This Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich pesto cream sauce with fresh spinach and tangy marinated artichokes, it’s topped with melted gouda cheese for a gooey finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this one-pan meal is flavorful, easy to prepare, and sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) gnocchi

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil

• 150 ml (3/4 cup) white wine or water

• 250 ml (1 cup) cream

• 250 ml (1 cup) water or vegetable stock

• 125g (4 cups) baby spinach

• 280g (9 oz) jar marinated artichokes, drained

• 4 tablespoons basil pesto

• 200g (1 2/3 cups) gouda or similar cheese, grated

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

2. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in oregano and basil, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

3. Add gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden (3-5 minutes).

4. Deglaze the pan with white wine or water, scraping up any browned bits. Add cream and water (or stock). Simmer for about 5 minutes until gnocchi is cooked and sauce thickens.

5. Stir in pesto, spinach, and artichokes until spinach wilts.

6. Top with grated gouda cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

7. Serve directly from the pan and enjoy.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 763 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 57 g

• Protein: 22 g

• Fat: 50 g

  • Saturated Fat: 26 g

• Fiber: 7 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Cholesterol: 129 mg

• Sodium: 1056 mg

• Vitamin A: 4462 IU

• Vitamin C: 16 mg

• Calcium: 522 mg

• Iron: 7 mg

The Allure of Gnocchi in Comfort Cooking

Gnocchi, small pillowy dumplings typically made from potatoes, are a beloved ingredient in comfort food cuisine. Their soft, tender texture absorbs sauces beautifully, making them ideal for creamy bakes. Compared to pasta, gnocchi offers a unique bite that feels luxurious yet approachable. In this recipe, the gnocchi is lightly sautéed before being simmered in sauce, allowing it to develop a subtle golden crust that adds another layer of texture.

Gnocchi’s mild flavor provides a perfect canvas for the rich pesto cream sauce and the bold flavors of spinach and artichokes. It also cooks quickly, which helps keep the total preparation time short—a boon for busy home cooks.

The Pesto Cream Sauce: A Flavorful Base

The sauce in this dish is an indulgent blend of cream, white wine (or water), and basil pesto, seasoned with dried oregano and basil for an herby depth. The cream lends a rich, velvety mouthfeel that envelops the gnocchi, while the white wine adds subtle acidity and complexity, balancing the richness. When wine is not preferred, water or vegetable stock serves as a lighter alternative without sacrificing moisture.

Basil pesto introduces fresh, aromatic notes from basil, garlic, and pine nuts, complementing the creamy sauce with vibrant herbal flavors. This combination creates a luxurious base that ties together the dish’s various components and elevates simple gnocchi into something truly special.

Vegetables: Spinach and Marinated Artichokes

The inclusion of baby spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition to the dish. As it wilts into the warm sauce, it retains a mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture that blends seamlessly with the creamy gnocchi. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making this dish not only tasty but nourishing.

Marinated artichokes contribute a tangy, slightly acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Their unique flavor and tender texture bring an unexpected twist, adding complexity to the overall dish. The marinade often includes lemon and herbs, which enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile of this bake.

The Importance of Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is the crowning glory of this recipe. Its smooth meltability and mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor make it ideal for topping casseroles and bakes. When baked, gouda forms a beautiful golden crust that adds a pleasing textural contrast to the creamy gnocchi beneath.

Using gouda also brings richness and depth without overwhelming the other ingredients, creating a balanced flavor profile. Its creamy melt complements the pesto cream sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is indulgent.

Cooking Techniques and Equipment

This recipe shines in a cast-iron skillet, which is excellent for even heat distribution and helps create the golden crust on the gnocchi during sautéing. The skillet transitions easily from stovetop to oven, allowing for a seamless cooking process and easy cleanup.

Sautéing the onion and garlic first releases their flavors, forming a fragrant base for the sauce. Deglazing with white wine or water loosens browned bits from the pan, adding richness to the sauce. Simmering the gnocchi in the cream sauce ensures the dumplings cook through while absorbing flavor.

Finally, baking the assembled dish melts the gouda and browns the top, finishing the dish with a visually appealing and tasty crust.

Nutritional Highlights and Considerations

Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake is a calorie-rich dish, offering a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The gnocchi provides a hearty source of carbohydrates, while the cream and gouda contribute significant fat content, including saturated fats, which make the dish especially indulgent. Protein comes from the cheese and, to a lesser extent, from the vegetables.

The inclusion of spinach provides important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, contributing to the dish’s nutritional value. The moderate fiber content supports digestive health. Sodium is relatively high due to the cheese and marinated artichokes, so those monitoring salt intake may wish to adjust seasoning accordingly.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

This gnocchi bake pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads or steamed green vegetables to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus offers refreshing contrast and additional nutrients.

The dish also lends itself well to variations. For a lighter option, substitute half the cream with milk or use a lower-fat cheese. You could also add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture diversity.

Perfect for sharing, this bake is ideal for casual dinners, potlucks, or family meals where comfort and convenience are priorities.

Conclusion

Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi Bake is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy indulgence and fresh, vibrant flavors. The tender gnocchi bathed in a rich pesto cream sauce, combined with nutritious spinach and tangy artichokes, makes for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this bake offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will impress. Its versatility and richness make it a go-to recipe for those who love cozy, flavorful meals with minimal fuss.