If you’re on the hunt for a meal that feels like a warm hug, you absolutely have to try White Bean Gnocchi! This dish is pure comfort in a bowl: pillowy gnocchi mingling with creamy white beans, fragrant garlic, and tender spinach, all wrapped up in a savory Parmesan-laced sauce. It’s hearty enough for meatless Mondays, quick enough for busy weeknights, and delicious enough that you’ll find yourself craving it all year long. White Bean Gnocchi is the kind of recipe you turn to when you want to impress friends, satisfy a hungry family, or simply treat yourself to a little Italian-inspired magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of White Bean Gnocchi lies in its simple, pantry-friendly lineup. Each item is selected to bring something special to the dish, whether that’s creamy texture, vibrant color, or a burst of umami richness.
- Potato gnocchi: These chewy little pillows soak up all the delicious sauce and provide irresistible texture.
- Olive oil: A good extra-virgin olive oil lends a fruity richness that forms the base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a hint of mellow spice.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed onion turns sweet and savory, building real flavor in the background.
- Canned white beans: Creamy cannellini or Great Northern beans bring protein, fiber, and a silky texture.
- Baby spinach: This adds a pop of green and delicate earthiness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vegetable broth: Broth ties everything together, creating a light and flavorful sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty Parmesan melts into the sauce, making it creamy and lush.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat brightens the flavor and adds a gentle kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the fabulous flavors.
- Fresh basil (optional): Torn basil leaves are the perfect fresh finishing touch.
How to Make White Bean Gnocchi
Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi
Start with a large pot of salted water brought to a happy boil. Drop in your potato gnocchi and watch closely—they’ll float to the top in just 2–3 minutes, which means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to embrace all the flavor you’re about to provide. Once they’re floating, drain them and set aside so they don’t overcook.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
In a roomy skillet, swirl in the olive oil and let it shimmer over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and diced onion, letting them sizzle, soften, and fill your kitchen with that irresistible savory aroma. Give this step about 3–4 minutes; you want everything golden and fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Add the White Beans
Now, tip in your drained and rinsed white beans. Let them warm through and soak up all that flavor for about 2 minutes, stirring gently so they keep their creamy shape. This step gives White Bean Gnocchi its signature protein punch and velvety mouthfeel.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Toss in the baby spinach and watch it melt into the skillet. Stir frequently, and in a minute or two, you’ll see the greens wilt and gain vibrant color. This sneaky greens boost is what takes White Bean Gnocchi from classic comfort to something a little more wholesome.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour in your vegetable broth and bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. This step is key for marrying all the flavors and building a beautifully light sauce that perfectly coats the gnocchi and beans.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Now it’s time for everything to meet in one happy pan! Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss so every piece is dressed in those savory juices. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until it melts into a creamy, luscious sauce. Taste and season with red pepper flakes if you want a little zing, plus salt and black pepper to your liking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your steaming White Bean Gnocchi into bowls and crown with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if the mood strikes. Serve warm, and watch everyone dive in with delight!
How to Serve White Bean Gnocchi
Garnishes
A generous shower of extra Parmesan cheese and a handful of torn fresh basil leaves will make your White Bean Gnocchi pop with color and flavor. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is the way to go.
Side Dishes
Crusty Italian bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. A simple mixed green salad with a zippy vinaigrette makes a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, hearty gnocchi.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving White Bean Gnocchi family-style in a rustic bowl, or portion it into individual ramekins for a cozy, bistro-worthy touch. For a dinner party, garnish each bowl with fresh microgreens or a drizzle of good olive oil for an extra flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra White Bean Gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first bowl.
Freezing
If you want to freeze White Bean Gnocchi, transfer completely cooled portions to freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat White Bean Gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the gnocchi tender rather than rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have the time and love making gnocchi from scratch, it will work beautifully in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions and enjoy the extra pillowy goodness.
What kind of white beans are best for White Bean Gnocchi?
Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal because they’re creamy and hold their shape. Navy beans also work in a pinch, so feel free to use whatever is in your pantry.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! To make vegan White Bean Gnocchi, simply omit the Parmesan or use your favorite plant-based alternative. The beans and rich broth will still make the dish satisfying and luscious.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes are all fantastic additions. This recipe is very forgiving and welcomes creative spins.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
White Bean Gnocchi is a meal prep superstar. It stores and reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch on Sunday and have cozy, delicious lunches ready all week.
Final Thoughts
White Bean Gnocchi proves that the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a longtime gnocchi fan or trying this combination for the first time, I hope you fall in love with every hearty, cheesy, and satisfying bite. Give it a go—you’ll want this easy, delicious dinner in your regular rotation!
Print
White Bean Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this creamy and flavorful White Bean Gnocchi recipe. Tender potato gnocchi, hearty white beans, and fresh spinach come together in a Parmesan-infused sauce that’s perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the gnocchi until they float, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant. Add white beans, spinach, and vegetable broth. Simmer, then add gnocchi, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Finish and Serve: Stir until creamy, adjust seasoning, and garnish with Parmesan and basil. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or arugula for the spinach.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
