If you’re hunting down a dish that’s comforting, creamy, and incredibly flavorful, you’re going to love this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe. I absolutely adore how it comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stressing. The combination of tender gnocchi swimming in a luscious, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce is downright irresistible.
What really makes this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe special to me is its rich simplicity – fewer ingredients and minimal prep but bursting with fresh herbs and deep flavors. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for it, and I m confident you ll find it just as satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up. It s the kind of dish that feels special enough for date night, yet cozy enough to enjoy any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have a delicious meal on the table in under 20 minutes, even if gnocchi is new to you.
- Flavor-Packed: The sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil create a vibrant sauce that elevates the dish delightfully.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting textures – perfect for cozy nights in.
- Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Whether for family dinners or a casual date, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is in its straightforward ingredient list-nothing fancy, but everything works together like a dream. When shopping, look for high-quality gnocchi and good Parmesan to really make a difference.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for that fresh, fruity flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key to unlocking the sauce s aromatic base.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that adds warmth and herbal notes without fussing over multiple spices.
- Vegetable broth: Adds depth and moisture while keeping things light and flavorful.
- Gnocchi: I prefer fresh or refrigerated gnocchi for the best texture, but frozen works too.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Choose the ones packed in oil for richer flavor; drain and chop before adding.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to add subtle heat, but feel free to adjust to taste.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning – start small and add more as you go.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that bright, spicy kick.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce beautifully and adds that savory tang.
- Heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without overpowering the flavors.
- Baby spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a little earthiness – wilted just right.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chiffonaded basil is the secret weapon that lifts every bite.
Variations
I love to play around with this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood we re in. It s super flexible, so don t be shy about making it your own!
- Protein boost: Adding cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp turns it into a heartier meal – I especially love grilled chicken tossed right in.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy vegan twist I recently tried and enjoyed.
- Veggie-packed: Throw in mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra texture and flavor – I once added zucchini ribbons which was a total hit.
- Spicy kick: If you love heat, increase those red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot paprika. My husband always asks for extra spice!
How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by heating the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large sauté pan. When shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir constantly and cook for about one minute until the garlic is tender and releases those mouthwatering aromas-you ll want to watch it closely so it doesn t burn.
Step 2: Add Broth and Gnocchi, Then Simmer
Next, stream in the vegetable broth while scraping the bottom to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan-that’s where a lot of the taste hides. Add the gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Let it cook gently for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender-this timing is crucial to get perfect pillowy bites.
Step 3: Finish with Greens, Cream, Cheese, and Basil
Remove the lid and stir in the chopped baby spinach, cooking just about a minute until it wilts beautifully. Then fold in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh chiffonaded basil. Give it a taste test and add more salt or pepper if needed-this step really lets you adjust the sauce to your liking before plating up.
Step 4: Serve with Fresh Garnishes
Dish out the gnocchi into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. I love this finishing touch because it adds freshness and visual pop that really elevates the experience.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Don t Overcook the Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the simmering time-it only takes about 5 minutes for perfectly pillowy gnocchi, and overcooking can make them mushy.
- Use Fresh Basil Last: Adding the basil at the very end preserves its vibrant color and fresh aroma.
- Scrape Up the Fond: When adding the broth, stir well to pick up any browned bits on the pan; that s where a ton of flavor lives!
- Season Gradually: I like to start with a small amount of salt and pepper, then adjust after tasting in the final step to avoid over-seasoning.
How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves-these add brightness and a lovely salty bite. If you like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes do wonders and bring a nice warmth that complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. I ve also served it alongside garlic bread for mopping up all that heavenly sauce, which is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to plate the gnocchi in shallow bowls, garnish with whole basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. It looks elegant but still feels cozy-perfect if you want to impress without a ton of effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Just a heads-up-you may want to stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back that silky sauce texture.
Freezing
I ve frozen this dish a couple of times with decent results-just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, adding a little broth or cream to loosen up the sauce so it s not dry. I avoid the microwave since it can dry the gnocchi out or make the sauce separate, but if you must, stir well halfway through heating.
FAQs
-
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and is a great time-saver. I recommend choosing fresh or refrigerated gnocchi if possible, but frozen ones also do the trick as long as you adjust the cooking time slightly. They should be tender and tender but still hold their shape.
-
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
To veganize this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe, swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. Also, double-check that your gnocchi doesn t contain eggs or dairy – many brands have vegan options.
-
Is it okay to substitute fresh spinach with frozen?
You can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid a watery sauce. Fresh baby spinach is my personal favorite because it wilts quickly and keeps the sauce vibrant and light.
-
What if I don t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don t have sun-dried tomatoes, diced fresh cherry tomatoes can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder. Roasted red peppers also make a lovely substitute, adding smoky sweetness to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for when I want something that feels both indulgent and achievable. It strikes that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous – plus I love how quick it is to make without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try for your next dinner, and I promise you ll understand why it s called Marry Me – it s that good!
Print
Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Gnocchi recipe is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi with a flavorful tomato and spinach sauce. Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, it’s a quick, easy skillet meal perfect for a cozy dinner. The rich sauce of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese perfectly coats the gnocchi, creating a luscious, indulgent experience that’s sure to impress anyone you share it with.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves, chiffonaded (rolled and cut into ribbons), plus more for garnish
Toppings
- Basil leaves
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for additional heat)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Place a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for one minute until the garlic is tender and fragrant, building the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add Broth and Gnocchi: Stream in the vegetable broth while stirring to pick up any browned bits from the pan. Then add the gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Gnocchi: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Wilt: Remove the lid and stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach. Cook for about a minute more until the spinach has wilted, incorporating freshness and vibrant color into the sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and fresh chiffonaded basil leaves. Mix well and taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the creamy gnocchi and top with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh basil chiffonaded to add beautiful ribbons of flavor and garnish.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Gnocchi can be substituted with store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi depending on preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the pan is covered during simmering to help steam and tenderize the gnocchi evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
