Creamy Lemon Gnocchi
This easy and quick vegetarian comfort food dish delivers a light and creamy lemon flavor that's perfect for summer evenings while requiring minimal expertise. The bright citrus notes balanced with velvety texture create a restaurant-quality experience that defies its simple preparation.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi fresh or shelf-stable
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 lemons zest and juice (about 1/4 cup juice)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually just 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain well but reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water for later use.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Add the lemon zest, half of the lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, remaining lemon juice, chopped basil, and spinach if using. Cook for another minute until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in shallow bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with vegetable broth whisked with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
When reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth and warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 12gFat: 25gSodium: 540mgFiber: 3g
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