Easy Squash & Spinach Gnocchi Recipe – Comfort Food Made Simple

Nothing beats a warm, comforting dish that combines the hearty flavours of autumn vegetables with the richness of creamy sauces. Our Squash & Spinach Gnocchi recipe delivers exactly that—it's deliciously creamy, easy to make, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing a cozy meal for two, this dish will quickly become a household favourite.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Squash & Spinach Gnocchi Recipe

This Creamy Squash & Spinach Gnocchi recipe is perfect for busy weekdays when you want a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients like butternut squash, fresh spinach, and gnocchi, this recipe delivers a nutritious meal that's ready in just about 35 minutes.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 500g butternut squash, peeled and diced (about half a medium squash)
• 150ml vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp single cream
• 40g Italian vegetarian hard cheese, grated
• 235g fresh spinach
• 500g potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)

Simple Steps to Delicious Squash & Spinach Gnocchi

Here's how to easily prepare this comforting dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Squash Sauce

In a large sauté pan or casserole dish with a lid, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic with a pinch of salt, sautéing until fragrant and soft, around 5 minutes. Stir in diced squash and cook for another 5 minutes. Next, add vegetable stock, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the squash is tender. Transfer the squash mixture to a blender, adding the cream and most of the cheese (reserving some for garnish). Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth, then set aside.

Step 2: Wilt the Spinach

Return your pan to medium heat and add the remaining ½ tbsp olive oil. Toss in fresh spinach and cook gently, stirring frequently, until wilted—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Pour the creamy squash sauce back into the pan, mixing thoroughly with the spinach.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically around 2 minutes or until they float to the surface.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Drain the gnocchi and combine immediately with the squash and spinach sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Serve hot, topped with the reserved grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

Simple Swaps to Make It Vegan

Looking for a vegan alternative? This dish can easily be adapted. Replace single cream with a dairy-free alternative like oat cream or coconut cream, and swap the Italian vegetarian hard cheese for a plant-based cheese substitute.

Nutritional Benefits of Squash & Spinach Gnocchi

Not only is our Easy Squash & Spinach Gnocchi recipe delicious, but it also offers great nutritional value:

• Calories: 381 kcal per serving
• Protein: 11g
• Fibre: 7.4g
• Vegetables: Provides 2 of your 5-a-day servings

Why This Recipe Works

Butternut squash naturally sweetens and thickens the sauce, while spinach adds vibrant colour, iron, and fibre. Combined with fluffy gnocchi and a touch of cheese, this recipe creates a satisfying yet nutritious meal that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

Tips for Perfect Gnocchi Every Time

• Always cook gnocchi in generously salted water for maximum flavour.
• Watch carefully—gnocchi cooks very quickly and is done as soon as it floats to the top.