, they soften and add juice to the dish. Fresh spinach leaves add color and nutrients. Dried oregano brings in a warm, earthy flavor that ties everything together. For seasoning and garnishes, red pepper flakes are optional. They add heat if you like a kick. Don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnish and add a fresh taste. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese brings creaminess and a savory finish. This simple list of ingredients makes the garlic butter gnocchi skillet a delightful and easy meal. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it's boiling, gently add the gnocchi. You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top. This means they are ready. After that, carefully drain the gnocchi and set them aside. Next, take a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter is fully melted and bubbling. Now, add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1-2 minutes. Stir often to keep the garlic moving. You want it to be fragrant and golden, but not burnt. Now it’s time to add some color! Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. This helps them soften and release their juices. After that, mix in the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and turns a bright green. Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the skillet. Add the sautéed garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss it all together for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to soak up that tasty garlic butter. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the gnocchi mix to serving plates. To make it look great, garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves. Then, top it off with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich flavor and nice texture to your dish. Enjoy your beautiful and delicious garlic butter gnocchi! To cook gnocchi just right, pay close attention to timing. Boil them in salted water. Once they float, they are done. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Remove them quickly to avoid overcooking. If you use frozen gnocchi, follow the package instructions for the best results. Homemade gnocchi can be softer and may need less time. Taste is key when making this dish. You can adjust the seasoning to fit your style. Try adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat. If you want to boost the health factor, add extra veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms mix well with the other ingredients. For a great meal, pair the gnocchi with a simple side salad. A crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. When it comes to plating, think about color. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of green. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish by swapping ingredients. Try different cheeses for a twist. A creamy goat cheese or a sharp feta can enhance flavor. You can also mix in other vegetables. For example, zucchini or bell peppers work great. They add color and nutrients. If you want to make it vegan, use plant-based butter. Replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free gnocchi. You can find these in many stores. Adjust spice levels too. If you like it mild, skip the red pepper flakes. If you want heat, add more! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet. Adding a splash of water helps keep it moist. If you want more, make a larger batch. Just double the ingredients. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner later in the week! To keep your garlic butter gnocchi fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing. In the refrigerator, it lasts up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing. To freeze the gnocchi skillet dish, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the gnocchi has a strange smell or looks off, throw it away. Follow best practices for food safety: wash your hands, use clean utensils, and store food properly. This keeps your meals safe and tasty. To cook gnocchi from scratch, you need few simple ingredients. Start with 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 1 egg, and about 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix the potatoes and egg together. Gradually add flour until the dough forms. Roll pieces of dough into long strips, then cut them into small pieces. Use a fork to create ridges. Boil salted water and drop the gnocchi in. They are done when they float. Yes, you can use dried gnocchi. Dried gnocchi cooks differently than fresh. Follow the package instructions for cooking times, usually around 3-5 minutes in boiling water. They may need a bit more time to soften. Make sure to check them often. The texture will be firmer compared to fresh gnocchi. If you want to replace butter, olive oil is a great choice. You can also use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil works too, though it adds a slight coconut flavor. For a lighter taste, try using vegetable broth. Each option will change the flavor slightly, so choose what you like best. The garlic butter gnocchi skillet will last about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to eat, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a little water or broth to keep it moist while heating. This blog post covered creating a tasty garlic butter gnocchi dish. We explored key ingredients and step-by-step instructions, making cooking easy. You learned valuable tips for perfecting your gnocchi and adding flavor. We also discussed variations and helpful storage tips. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. You can adjust recipes to fit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy making this dish and share it with friends!

Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet

Savor the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet with this easy recipe! Warm, tender gnocchi are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach for a delightful meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of comfort at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add the gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This signifies they are cooked. Carefully drain the gnocchi and set aside.

    Sauté the Garlic: In a spacious skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and golden, ensuring it doesn't burn to maintain its flavor.

      Incorporate Tomatoes and Spinach: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices. Stir in the fresh spinach, mixing until the leaves are wilted and vibrant in color.

        Combine All Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss carefully to combine, allowing the gnocchi to soak up the buttery garlic goodness for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring even coating.

          Presentation: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the gnocchi to serving plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma. Top generously with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.

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

              - Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, pair this dish with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up any delicious remnants.