Though gnocchi is made from potatoes, they are as versatile as pasta. Gnocchi toasted with a bit of spinach and lemon makes a quick appetizer or meal.
Jump to RecipeIn the last year, I’ve been experimenting with more recipes that use gnocchi. That’s how I came up with this recipe for Toasted Gnocchi with Spinach. The gnocchi is always my favorite part of Chicken & Gnocchi Soup, but I didn’t realize there would be many ways to use it. I love gnocchi, with its pillowy-soft texture and perfect bite-sized pieces. And of course, I will eat almost anything with potatoes, so gnocchi is right up my alley.
Now that I’ve been looking, there are multiple options for gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi with butter and sage. Put it in a red sauce similar to spaghetti. Cook it in soups. Toast it with spinach.
There are a few ways to make gnocchi. Typically from potato or wheat flour with egg, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or other similar ingredients. You can get them either plain or flavored with seasonings. Gnocchi is Italian in origin and dates back to the Roman era. The singular form of the word is gnoccho. But since there is usually a group of them, that word is hardly ever used. Gnocchi is believed to be the predecessor of pasta.
Originally, gnocchi was made with soft wheat flour. But that didn’t give a uniform texture. It was discovered that potatoes gave a better texture. Then most started to make their gnocchi with potatoes. The flour versions weren’t common anymore. Potato gnocchi started around the 16th-17th century after the Spanish brought potatoes to Italy from South America.
I am quickly learning that gnocchi is as versatile as any other type of pasta. Maybe even more.
When we made this recipe the first time, the lemon was a little overpowering for us. Since then I cut back on the lemon juice. Now it’s more of a garnish. It tasted much better that way. If you like a lot of lemon flavor, then go ahead and increase the amount to one tablespoon of lemon juice.
You can use this as a light meatless main dish, or as an appetizer or side for other meals. It is a versatile option that can suit various dietary preferences.

Toasted Gnocchi with Spinach Step by Step
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 17 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp thyme
- 14.5 oz chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 5 oz spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Preparation
Heat two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi. Stir occasionally until the gnocchi start to brown on the outside, about 8-10 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and thyme and stir for one minute. Then mix in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper, bringing it to a boil.

Cook everything until the liquid has reduced by half. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Then add the spinach, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Stir constantly to keep from scalding. Wilt the spinach and melt the butter.

Top with parmesan cheese and serve immediately because this will cool very quickly.

Toasted Gnocchi with Spinach Leftovers
Storage: The best way to store leftovers is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat the gnocchi and spinach in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. If it seems dry, add a small amount of butter or chicken broth to the pan.

Recipe
Originally Published On: May 2, 2018
Last Updated On: July 24, 2023

Toasted Gnocchi with Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 17 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp thyme
- 14.5 oz chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 5 oz spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat
- Add the gnocchi to the pan and stir often until they are browned, about 8-10 minutes
- Add the minced garlic and thyme, stirring for about one minute
- Mix in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil, cooking until reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Add the spinach, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tbsp of butter
- Stir constantly until the spinach has wilted and the butter is melted
- Garnish with parmesan and serve immediately
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnocchi
- https://www.saveur.com/article/food/history-of-gnocchi#page-2
I have never had gnocchi before. I would love to try it, it looks healthy recipe.
Oh man, gnocchi is so yummy, you should definitely give it a try!
Mmm I know I would friggin’ love this recipe if I could eat it!!!!!
Oh man, I wish you could, it’s so yummy!
Amazing how good those little things taste. Love taking the time to make gnocchi and paired with spinach is the best.
Yes! Gnocchi and orzo have both been favorites of mine lately.
I had forgotten how much I like gnocchi! I love all the flavors in the dish!
Gnocchi is so amazing! I’ve loved trying it in different recipes.
I love gnocchi! I haven’t made it in forever and now this sounds and looks like such a delicious dish. I am definitely going to have to try it.
Gnocchi is so good, I have been trying to find new ways to use it.
It looks delicious. Thanks for the procedures.
You’re welcome, it’s a great recipe, I hope you try it!
Wow! It looks so tasty! Just by looking at the pictures really makes me hungry.
It’s such a delicious recipe and one of my favorites.
Oh, this looks super yummy. I will definitely have to try this. I love trying new recipes!!
It’s such a delicious meal, and definitely great for something new!
I love gnocchi! I make it all the time. (Says the nice Italian girl, LOL)
Gnocchi is so delicious! I am trying to find all types of ways to make it since I love it so much.
I have never cooked with gnocchi and have only had it a handful of times, but this sounds so delicious. I love lemon and would be curious if I would want to cut it back like you did or have it full flavor.
I’ve used gnocchi a few times now, and I love it! You could always keep the lemon cut back a bit, then add more to it at the end if you decide you want more.
This recipe looks great! I have never cooked gnocchi but I have gotten dishes at restaurants that had them and they are fantastic! Just like you said that are perfect bite-size pieces!
You should definitely try making them yourself! They are so yummy and easy to cook with.
Whoa!!! This looks so fun to try!! I have never even had this before!
It’s so delicious, and pretty easy to make, too. I hope you get a chance to try it!
This looks like it would be so delicious. I totally need to give this one a try!
It’s so yummy! I love gnocchi and it works so well in this.
What is the texture of gnocchi? My daughter seen it instore the other day and wanted to try it but shes very strange with textures was curious if this is one she handles well
It’s similar to pasta, but a little softer. I’d say it’s in between pasta and a cooked potato. Have you ever had pieorgi? They are about the same as that.
Oh God, this looks so good! I really need to try this recipe; my mouth is watering!
You definitely should, it’s amazing!
We both love Gnocci! This recipe sounds like such a great way to make it
Yes, gnocchi is amazing! And this recipe lets it really shine as the hero of the dish.
Umm. Toasted Gnocchi with Spinach sounds a new recipe and it looks delicious I would love to try this recipe my mouth is watering HAHAHA.
You should definitely give it a try! It’s such an amazing recipe.
This looks so delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight, my kids will love it!
Weeknights tend to be so busy for us, and having a few quick meals ready to whip out is essential here!
I have never cooked with gnocchi. This sounds delicious and I am a huge lemon fan!
You should give it a try! Gnocchi are so good and easy to work with.
This is comfort food at its best. Also we love spinach in our household too – so this is a fav x
It’s a very warm, comforting meal. We’ve been working spinach into a lot more meals recently.
I never had toasted gnoochi before. I have to try this recipe to see how toasted gnocchi taste like with my favorite veggie right now, Japanese mustard spinach.
Gnocchi has become one of my favorite ingredients lately and it’s so good with spinach.
I could seriously eat pasta every night. I’ve never had roasted gnocchi before. This looks so delicious!
The gnocchi is so good when it’s toasted like this.