If you re looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you ve got to try this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe. I absolutely love how creamy and rich the sauce gets, packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil that just makes every bite sing. It s the kind of meal that s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress someone special-or just treat yourself!
You ll find that the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is perfect for when you want something comforting but not complicated. When I first tried this, the gnocchi cooked right in the sauce, soaking up all those gorgeous flavors, and honestly, it changed how I think about quick pasta dinners forever. Plus, it s a crowd-pleaser that my family goes crazy for, especially when I add a little extra parm and fresh basil right before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick and easy: You get a rich, restaurant-quality dish on your table in under 20 minutes.
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks together, so less cleanup and more flavor.
- Flavor-packed sauce: Creamy, garlicky, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs make it unforgettable.
- Perfectly tender gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi directly in the sauce means no mushy texture, just fluffy pillows of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple ingredients that work together perfectly-creaminess, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs bring out the magic. Grab quality gnocchi and fresh spinach for the best results.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful base.
- Onion: Finely diced for a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory notes in the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Gives depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce we all crave.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Provide tang and umami; get the ones packed in oil for extra flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential to season and bring everything together.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to keep it interesting without overpowering.
- Gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated work best; avoid frozen for this recipe.
- Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and color; I like to tear it into bite-sized pieces.
- Parmesan Cheese: Stirred into the sauce for savory depth and sprinkled on top for a perfect finish.
- Fresh Basil: Cut into ribbons to sprinkle in and garnish, giving the dish a fragrant, herbaceous kick.
- Italian Seasoning (optional): For an extra herb boost if you want a little more complexity.
Variations
I love how flexible the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is-you can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Don t be afraid to tweak the heat level or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian Variation: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat additions to keep it totally veggie-friendly.
- Lighter Sauce: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter but still creamy sauce-I do this often when I want less richness.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or cherry tomatoes to add layers of flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you like things a bit fiery-I’ve been known to double it for game nights.
How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and sauté gently for about 6 to 7 minutes until translucent and soft-this slow cook brings out the natural sweetness. Don’t rush this step; stirring often ensures even cooking and helps avoid browning, which could change the delicate flavor.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Once your onions are beautifully softened, toss in the minced garlic and cook just for another minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly. Then pour in the chicken broth alongside the heavy cream and add the sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning if you re using it. Give it a good stir-it already smells amazing!
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi Right in the Sauce
Add the gnocchi straight from the package into your simmering sauce. This is one of my favorite tricks-the gnocchi cook right in the creamy sauce, soaking up all those flavors without needing separate boiling. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the sauce from scorching and stir occasionally so the gnocchi cook evenly and don t stick to the pan.
Step 4: Stir in Greens and Cheese
When the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, fold in your baby spinach-torn or chopped into bite-sized pieces works best so it wilts quickly and blends nicely. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it s melted and shining through the sauce. Just before serving, stir in most of the fresh basil, leaving a little for a beautiful garnish on top.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate your Marry Me Gnocchi generously topped with those fragrant ribbons of basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it immediately while it s warm, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Use the right gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi work perfectly; frozen tends to get too watery in the sauce.
- Don t overcook the garlic: Add it last in the sauté step to avoid bitterness and retain its fresh flavor.
- Simmer gently: Keep the sauce at a low simmer when cooking gnocchi so it thickens evenly and the gnocchi cook through without falling apart.
- Fresh herbs matter: Adding basil at the end keeps its vibrant flavor and prevents it from turning bitter.
How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this dish with fresh basil ribbons and a little extra grated Parmesan-it adds an aromatic lift and a nice texture contrast. A quick drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving can also bring out more richness.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread are also favorites in my house alongside the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe-it rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve served this gnocchi in individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers and microgreens for an elegant touch. Layering it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or fresh cracked black pepper can also elevate the presentation and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. The gnocchi might soak up some sauce overnight, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up.
Freezing
While you can freeze this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe, I ve noticed the texture of the gnocchi changes a bit after thawing. If you do freeze, freeze it without the spinach and basil, then add fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. I add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce without thinning it out too much. Avoid microwaving directly if you can; stovetop reheating keeps the sauce silky and the gnocchi tender.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, use a plant-based cream like coconut or cashew cream, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use vegan Parmesan alternatives. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness without animal products.
-
Do I need to pre-cook the gnocchi before adding it to the sauce?
Nope! The magic of the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is that you add the gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. They cook perfectly in about 5 minutes, absorbing all the flavors and saving you a step with less cleanup.
-
Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of those in oil?
You can, but I recommend soaking dried sun-dried tomatoes in warm water first to soften them. Oil-packed tomatoes add extra richness and flavor to the sauce, so they re my preferred choice if you can find them.
-
What kind of gnocchi works best for this recipe?
I recommend shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi tends to release more moisture and can make the sauce watery, so it s best to avoid frozen varieties for this dish.
-
Can I make this dish ahead of time for guests?
You can prepare the sauce and keep it in the fridge, but I d add and cook the gnocchi fresh when you re ready to serve. This keeps the gnocchi from getting soggy and ensures the best texture for your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe has become a total favorite in my kitchen-I love how it feels indulgent yet comes together with little fuss. Whether you re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just craving something creamy and comforting, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try and see how that silky sauce and tender gnocchi can win over everyone s hearts-it might just become your new go-to meal!
Print
Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy, flavorful Marry Me Gnocchi recipe combines tender gnocchi with a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, sundried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh herbs. Finished with spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, it’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Onion, finely diced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
- 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)
- 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach
- 4 to 5 Fresh Basil Leaves, cut into ribbons
Main Ingredient
- 1 lb Gnocchi (shelf stable or refrigerated)
Cheese
- 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese
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 the onion is translucent and softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and sundried tomatoes (including some oil for extra flavor). Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and optional Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer with Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet and allow them to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. This cooks the gnocchi thoroughly while they absorb the delicious sauce flavors.
- Incorporate Greens and Cheese: Tear or chop the baby spinach into smaller pieces and add it to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce. Add the fresh basil ribbons, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, top the dish generously with additional fresh basil ribbons and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Gnocchi Type: Use shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle or fresh refrigerated gnocchi. Avoid frozen gnocchi as it can release excess moisture and affect sauce consistency.
- Why No Pre-cooking: Gnocchi cook quickly and delicately. Simmering them directly in the sauce ensures they absorb maximum flavor while cooking through perfectly.
- Cream Substitute: For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. The sauce might be thinner but will reduce upon heating, maintaining rich flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
