It’s a good thing I got my mini workout in this morning, because it’s been raining since 7:30am. Add in some unseasonably cool temps and you’ve got…

HOODIE WEATHER!!!! I know I said I wasn’t ready for Fall just yet, but the drizzly weather and my favorite red hoodie has gotten me just a teensie bit excited!

My soon to be obsolete flip flops…ahh!

The grey weather gave me the perfect excuse to indulge in a warm bowl of comforting, carby goodness for dinner. A Whole Wheat Gnocchi & Shrimp Bowl!

Ok, here’s the thing – I might come back from Italy AS a gnocchi, I love them so much! Gnocchi are Italian, pasta-like, potato dumplings that are squishy, chewy and out of this world amazing. (Here’s my recipe and how-to instructions to make your own at home.)

I’ve had this brand of store-bought gnocchi before, but never the whole wheat variety. I decided to give them a try!

My gnocchi bowl was a “kitchen sink” bowl in that I threw anything I had in the fridge, into the dish. I started by sautéing zucchini and onion in extra virgin olive oil and salt & pepper.

When the zucchini was browned, I added a big handful of spinach to the skillet, sautéed until it was just wilted and moved the whole mixture onto a plate off to the side.

Next I added a bit more olive oil to the skillet and sautéed a scoop of chopped garlic and fresh shrimp, until the shrimp were just barely pink, then moved them over with the veggies.

You could totally use frozen –> thawed shrimp for this, btw!

Finally, I added a wee bit of butter to the skillet (told you – comfort food!) and added the boiled & drained gnocchi to the pan. When they were browned up, I tossed everything together and transferred to a bowl!

Cozyliscious!  

I love big, bold punches of flavor as much as the next guy girl, but there’s SO much to be said for the simple flavors of garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper. Know what I mean?

The whole wheat gnocchi were a little bit grainier/wheatier than their white potato brothers, but I loved the extra texture.

The shrimp and veggies were an awesome flavor and texture contrast to the nutty gnoch.

How can I say no to Fall if I get to look forward to more dishes like this?!

Yummmmmmmmm.

Well I have some blog admin activities to take care of tonight, then I’m cozying up to read. Possibly with a blanket. I started the final Twilight book last night and am freaking out at the thought of finishing the series. I don’t wanna!

Good night!

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Do you like gnocchi? What foods make your comfort food faves list?