Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar, if possible)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 cups baby spinach (optional, but adds color and nutrition)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Cook the Gnocchi
- If using shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi, add them directly into the simmering sauce (no need to pre-boil). Stir and simmer for 4–5 minutes until tender and cooked through.
- If using frozen gnocchi, boil them first until they float (about 2–3 minutes), then transfer into the sauce.
5. Finish the Dish
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with any juices.
- Stir in spinach (if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve
- Spoon into bowls and top with more Parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.