Easy Gnocchi Recipe for the Week – Super Healthy Kids

A healthy and delicious meal that’s on the table in just 20 minutes thanks to store-bought whole grain gnocchi! Try this easy gnocchi recipe, made in a simple and flavorful tomato sauce stuffed with veggies.

What are gnocchi?

If you’ve never eaten gnocchi, they’re a type of Italian pasta dumpling. They are made from potatoes and some flour to hold them together. They have a soft, chewy texture that kids really like. Making homemade gnocchi is fun and therapeutic, but also time-consuming—not something I plan to do on a regular basis.

Luckily, you can buy pre-made gnocchi that’s made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients, and that’s what we’ve used here to make this an awesome, quick, and easy weeknight dinner.

Gnocchi sometimes flies under the radar as dinner. It’s delicious, but not something you think about often. Here’s your reminder that it exists! And here’s an easy, healthy, and delicious way to make it.

This easy gnocchi recipe is great because it’s full of veggies! Mushrooms, onions, spinach and tomatoes. It’s a great, filling vegetarian meal. Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients. And most of them are things that are easy to keep in stock for last minute dinner options.

How to pronounce gnocchi:

Gnocchi is pronounced NYOH-kee. The “g” is silent and the stress is on the first syllable.

Ingredients for our easy gnocchi recipe:

• Onion– Onions add flavor and depth to the sauce. Cooked onions become very soft and sweet, they help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Mushrooms– Mushrooms add a meaty, savory flavor and texture to this veggie sauce. They also add extra nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• garlic– Garlic helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a warm, aromatic note to the dish.
• olive oil– Olive oil can help make the sauce tastier and more filling. It also allows the flavors to develop and blend together.
• Diced tomatoes– Diced tomatoes add both flavor and texture to the sauce. They add a slightly sweet and tart flavor that helps balance the other ingredients.
• Italian spice– Dried Italian Seasoning adds a flavor boost. Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley can also be added for brightness.
• salt pepper– completes the taste of the dish.
• spinach– Spinach adds nutrients, flavor and color to the sauce. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and increases nutritional value. It has a mild, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor that can complement the flavors of the other ingredients in the sauce.
• gnocchi– Gnocchi are small, soft dumplings made from potatoes, flour and eggs. They are similar in appearance to pasta but have a softer, more pillowy texture.
• parmesan cheese– Shredded parmesan cheese adds a cheesy, salty flavor to the dish and really brings all the flavors together.

How to make this easy gnocchi recipe:

1. Dice Slice onion, mushrooms, chop or slice spinach and mince garlic.
2. heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sauté onions and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds or so.
3. Add to diced tomatoes (including juice) and spices. Add the spinach and let it wilt.
4. stir in uncooked gnocchi. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi are done. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.

Tips & Suggestions:

More easy weeknight meal ideas:

• 1/2 Middle Onion
• 2 1/2 cups mushrooms, white
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes, preserve
• 1 tablespoon Italian spice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach finely sliced
• 16 ounces gnocchi
• 1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Dice the onion and slice the mushrooms. Chop or julienne spinach. chop the garlic.

• Heat a large, high-sided skillet (or stockpot) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sauté onions and mushrooms until onions begin to turn translucent (4-5 minutes). Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

• Pour in diced tomatoes (including juice) and add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Add the spinach leaves and stir gently.

• Once the spinach has wilted, add the uncooked gnocchi and stir. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi are done. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 37G | Protein: 8thG | Fat: 8thG | Saturated Fatty Acids: 2G | Polyunsaturated fat: 1G | Monounsaturated fatty acids: 4G | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 990mg | Potassium: 479mg | Fiber: 4G | Sugar: 4G | Vitamin A: 1180ie | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 5mg