Imagine a dish that brings together a delightful combination of crispy pancetta and silky spinach gnocchi, all simmered in a creamy sauce. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of rich flavors and comforting warmth. Each bite is an indulgent experience, where the salty richness of pancetta dances with the fresh earthiness of spinach, creating a symphony of taste that makes you want to sing!
Now, picture yourself gathering around the dinner table with friends or family, laughter echoing as everyone digs into this delicious creation. This pancetta and spinach gnocchi recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or celebratory gatherings, turning any meal into a memorable occasion. light and flavorful wraps perfect side for pasta dishes Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this fantastic dish that promises to leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pancetta and spinach gnocchi is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight meal
- The beautiful color contrast will impress anyone at your table
- You can easily adjust the ingredients based on dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry
- It’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions!
Sharing this dish at my last dinner party brought smiles and compliments from my friends. They couldn’t get enough of the flavors!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade; just ensure they are fresh for optimal texture.
- Pancetta: Choose high-quality pancetta for a rich flavor; diced for easy cooking.
- Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for its tender leaves; wash thoroughly before adding.
- Heavy Cream: For that luxurious sauce texture; don’t skimp on the creaminess!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese elevates the flavor; reserve some for garnishing.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves add aromatic depth; finely chop to release their full flavor. garlic potato foil packets.
- Olive Oil: A splash for sautéing; extra virgin is best for its robust flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Pancetta: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, letting its savory aroma fill your kitchen. savory ham glaze.
Add Garlic and Spinach: Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Then, add fresh spinach gradually until wilted—this should take only a couple of minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently to combine everything. Allow it to simmer lightly for about 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
Cook the Gnocchi: In another pot, boil salted water and add gnocchi. Cook until they float—about 2-3 minutes—before draining them well.
Combine Everything Together: Gently fold cooked gnocchi into the creamy mixture along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir carefully to coat every piece without breaking them.
Serve and Garnish!: Dish out onto plates, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper before serving hot. Enjoy those delighted faces as they dig in!
You Must Know
- Pancetta and spinach gnocchi is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience
- The combination of crispy pancetta and tender spinach creates an irresistible flavor explosion, making dinner feel like a special occasion
- The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pancetta until crispy, then add spinach and garlic to infuse flavors, while boiling gnocchi separately for perfect texture. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pancetta for bacon or add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan elevates this dish even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Freshly made gnocchi will always taste better than store-bought; consider trying your hand at making it from scratch
- Don’t skip salting the pasta water—it enhances flavor significantly
- Use high-quality pancetta for that rich taste every bite deserves
Cooking this dish reminds me of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air, and seconds were always requested.
FAQ
What can I substitute for pancetta in this recipe?
Try using bacon or prosciutto as tasty alternatives to pancetta.
Can I make gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare gnocchi a few hours in advance and refrigerate them.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
It freezes well! Just ensure you cool it completely before storing in an airtight container.
Pancetta and Spinach Gnocchi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a comforting dish of crispy pancetta paired with velvety spinach gnocchi, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, inviting everyone to savor each delightful bite. With an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, this pancetta and spinach gnocchi will elevate your dining experience and leave your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz high-quality pancetta, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced pancetta until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Gradually add spinach and wilt (2 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Boil salted water in a separate pot; cook gnocchi until they float (2-3 minutes), then drain.
- Fold cooked gnocchi into the creamy mixture with grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even coating.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For a twist, substitute pancetta with bacon or prosciutto. Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost. Freshly made gnocchi enhances the overall taste but store-bought works well too.