If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant one-pan wonder, this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute must-try. I love this dish because it delivers creamy, garlicky goodness with just the right hint of spice and freshness from sun-dried tomatoes and basil. It s that perfect cozy meal you can whip up on a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests too.
When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how effortlessly it comes together, yet tastes like you ve spent hours crafting it. You ll find that the gnocchi soaks up the rich cream sauce beautifully, making every bite indulgent but balanced by the vibrant spinach. Trust me, this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is going to become your go-to for when you want a comforting yet impressive dish without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Only one pan and about 20 minutes to a dish that tastes gourmet.
- Comforting Creaminess: The sauce is luscious and dreamy without being too heavy.
- Fresh Flavor Balance: Sun-dried tomatoes and basil add brightness to the rich sauce.
- Family Favorite: Every time I make it, my family goes crazy asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe blend creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes that harmonize so well. Choosing good-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs really makes a difference, so keep an eye out for those at your market!
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing garlic and herbs.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key-pre-minced just won t give the same fragrant punch.
- Italian seasoning: This blend saves time and adds a classic Italian herb flavor that complements the dish.
- Vegetable broth: Adds depth to the sauce; feels more vibrant than water.
- Gnocchi: I like pillowy potato gnocchi for the soft, chewy texture that soaks up sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and chopped to distribute bursts of tangy sweetness throughout.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick-but feel free to dial up or down.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Season carefully and adjust at the end for perfect balance.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives a nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates that rich, silky texture that makes the sauce dreamy.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy pop that wilts just right in the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chiffonaded for a delicate, aromatic finish that brightens each bite.
Variations
I love mixing up this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite veggies!
- Vegan/Dairy-Free option: I swapped in full-fat coconut milk and vegan Parmesan once, and the dish still felt indulgent and creamy without dairy.
- Spicy kick: If you like heat, adding extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne really amps the flavor.
- Protein boost: Toss in cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy tofu to make it heartier for dinner.
- Greens swap: Kale or arugula works beautifully instead of spinach for a peppery twist.
How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Flavors
Start by warming your olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then stir them around for about a minute until they’re fragrant and just tender. This step wakes up the herbs and garlic, setting the foundation for your sauce s rich flavor – don t rush it, but watch carefully so the garlic doesn t burn!
Step 2: Build the Sauce and Cook Gnocchi
Next, pour in your vegetable broth and use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Add the gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for about 5 minutes. This gives the gnocchi time to cook perfectly tender as it soaks up the flavorful broth.
Step 3: Finish with Greens, Cream, and Cheese
Remove the lid and stir in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt for about a minute. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and fresh basil ribbons. Taste your sauce and adjust salt or pepper as needed – this is where the magic comes together into that signature creamy, tangy, herbaceous flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Dish up your gnocchi right away and top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you re feeling bold. I love serving it in shallow bowls so the sauce spreads out nicely and each bite is saucy perfection.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Don t Overcrowd the Pan: Using a sauté pan that s too small can make the gnocchi soggy instead of tender-I always use a large pan for the best texture.
- Fresh Basil Last: Stir in basil at the end to preserve its delicate aroma and avoid bitterness from overcooking.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you want a lighter sauce, replace half of the cream with extra broth without sacrificing flavor.
- Avoid Clumping: Stir gently but consistently after adding cheese and cream to keep your sauce smooth and silky.
How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep garnishes fresh and simple: more parmesan for that extra cheesy kick, fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbaceous aroma, and just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to brighten the flavors with subtle heat. These tiny touches elevate the dish in the best way.
Side Dishes
This gnocchi pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. I ve also served it alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms when I want an easy veggie side that adds texture and earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the gnocchi in shallow, wide bowls with a sprig of fresh basil on top and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. Sometimes I sprinkle edible flowers for a romantic look or serve it family-style right from the pan to create a cozy, inviting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Marry Me Gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays good for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I like to add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce because it tends to thicken as it chills.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is doable but I recommend freezing the gnocchi and sauce separately if possible. If frozen together, thaw gently in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stove to keep the cream from breaking. Personally, I prefer enjoying it fresh for best texture.
Reheating
I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce s texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but I find slow reheating preserves the sauce s creaminess and the gnocchi s pillowy texture much better.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen gnocchi for the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works great for this recipe. Just add a couple more minutes to the simmering time to ensure they cook through and become tender.
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Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe?
Yes! You can make it vegan by swapping heavy cream with unsweetened cashew cream or coconut milk, and using vegan Parmesan cheese. Just double-check the gnocchi ingredients to make sure they re egg-free.
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How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild tickle of heat, but you can always increase or decrease the amount based on your preference. It s easy to adjust before serving.
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Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop your sun-dried tomatoes, mince garlic, and shred cheese ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. However, for best freshness and texture, I recommend cooking and combining all ingredients just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe has such a warm place in my heart-and my kitchen-it always feels like a little celebration when I make it. I hope as you try it out, you find it just as comforting, creamy, and easy to love. Seriously, it s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect to share with family, friends, or just to treat yourself. Give it a try, and I m betting it ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe lineup, too!
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
A rich and creamy Marry Me Gnocchi recipe featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a flavorful sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. This comforting dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves (chiffonaded, plus more for garnish)
For Topping
- Additional basil leaves
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: 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, releasing its flavors.
- Add liquids and main ingredients: Slowly stream in the vegetable broth while stirring the pan to deglaze and pick up any browned bits. Add the gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let cook for 5 minutes until the gnocchi becomes tender and cooked through.
- Add greens and finish the sauce: Remove the lid and stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach. Cook for about one minute until the spinach is wilted. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and chiffonaded fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Plate the gnocchi and sauce, then top with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Storage notes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy whipping cream with unsweetened cashew creamer or full-fat coconut milk, and use vegan/dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Be sure the gnocchi you choose does not contain dairy or eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 528
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1296mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 56mg
