– 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Creating this Creamy Pesto & Spinach Gnocchi Bake is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Mix the Sauce: In the skillet with spinach, pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy pesto mixture until well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the gnocchi mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll create an incredible dish that brings comfort to the table!