Garlic Butter Alfredo Gnocchi with Spinach is the epitome of cozy comfort food with a touch of elegance. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are enveloped in a velvety garlic butter Alfredo sauce, complemented by the vibrant freshness of spinach.

The dish beautifully combines the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce with the light, fluffy texture of gnocchi, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and balanced. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like something you’d find in an Italian trattoria.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple store-bought gnocchi into something absolutely divine with just a handful of ingredients. The buttery garlic aroma, the creamy Parmesan sauce, and the fresh pop of spinach make every bite irresistible.

It’s one of those recipes that feels luxurious without demanding hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy, garlicky sauce with soft gnocchi is a true comfort meal—rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it showcases how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Gnocchi cooks in just minutes, and when tossed with a homemade Alfredo sauce infused with garlic butter and wilted spinach, it turns into something truly special.

It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—creamy, flavorful, and comforting all at once.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi and Sauce

• 1 pound (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking gnocchi if pan-frying)

For Garnish

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Chopped parsley (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook or pan-fry gnocchi until golden brown.
2. Prepare garlic butter Alfredo sauce in a skillet.
3. Combine gnocchi and spinach with sauce until creamy and well coated.
4. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes). Drain immediately.
Alternatively, for extra texture, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet and pan-fry the cooked gnocchi until golden and crispy on the outside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.

Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Allow everything to cook together for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin it slightly.

Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve

Serve Garlic Butter Alfredo Gnocchi with Spinach hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. For a heartier spread, serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled shrimp.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they’re done as soon as they float to the top.
• Pan-frying the gnocchi adds a delicious golden crust and prevents sogginess.
• If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic to 5–6 cloves.

Variations

• Mushroom Alfredo Gnocchi: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich flavor.
• Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Bacon Spinach Gnocchi: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky, salty crunch.
• Lemon Garlic Gnocchi: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan butter, cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and cheese with nutritional yeast.
• Broccoli Alfredo Gnocchi: Replace spinach with steamed broccoli florets for a heartier vegetable addition.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:
You can freeze cooked gnocchi separately for up to 2 months. However, the Alfredo sauce does not freeze well as it may separate upon thawing. If freezing, freeze the gnocchi alone and make the sauce fresh before serving.

Reheating:
To reheat, warm on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of milk to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling gnocchi
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk (for blending sauce)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just boil until they float, then follow the recipe as directed.

Q2: Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half will work, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Q3: How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add a bit more Parmesan cheese or simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to reduce it slightly.

Q4: Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled Italian sausage complement the sauce beautifully.

Q5: Is this dish gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and ensuring your Parmesan cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Alfredo Gnocchi with Spinach is an indulgent yet effortless dish that perfectly balances creamy, garlicky richness with fresh, green goodness. It’s a recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few quality ingredients and a little time in the kitchen can create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers pure satisfaction in every bite. From its velvety sauce to its pillowy gnocchi, it’s a meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again.