Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe because it s one of those meals that feels fancy yet comes together so effortlessly. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how the creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender gnocchi mingle beautifully without requiring hours in the kitchen. It s perfect for those nights when you want to impress someone special-or just treat yourself to a comforting, cozy dinner.

You ll find that this recipe is incredibly versatile and comforting, ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want something that feels indulgent but isn t complicated. The balance of flavors-rich cream, savory parmesan, and a hint of spice-makes this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe a crowd-pleaser every single time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need comes together to create a luscious, flavorful sauce to cradle the gnocchi beautifully. I always opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best rich, tangy bite.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions perfectly without burning.
• Onion: Finely diced so it melts into the sauce for subtle sweetness.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch that makes the sauce pop.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess with savory notes.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that ultra-silky sauce-you can swap for half-and-half if you want it lighter.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the ones packed in oil to keep the sauce luscious and impart a burst of tang.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don t skip it.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a bit of warmth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough to add subtle heat, which complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated types work great; avoid frozen to keep the sauce from getting watery.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Tossed in at the end for color, nutrition, and that fresh bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh, it melts into the sauce making everything insanely tasty.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Cut into ribbons to sprinkle over the top, adding vibrant aroma and eye-catching color.
• Italian Seasoning (Optional): A pinch enhances the flavor if you want that herby undertone.

Variations

I like to make this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe my own by swapping in a few ingredients depending on what I have. It s super forgiving, so feel free to experiment and tailor it to your taste buds.

• Add Protein: I sometimes toss in cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it more filling-and my family goes crazy for it that way.
• Go Veggie-Loaded: Swap the spinach for kale or add mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan, and it still comes out creamy and delicious.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, try doubling the red pepper flakes. Just be careful not to overwhelm that creamy base.

How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the finely diced onions and cook for about 6-7 minutes until they re soft and slightly golden-this sweet base really sets the tone. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for another minute until fragrant, but watch carefully so it doesn t burn.

Step 2: Build the sauce

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Add the sun-dried tomatoes along with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and your optional Italian seasoning. This is where those bold flavors start coming alive-the tomatoes rehydrate and infuse the creamy sauce with that irresistible tang.

Step 3: Add gnocchi and simmer

Drop in the gnocchi straight into your sauce-you don t have to pre-cook them because they ll soften in the simmering liquid. Let everything bubble gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the gnocchi don t stick to the pan. This part is key: the gnocchi absorb the sauce s flavors to the max, so don t rush it!

Step 4: Finish with greens and cheese

Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the baby spinach-torn or chopped into smaller pieces-and freshly grated parmesan cheese. They melt into a silky finishing touch. Then fold in most of the basil ribbons, reserving some for garnish. This gives the dish fresh, fragrant notes that brighten it right up.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

When it s ready to plate, don t be shy about piling on the fresh basil ribbons and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately so you can enjoy all the creamy, herby goodness while it s warm and comforting.

How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my Marry Me Gnocchi with extra ribbons of fresh basil and a generous dusting of freshly grated parmesan. Sometimes I ll also add a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a silky finish that smells amazing.

Side Dishes

I typically pair this dish with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed garlic broccoli. Both add a refreshing crunch and balance the rich flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special date night or dinner party, try serving the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls with sprigs of fresh basil and edible flowers for a romantic, elegant touch. I once added toasted pine nuts on top for a lovely crunch that impressed my guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it rests, so before reheating, I add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it back up to that perfect silky consistency.

Freezing

I ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with decent results-just be sure to cool it completely before portioning and freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove to keep the sauce from separating.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove over low heat works best for me. Adding a little extra cream or broth and stirring frequently helps restore the sauce s creaminess without drying out the gnocchi.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to whenever I want something that’s both comforting and a little special. It s straightforward enough to whip up quickly, but the flavor feels like you spent hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do-it really feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I m betting you ll want to keep it in your regular rotation after the first try.

Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 556 reviews

• Author: Lauren
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Marry Me Gnocchi is a creamy, flavorful one-pan Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a rich sauce made with butter, garlic, sundried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Enhanced with fresh baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, this comforting meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner serving about five people.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
• 4 Garlic Cloves (finely minced)

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup (4 oz) Sundried Tomatoes (in oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional)

Main Components

• 1 lb. Gnocchi (shelf stable or refrigerated)
• 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach
• 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese
• 4 to 5 Fresh Basil Leaves (cut into ribbons)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and diced onion, cooking for 6-7 minutes while stirring often until onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 more minute to fully release the garlic aroma.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the sundried tomatoes along with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and optional Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly into a flavorful sauce base.
3. Simmer Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet with the sauce. Let the gnocchi simmer for 5 minutes in the sauce, allowing them to cook through while absorbing the rich flavors.
4. Add Greens and Cheese: Stir in the fresh baby spinach, tearing or chopping it into smaller pieces for easier distribution. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
5. Finish with Basil: Fold in fresh basil ribbons into the dish, reserving some basil to garnish at the end. Stir gently to combine and enhance the flavor with fresh herb notes.
6. Serve and Garnish: When ready, plate the gnocchi and generously top with the reserved fresh basil ribbons and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

---

Notes

• What kind of gnocchi should I use? Use shelf-stable potato gnocchi often found in the pasta aisle or fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section. Avoid frozen gnocchi as it can release excess moisture, affecting the sauce consistency.
• Why don’t I need to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the sauce? Gnocchi cook quickly and are delicate. Simmering them directly in the sauce finishes their cooking and allows them to absorb flavorful liquids.
• Can I use something other than cream? Yes! Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. It may be thinner but will reduce as it heats, still providing a creamy texture.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/5 of recipe)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 90mg