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
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
