Creamy Baked Gnocchi with Squash and Spinach
Creamy baked gnocchi with squash and spinach is a dish that combines the soft texture of gnocchi with the sweet flavor of squash and the earthy taste of spinach. The dish is creamy due to the presence of cheese and milk, and it is baked in the oven giving it a crispy top. Besides being tasty, this dish is also healthy as it contains several vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (1 pound) potato gnocchi
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the gnocchi, squash, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Spread the gnocchi mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is golden brown and the squash is tender.
4. While the gnocchi is baking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
8. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano.
9. Once the gnocchi is done baking, pour the sauce over the gnocchi and sprinkle with spinach.
10. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips:
- You can use any type of gnocchi for this dish.
- If you don't have butternut squash, you can use another type of winter squash, such as acorn squash or pumpkin.
- You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as chopped broccoli or zucchini.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw the spinach before using.