This Potato Gnocchi in Bacon Spinach Cream Sauce is a delicious and comforting meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner. The gnocchi are cooked until tender, then coated in a creamy sauce with crispy bacon, spinach, Parmesan, and tomatoes. The result is a rich, flavorful dish that comes together in 20 minutes or less — perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something indulgent.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) gnocchi

• 2 strips of bacon

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 shallots or 1 small red onion, minced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper

• 1 large tomato, diced

• 3/4 cup vegetable or chicken stock

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Gnocchi: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, sauté the bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set aside. Discard the excess fat but leave the browned bits in the pan.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced shallot (or onion) and garlic until fragrant.

4. Brown the Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and brown them gently on all sides, about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).

5. Make the Sauce: Add the diced tomato to the pan and cook for about a minute. Stir in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the sauce to a low boil. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for about a minute until the sauce is smooth.

6. Finish the Dish: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately, garnished with basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan.

Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~500 kcal

• Protein: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Fat: 25g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Sugar: 3g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: ~800mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used.

Why Gnocchi is the Perfect Base

Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. Its tender, pillowy texture is a perfect base for this rich, creamy sauce. When cooked, gnocchi absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating an unforgettable bite with each spoonful. Unlike traditional pasta, gnocchi offers a slightly more substantial texture, making it a hearty addition to this dish. Its neutral flavor allows it to pair well with the savory bacon, the earthiness of spinach, and the richness of the cream sauce.

The Crispy Bacon: Adding Flavor and Texture

The bacon in this dish serves as both a flavor enhancer and a texture contrast. When crisped up, bacon adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the softness of the gnocchi. The rendered bacon fat is also used to cook the shallots and garlic, adding extra depth of flavor to the dish. Bacon’s natural saltiness infuses the entire sauce, making it even more savory and delicious. Crumbling the bacon into small pieces ensures that every bite has a touch of its smoky, salty goodness. This savory ingredient not only elevates the flavor of the dish but also adds a richness that makes the cream sauce even more luxurious.

Spinach and Tomatoes: Brightness and Freshness

While the creamy bacon sauce is indulgent and rich, the addition of spinach and fresh tomatoes helps balance the flavors. Spinach wilts into the sauce, providing a burst of color and an earthy, slightly bitter taste that cuts through the richness. Its freshness brightens up the dish and makes it feel lighter despite the creamy sauce.

The diced tomatoes contribute a subtle acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile. They break down into the sauce as they cook, adding a slight sweetness and helping to balance out the heaviness of the cream and bacon. Together, the spinach and tomatoes create a harmonious contrast to the richness of the sauce, making each bite more balanced and refreshing.

The Cream Sauce: Rich and Velvety

The cream sauce in this dish is where the magic happens. Made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and vegetable or chicken stock, it’s rich, velvety, and smooth. The cream creates a luscious texture that coats the gnocchi perfectly, while the Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth that enhances the overall flavor. The stock helps to thin out the sauce just enough, making it pourable and ensuring that it evenly coats the gnocchi and other ingredients. This sauce is the ultimate indulgence, providing the perfect finishing touch to the crispy bacon and tender gnocchi.

Quick and Easy Preparation

Despite its rich flavor and satisfying texture, Potato Gnocchi in Bacon Spinach Cream Sauce is incredibly easy to make. The gnocchi cooks quickly in boiling water, and while it’s draining, you can prepare the bacon and sauce. Cooking the bacon takes just a few minutes, and using the rendered fat to sauté the shallots and garlic enhances the flavor of the entire dish. Once the gnocchi is browned in the skillet and the sauce is added, the dish comes together in no time.

This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The entire dish is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for those who love good food but are pressed for time.

Finishing Touches: Parmesan and Fresh Basil

To complete this dish, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and color. Parmesan enhances the savory, cheesy notes in the sauce, while fresh basil provides a fragrant, slightly sweet contrast. The combination of these finishing touches adds a layer of freshness and complexity that rounds out the dish. The basil leaves also provide a pop of color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions

Potato Gnocchi in Bacon Spinach Cream Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with a simple green salad to add freshness and crunch, or pair it with crusty bread to soak up the leftover sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli would complement the richness of the gnocchi and sauce.

This dish also works well as a standalone meal. The gnocchi is filling, and the combination of protein from the bacon and the richness of the cream sauce makes it a complete dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Conclusion: A Comforting Meal in Minutes

In conclusion, Potato Gnocchi in Bacon Spinach Cream Sauce is a comforting and indulgent dish that is quick and easy to prepare. The combination of tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy spinach, and creamy sauce creates a rich, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The balance of savory, creamy, and fresh ingredients makes each bite satisfying and full of depth. With minimal effort and a short cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.