One-Pan Skillet Gnocchi with Chard and White Beans: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal
Are you searching for a satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner that comes together in minutes? Look no further than this one-pan skillet gnocchi with chard and white beans! This recipe is a weeknight winner, perfect for busy schedules when you crave a comforting and healthy meal. It’s packed with nutrients, requires minimal cleanup, and is customizable to your preferences. The pillowy gnocchi, earthy chard, creamy white beans, and flavorful broth create a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.
## Why You’ll Love This Skillet Gnocchi
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout!
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Less dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy your evening. Everything cooks in a single skillet, simplifying cleanup.
* **Vegetarian and Adaptable:** This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using a vegan-friendly broth and omitting the optional Parmesan cheese.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with fiber from the chard and white beans, this dish provides essential vitamins and minerals.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the chard for spinach or kale, and experiment with different beans or vegetables to create your own unique variation.
* **Deliciously Satisfying:** The combination of chewy gnocchi, tender greens, and creamy beans creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that will leave you feeling full and content.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these simple ingredients:
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Provides healthy fats and helps to sauté the vegetables.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base flavor to the dish.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Infuses the dish with a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **1 bunch chard, stems removed and chopped:** Provides a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Substitute with spinach or kale if desired.
* **1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained:** Adds creaminess, protein, and fiber to the dish. Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans work well.
* **1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** Provides acidity and adds a vibrant flavor to the sauce.
* **4 cups vegetable broth:** Creates a flavorful base for the sauce and helps to cook the gnocchi. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
* **1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi:** The star of the show! Shelf-stable gnocchi is convenient and cooks directly in the sauce. Do not use fresh gnocchi for this recipe, as it will become too mushy.
* **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional):** Adds a salty and savory finish to the dish. Omit for a vegan option.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of the dish.
* **Red pepper flakes (optional):** Adds a touch of heat to the dish.
* **Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish):** Adds a fresh and aromatic finish.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious skillet gnocchi:
**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 2: Add the Chard and Beans**
* Add the chopped chard to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Add the rinsed and drained white beans and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
**Step 3: Simmer the Sauce**
* Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, ensuring that all the vegetables are submerged.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Step 4: Add the Gnocchi**
* Add the shelf-stable gnocchi to the skillet. Stir gently to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom.
* Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture back to a simmer.
* Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**Step 5: Season and Serve**
* Season the gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste.
* Add red pepper flakes (optional) for a touch of heat.
* If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
* Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use different greens:** If you don’t have chard on hand, spinach or kale are great substitutes. You can also use a mix of greens for added flavor and texture.
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add them along with the onion in Step 1.
* **Experiment with different beans:** Cannellini beans and Great Northern beans are both excellent choices for this recipe, but you can also use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Make it vegan:** Omit the Parmesan cheese and use a vegan-friendly broth to make this recipe completely vegan.
* **Add protein:** For a heartier meal, add some cooked Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp to the skillet.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of the dish. Thyme, rosemary, and oregano are all great options.
* **Adjust the broth:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less broth. If you prefer a thinner sauce, use more broth.
* **Don’t overcook the gnocchi:** Overcooked gnocchi will become mushy. Cook it just until it’s tender and cooked through.
* **Fresh vs. Shelf-Stable Gnocchi:** This recipe is specifically designed for shelf-stable gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi requires a different cooking method and is not recommended for this one-pan dish. Using fresh gnocchi will result in a gummy and unpleasant texture.
* **Get creative with toppings:** Besides basil and Parmesan, consider topping your gnocchi with a drizzle of pesto, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
## Serving Suggestions
This skillet gnocchi is delicious on its own as a complete meal, but you can also serve it with:
* A side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the gnocchi.
* Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
* **Chop the vegetables:** Chop the onion, garlic, and chard ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Rinse the beans:** Rinse and drain the white beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the recipe as directed, starting with Step 1.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover skillet gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to prevent the gnocchi from drying out.
This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the gnocchi can become mushy when thawed.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fiber: 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Enjoy Your Delicious Skillet Gnocchi!
This one-pan skillet gnocchi with chard and white beans is a simple, satisfying, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its minimal cleanup and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner!
## Recipe Card
**One-Pan Skillet Gnocchi with Chard and White Beans**
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bunch chard, stems removed and chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
* Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped chard to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Add the rinsed and drained white beans and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, ensuring that all the vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add the shelf-stable gnocchi to the skillet. Stir gently to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Season the gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes (optional) for a touch of heat. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
**Notes:**
* Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, beans, and herbs.
* For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese and use a vegan-friendly broth.
* This recipe is designed for shelf-stable gnocchi. Do not use fresh gnocchi.
Enjoy!
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