This creamy gorgonzola gnocchi with baby spinach is topped with toasted pine nuts and just a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect creamy dish for Meatless Monday or add in some grilled protein to take it to a whole new level of delicious!
This post is sponsored by Alessi Foods and KRIS Wines. All opinions are 100% my own.
Ok, I’m about to squeeeeeeeee really loudly because I’ve been keeping a teeny tiny secret from you. I’m going to Nashville to film a video with Alessi Foods and KRIS Wine. I’m so freaking excited.
I’ve loved doing videos lately and the chance to travel and do videos is perfection!
Plus it’s not just any video. It’s a video with gnocchi and wine. One of my favorite food combinations in the whole wide world!
I mean, it’s a potato-based fluffy pillow of love. What’s not to love?
It gets even better when it’s swimming in a sauce made of gorgonzola cheese and mixed with baby spinach, pine nuts, AND a little Parmesan cheese.
This dish might be meat-free but it is PACKED full of flavor!
Table of Contents
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi is a traditional type of Italian dumpling.
Traditionally it can be made with wheat flour, semolina flour, egg, and potato, and sometimes includes fresh herbs and cheese.
Typically, the kind you find in the store is made with wheat flour and potato and contains gluten.
However, you can also easily find gluten-free gnocchi if required.
Where to buy gnocchi
Gnocchi might not be something you’re familiar with but it can be easily found in most grocery stores.
You can find shelf-stable gnocchi near the dried pasta but you can also sometimes find frozen gnocchi or even fresh gnocchi.
If you’re looking for fresh gnocchi I can sometimes find it in the deli area near other fresh pasta, sauces, and dips.
What is gorgonzola cheese?
Gorgonzola cheese is a type of cow’s milk blue cheese.
If you’re not a fan of traditional blue cheese don’t write off gorgonzola. It is typically a little less pungent than traditional blue cheese.
Where to buy gorgonzola cheese
Gorgonzola cheese can be readily found at almost every grocery store.
You’ll usually be able to find it already crumbled or sometimes in a wedge.
I find the best brands of gorgonzola cheese can be found in the fresh cheese section near the deli or produce department.
What are pine nuts?
Pine nuts are edible seeds that are gathered from the cones of certain varieties of pine trees.
They are also sometimes called pinoli or pignoli nuts.
They are used commonly in Italian cooking and traditionally found in sauces such as pesto.
Where to buy pine nuts
Pine nuts may be a bit harder to find but typically they can be found near the Italian section of the grocery store or near where you would find other chopped and bagged nuts.
Adding meat to this dish
Of course!
While I think this dish is fantastic meatless the addition of meat is also delicious.
Some of the best options would be:
- chicken, roasted or grilled
- steak, grilled
- shrimp, roasted or grilled
Substitutions and adaptations
Any changes you make to the recipe will change the final outcome but here are some simple changes you can make based on what you have on hand or what you can find.
- Use chopped kale in place of baby spinach.
- Replace the crumbled gorgonzola cheese with crumbled feta.
- If you’re looking for a strong flavor replace the gorgonzola cheese with crumbled blue cheese.
- Use toasted chopped cashews in place of pine nuts.
- Replace the gnocchi with cooked fresh or dried pasta.
How do I store leftover creamy gorgonzola gnocchi?
If you have any leftover gnocchi it can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you go to reheat the sauce may have thickened up so feel free to add a little water to the mixture to help thin it out.
More gnocchi recipes
- Want more spice in your meal? Try my chorizo roasted red pepper spinach gnocchi.
- Craving comfort food? Try my skillet cheesy gnocchi with peas and ham.
- Need another meatless dish? Try my creme fraiche mushroom gnocchi.
- Love a seasonal fall dish? Try my chicken bacon pumpkin gnocchi.
Creamy Gorgonzola Gnocchi with Spinach and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh sage
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 pound crumbled gorgonzola cheese more for topping
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1 pound gnocchi cooked
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted and chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Crushed red pepper flakes for topping
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet add olive oil and set over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot add the shallots, oregano, sage, and black pepper.
- Saute gently until the shallots are soft but not browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds or just until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes or until the cream is slightly thickened.
- Turn the heat to low and add in the gorgonzola cheese.
- Stir gently to help the cheese melt into the cream, about 5 minutes.
- When the cheese is almost completely melted into the cream add the baby spinach and let the warmth of the sauce help soften the fresh spinach.
- Add in the cooked gnocchi and toss to combine.
- To serve, sprinkle the top with chopped toasted pine nuts and optional crumbled gorgonzola cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.