Description
This Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta is a delightful homemade dish featuring soft gnocchi made from roasted sweet potatoes, tossed in a garlicky butter sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly tender and lightly golden, these little pillows of flavor bring a comforting yet elegant touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi Dough
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds)
- 1 ½ to 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Sauce and Finish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork and cook them by either microwaving until soft or baking in the oven until tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and mash them until completely smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the egg and salt. Gradually add 1½ cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour little by little.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a long rope approximately ¾ inch thick.
- Cut and Form Gnocchi: Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, roll each piece over the back of a fork to create ridges that help sauce cling better.
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches, dropping them into boiling water. When the gnocchi float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes, remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi and spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, enjoying the rich and comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- To add richness, consider serving gnocchi with creamy sage sauce or browned butter.
- You can prepare the gnocchi dough ahead of time and freeze the shaped gnocchi before boiling them later.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
