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Healthy veggie gnocchi covered with mozzarella cheese served in a large skillet on the counter.
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5 from 27 votes

Healthy Veggie Gnocchi

Veggie gnocchi with spinach, white beans, and tomato is the Healthy Gnocchi Recipe you have been waiting for! It’s the perfect, easy comfort food to warm you up and keep you satisfied.  A flavorful and colorful vegetarian main dish that is great for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 187kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3 sprays olive oil cooking spray
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 16oz package whole wheat gnocchi
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 16oz package frozen spinach
  • 1 15oz canned diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings added
  • 1 15oz can of white beans cannelini, great northern, or navy beans
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ cup part skim mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded fresh parmesan cheese
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper more or less to taste
  • 1-2 tsp fresh basil
  • 2-3 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt more to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the gnocchi in boiling water according to package directions. Drain, cool, set aside.
  • Heat 1 tsp oil in a large skillet, and add the onion – cook for a few minutes
  • Add the garlic, cook until the onion is soft and translucent (4-6 min)
  • Meanwhile, using olive oil cooking spray, pan fry the gnocchi in a separate skillet until lightly browned
  • Add the spinach to the skillet with the onion in it, and cook until the spinach defrosts/starts to wilt
  • Stir in the tomatoes, beans, pepper, basil, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper and salt to taste – bring to a simmer
  • Stir in the gnocchi and sprinkle with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese
  • Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 3-5 min.

Notes

    Storage Directions
    • Storing: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the texture of the gnocchi will change when thawed and reheated.
    • Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave on medium heat for 30-60 second intervals until it is heated through or reheat it on the stovetop on medium heat until the gnocchi is warm and the cheese is melty.
    Recipe Tips
    • Gluten-Free: To make gluten-free use a gluten-free gnocchi.
    • Vegan: To make vegan, use plant-based gnocchi such as cauliflower gnocchi and omit the cheese or use vegan parmesan cheese.
    • Dairy-Free: To make dairy-free, omit the cheese.
    • Substitute a different variety of cheese such as Swiss, gouda, cheddar, provolone, or asiago, if desired.
    • Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi or the spinach.  Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions and then pan fry.  As soon as the spinach is defrosted and wilts, move on to the next step.
    Adapted from EatingWell

    Nutrition

    Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 578mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g