Picture this: a cozy evening with the smell of something warm and savory filling your home. That’s the magic of slow-cooking. Today, you’re in for a treat with a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients—Slow-Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Delicata Squash & Spinach. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you need something hearty and effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love meals that combine rich, creamy textures with vibrant, fresh flavors, this dish will become a new favorite. The gnocchi turns perfectly tender in the slow cooker, soaking up the delicious cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Meanwhile, the sweet delicata squash and nutritious spinach add layers of flavor and color.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this comforting dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Chopped sun-dried tomatoes | ¼ cup |
| Shelf-stable potato gnocchi | 1 (16-ounce) package |
| Delicata squash, halved, seeded, cut into ½-inch pieces | 1 small |
| Garlic, grated | 2 cloves |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Ground pepper | ½ teaspoon, plus more for serving |
| Baby spinach | 1 (5-ounce) package |
| Fresh basil, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | For serving |
How to Prepare Slow-Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and cut the delicata squash. No need to peel—the skin becomes tender as it cooks.
- Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil, grate the garlic, and measure out your broth and cream.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, gnocchi, delicata squash, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, ensuring the gnocchi is submerged in the broth.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Check halfway through to give everything a quick stir.
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Step 4: Add Cream and Spinach
About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and ground pepper. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cream to blend with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked and fragrant, garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with extra pepper to taste.
Tips for Making the Best Slow-Cooker Gnocchi Dish
1. Choosing the Right Gnocchi
Shelf-stable gnocchi works best in this recipe as it holds up well during slow cooking without turning mushy.
2. Picking a Squash
Delicata squash is ideal for its sweet, nutty flavor and edible skin. However, you can substitute butternut squash if delicata isn’t available.
3. Boosting the Flavor
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 6g |
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a comforting dish to end the day, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s vegetarian, adaptable to various diets, and a crowd-pleaser.
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
- Side Dish: Serve with a simple green salad or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
FAQs About Slow-Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Frozen gnocchi can be used, but it’s best to thaw it first to prevent excess moisture from altering the dish’s consistency.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan Parmesan for garnish.
3. How long does this dish keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
4. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans would be delicious additions.
5. What other vegetables can I use?
Zucchini, kale, or mushrooms make excellent substitutes or additions.
6. Do I need to pre-cook the gnocchi?
Nope! The gnocchi cooks directly in the broth, soaking up all the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making Slow-Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi with Delicata Squash & Spinach is like giving yourself a warm hug. It’s easy to prepare, full of nourishing ingredients, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish delivers comfort and joy with every bite.
Pro Tip: Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want extra leftovers for the week!
Slow Cooker Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 4 cups unsalted vegetable broth
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 16-ounce package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 small delicata squash halved, seeded, and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper plus more for serving
- 1 5-ounce package baby spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Wash and cut the delicata squash. No need to peel—the skin becomes tender as it cooks.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes and basil, grate the garlic, and measure out the broth and cream.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Add vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, gnocchi, delicata squash, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine, ensuring gnocchi is submerged.
- Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Stir halfway through.
- Add Cream and Spinach:
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream, spinach, and ground pepper.
- Allow spinach to wilt and cream to blend with other ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm with extra pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use shelf-stable gnocchi for best results, as it holds up well during slow cooking.
- If delicata squash isn’t available, substitute with butternut squash.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the broth or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Wine: Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or buttery Chardonnay.
- Side Dish: Serve with a simple green salad or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
-
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
- Yes, but thaw it first to avoid excess moisture.
-
Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan for garnish.
-
Can I add protein?
- Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans would be delicious additions.
-
What other vegetables can I use?
- Zucchini, kale, or mushrooms are great substitutes or additions.
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