Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure your gnocchi comes out perfectly tender and the sauce is velvety smooth. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, with each step building upon the last in a single pan.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion has softened and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will become bitter. This initial step creates the foundational layer of flavor for the entire dish.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It will look like a mountain, but don’t worry, it will cook down significantly. You may need to add it in two or three batches, stirring after each addition to help it wilt. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes, until all the spinach has wilted and released most of its moisture.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour the vegetable broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the dollops of ricotta cheese, whisking or stirring gently until the ricotta has mostly melted into the sauce, creating a creamy, uniform consistency.
4. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the uncooked, shelf-stable gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the gnocchi are submerged. Let the gnocchi cook in the sauce, maintaining a gentle simmer, for about 4-6 minutes, or until they are tender and have plumped up. The gnocchi are typically done when they begin to float to the surface. The starch from the gnocchi will also help to naturally thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. Finish and Season: Turn off the heat. Stir in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh lemon zest. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully into the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is glossy and smooth.
6. Final Taste and Serve: Give the dish a final taste. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired.