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To make garlic butter gnocchi, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves, fresh - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving You will need a few basic tools to cook this dish: - A large pot for boiling water - A large skillet for sautéing - A slotted spoon for draining gnocchi - A cutting board and knife for chopping Feel free to customize the dish with these add-ins: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini - Different herbs, such as thyme or parsley for flavor - A splash of lemon juice for brightness To cook the gnocchi, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook them until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Floating means they are ready! Drain them in a colander and set aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but don’t let it burn. Keep an eye on it! Now, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes. They should start to soften and release their juices. Next, toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts down. This will add nice color and flavor! Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. If you like some heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together. Let the gnocchi soak up that delicious garlic butter for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese for a tasty finish! To cook gnocchi right, start with plenty of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Gnocchi will float when done, usually in 2-3 minutes. Don't overcook it. Overcooked gnocchi turns mushy and loses its charm. Drain it gently and avoid rinsing. This helps keep the gnocchi’s flavor. Add depth to your dish with fresh herbs. Basil gives a lovely aroma. You can also use parsley or thyme. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For a fresh twist, try lemon zest. This adds brightness to the buttery flavor. One mistake is cooking gnocchi too long. Always watch for when they float. Another error is not sautéing the garlic properly. Burned garlic tastes bitter. Keep it on medium heat and stir often. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese. Parmesan enhances the dish and adds richness. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your garlic butter gnocchi skillet for a heartier meal. Chicken or shrimp works well. For chicken, cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet after sautéing the garlic. For shrimp, add them when you add the tomatoes. Cook until they turn pink and firm. This extra step adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. You can easily make this dish vegan. Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Make sure to check for dairy-free gnocchi if buying store-made. This way, you keep all the great taste while fitting your diet. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. You can use kale or arugula instead of spinach. For cheese, try feta or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. You can also add different herbs like thyme or parsley to change up the flavor. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. To keep your garlic butter gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just take it out. Reheat gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to help it warm evenly. Stir gently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a bowl, cover it, and heat for one minute. Check and stir, then heat for another minute if needed. To freeze garlic butter gnocchi, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Gnocchi cooks fast! It usually takes about 2-3 minutes in boiling water. When they float, they are done. Just remember to drain them quickly. Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi! It adds a special touch to the dish. Just make sure to cook them the same way as store-bought gnocchi. Garlic butter gnocchi pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a simple salad. A crusty bread also complements it nicely. You might even try it with grilled chicken. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Just chop them up and toss them in when you add the garlic. Garlic butter gnocchi has some good points. It has vegetables like spinach and tomatoes. The butter does add fat, but using less can help. It’s all about balance in your diet! This blog post covered all you need for a delicious garlic butter gnocchi dish. We went over ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to avoid mistakes. You can add proteins or swap ingredients for a fun twist. Don’t forget proper storage and reheating methods to enjoy later. Experimenting makes cooking fun, so try new flavors and techniques. Enjoy creating your perfect plate, and share it with others who will enjoy it too!

Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Gnocchi Skillet that’s quick and easy to prepare! With just a few ingredients like buttery gnocchi, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish in no time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal, this recipe is bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!
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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 spinach leaves, fresh

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Gnocchi: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the garlic butter for about 2-3 minutes.

          Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

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