Oh, I just have to tell you about this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe — it’s one of those dishes that instantly makes you feel like you’re treating yourself. I absolutely love how creamy and comforting it is, with tender gnocchi swimming in a dreamy sauce that has just the right hint of sun-dried tomatoes and a little kick from red pepper flakes. You’ll find it perfect for weeknights when you want something quick yet impressively delicious.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients come together to create such rich flavor with minimal effort. The best part? It’s so adaptable, whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night, or even a last-minute dinner with friends. This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe truly makes every bite feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Creamy, Comforting Flavor: The luscious sauce blends cream, Parmesan, and herbs for a cozy, satisfying dish.
- Ingredients You Likely Have: No fancy or hard-to-find elements here, just pantry staples and fresh basics.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s great vegetarian-friendly but can be jazzed up any way you like to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients work beautifully together to create that signature rich and tangy flavor I love in the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe. When shopping, opt for good quality Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor depth.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor when sautéing garlic and herbs.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds essential aroma and warmth to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs that brings that classic Italian flair.
- Vegetable broth: Adds a flavorful base; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works well.
- Gnocchi: I like potato gnocchi for this recipe, but you can use store-bought or homemade.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their tangy sweetness cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch brings a subtle heat that lifts the entire dish.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a bright, peppery note.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must here for that nutty, savory depth.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that hugs the gnocchi.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant green with minimal effort.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chiffonaded for brightness and herbaceous aroma.
Variations
I love how flexible the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve played around with different add-ins and substitutions, and it’s always a hit no matter what.
- Protein Boost: I’ve stirred in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta when I wanted to make it more substantial for dinner guests.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swapping out heavy cream for coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan works surprisingly well for a creamy texture without dairy.
- Extra Veggies: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or roasted red peppers to amp up the veggies and colors.
- Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper flakes depending on how much heat you enjoy—my family likes it mild with just a hint of warmth.
How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Heat a large sauté pan over medium-low and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in minced garlic and Italian seasoning—this combo releases the beautiful fragrant oils you want in every bite. Let it cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is tender but not browned to avoid bitterness. I always watch the garlic closely here since it can go from fragrant to burnt fast.
Step 2: Add Broth and Gnocchi
Pour in the vegetable broth steadily, stirring to deglaze the pan so none of those delicious browned bits go to waste. Immediately add the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This ensures all the flavors start mingling while the gnocchi begin cooking.
Step 3: Simmer and Cover
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, which is usually the perfect amount of time for the gnocchi to become tender and soak up the flavors. I’ve found covering the pan is key so the gnocchi cook evenly without drying out.
Step 4: Wilt Spinach and Finish Sauce
Remove the lid, stir in the chopped baby spinach, and cook for another minute until it’s just wilted—this keeps the greens bright and fresh. Next, add the Parmesan, heavy cream, and fresh basil. Stir gently until everything is melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. This finishing step is what transforms the dish into that creamy, luscious Marry Me Gnocchi you’re craving.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Your Gnocchi: Keep a close eye during simmering; gnocchi cook quickly and can become mushy if left too long.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often lacks flavor and can make the sauce grainy—freshly grated gives you the creamiest texture.
- Deglaze Your Pan Well: Stirring the broth in thoroughly after sautéing adds extra depth from those flavorful bits.
- Add Spinach Last: This keeps it from wilting too much and retains its vibrant color and texture.
How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the finished dish with a sprinkle of extra shredded Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves—it adds just the right pop of freshness and makes the plate feel restaurant-worthy. If you’re into a bit more heat, scatter some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. These small touches really elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Since the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is so rich and filling, I like lighter sides like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is a favorite, too—perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
When I’m making this for a special occasion, I sometimes serve it in cozy ramekins baked just until bubbly on top, then garnish with a basil sprig. Another fun idea is plating it in shallow bowls and swirling on an extra drizzle of good olive oil and cracked black pepper for a beautiful finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Marry Me Gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before serving again, I like to gently warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the cream-based sauce can separate and the gnocchi’s texture might suffer. But if you need to, freeze the sauce separately from the gnocchi for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps refresh the sauce, keeping that silky texture and vibrant flavors intact like it’s freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen gnocchi for the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works wonderfully for this recipe. Just increase the simmering time by a couple of minutes so they cook through evenly and become tender.
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Is this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. Just make sure your vegetable broth is vegetarian-friendly, and you can enjoy it as is or add your favorite protein for variation.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can, by using gluten-free gnocchi available at many grocery stores or making your own. Just be sure to double-check all ingredients, like broth and seasoning blends, are gluten-free to keep the dish safe.
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How spicy is the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe?
The heat is mild thanks to just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, making it friendly for most palates. You can always add more or omit it based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is a total game-changer for busy evenings when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever. I love how comforting and indulgent it is without being complicated, and I think you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it. So next time you want to impress or just treat yourself, give this recipe a try—I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your rotation like it is in mine!
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, flavorful dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh herbs. The sauce is finished with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh spinach for a comforting and elegant meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
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 (rolled and cut into ribbons), plus more for garnish
Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for additional heat)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Place a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for one minute until the garlic is tender and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Gnocchi: Stream in the vegetable broth while stirring to deglaze the pan and pick up any stuck bits. Then add the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the pan.
- Simmer Gnocchi: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Wilt Spinach and Add Cream: Remove the lid and stir in the roughly chopped spinach. Cook for about one minute until the spinach wilts. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and fresh basil chiffonade.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the gnocchi topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less rich.
- For a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked chicken or Italian sausage.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available for best texture, or frozen gnocchi thawed before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
