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5.0 from 9 votes

Gnocchi with Bacon and Spinach in a Tomato Cream Sauce

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 lb gnocchi, cooked per package instructions *Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water
  • 4 strips of bacon
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup fresh parmesan, finely grated
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the gnocchi per package instructions; drain reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid; set aside.
  2. While the gnocchi is cooking, saute the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through and crisp. Place on a paper towel to drain the grease then cut into bits. Remove the bacon grease from the skillet.
  3. Add the butter to the same skillet over medium heat then add the shallot and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. 
  4. Add the cooked & drained gnocchi to the skillet and lightly saute them for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, to taste and cook, gently stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices along with the reserved pasta water and chicken broth then cook for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add the cream and finely grated parmesan and gently mix.
  7. Add the spinach, bacon bits, and basil to the skillet and stir until combined, cook for 1 minute. Taste and season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.
  8. Serve immediately with extra basil and fresh parmesan on the side, if desired. Enjoy!