Oh, the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe! I absolutely love how this dish comes together-rich, creamy, and packed with vibrant flavors that seem almost too good to be true. It s the kind of recipe that feels fancy without demanding hours in the kitchen, perfect for weeknights or impressing someone special without the stress.
When I first tried this, I was blown away by the balance of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and that dreamy Parmesan cream sauce that clings to each pillowy gnocchi piece. You ll find that this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe becomes your go-to comfort food that s elegant enough for date night or lazy Sunday dinners. Trust me, it s definitely worth making.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a delightfully robust taste.
- Comfort with Elegance: It s a cozy meal that feels elevated enough for a special occasion but easy enough to whip up anytime.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or what you have on hand without losing the magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh elements that give it that irresistible charm. Having good quality gnocchi and fresh basil really elevates the dish beautifully.
- Olive oil: Use a good extra-virgin olive oil for that fruity richness in your sauté.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must here – it infuses the whole dish with amazing aroma.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds a classic Italian vibe effortlessly.
- Vegetable broth: This creates a flavorful base and keeps it light without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Gnocchi: Fresh or store-bought, choose soft potato gnocchi that will soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated sweet-tart flavor balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for that nutty, salty punch that ties the sauce together.
- Heavy whipping cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously silky; you won t want to skip it.
- Baby spinach: Adds a nice pop of color and subtle earthiness.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chiffonaded basil adds bright, herby freshness right at the end and for garnish.
Variations
I love making this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe my own by swapping in different ingredients or adjusting the spice level-it’s so forgiving! Feel free to tweak it to make it your signature dish.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: I ve experimented with full-fat coconut milk or homemade unsweetened cashew cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives, and the flavors still hold up brilliantly.
- Protein Boost: Adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms transforms this into a heartier meal that my family loves.
- Spice Level: Depending on your heat tolerance, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes-sometimes I go heavy for that extra kick!
- Herb Swaps: If you don t have fresh basil, try baby arugula or parsley for a slightly different but delicious twist.
How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Start by heating your olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Once it s shimmering, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. I like to give it about one minute – just until the garlic softens and releases its aroma but doesn t brown or burn. This foundation really sets the tone for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Add Broth, Gnocchi, and Flavorings
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the pan-that s where a lot of the flavor hides. Then toss in the gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Turn the heat up to bring it all to a boil before lowering to a gentle simmer with the lid on for about 5 minutes. This steams the gnocchi perfectly-soft and tender without falling apart.
Step 3: Wilt Spinach and Finish the Sauce
After the gnocchi is tender, take off the lid and stir in the baby spinach. It only needs about a minute to wilt down, which brings a lovely freshness to contrast that creamy sauce. Then, stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and the fresh basil ribbons. Give everything a good mix and taste for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed-that final taste test really makes a difference.
Step 4: Serve with Garnishes
Dish it onto plates and top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and-if you re like me and love a bit of heat-more crushed red pepper flakes. This finishing touch makes it look as good as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Keep the Heat Low: Cooking the garlic and Italian seasoning on medium-low keeps garlic from burning and turning bitter.
- Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Just 5 minutes simmering is enough – overcooking makes them mushy.
- Fresh Basil is Key: Adding basil at the end preserves its bright flavor and aroma-don t add it too early.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Seasonal produce like spinach can affect the saltiness, so always taste before serving.
How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish mine with a handful of shredded Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves for color and extra herbaceous pop. If you like a bit of spice, a touch of crushed red pepper flakes on top works wonders and looks inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This gnocchi is rich and filling, so I love pairing it with something light and fresh like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus to balance out the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve served the gnocchi in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch-it makes the presentation look extra elegant and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay great for up to 3 days. Just be sure to loosen the sauce when reheating by adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep everything creamy and smooth.
Freezing
I ve frozen leftover gnocchi a couple of times by placing portions in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture is a bit softer but still delicious, especially if reheated gently on the stove with a little broth to rejuvenate the sauce.
Reheating
Microwaving is quick but can dry out the sauce, so I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and that silky texture comes right back.
FAQs
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Can I make this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Just make sure your gnocchi doesn t contain egg or dairy. The flavor stays rich and satisfying even with these substitutions.
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What s the best way to cook gnocchi for this recipe?
I love simmering the gnocchi directly in the broth with the other ingredients because it absorbs flavor and keeps them soft without extra boiling. Keep your simmer gentle and don t overcook to avoid mushiness.
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
You can, but fresh basil really shines in this dish by adding brightness and freshness at the end. If you only have dried, add it earlier in the cooking process, but the flavor profile will be less vibrant.
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How spicy is the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe?
The recipe calls for just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, so it has a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust the spice to your liking by adding more or skipping it altogether.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it feels like a warm hug on a plate-comforting, creamy, and bursting with flavor. I genuinely recommend you give it a try, whether you re cooking for someone special or just craving a delicious meal that feels a little indulgent yet effortless. Once you make it, I have a feeling it ll become a staple in your kitchen too.
PrintMarry Me Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy, flavorful Marry Me Gnocchi recipe features tender gnocchi simmered in a luscious sauce made with garlic, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil. The rich combination of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates a comforting dish that’s quick to make and perfect for a cozy 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
Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for additional heat)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté garlic and seasoning: Place a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant and garlic is tender, but not browned.
- Add broth and gnocchi: Slowly stream in the vegetable broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Then add the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer until gnocchi is tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soften completely.
- Add spinach and wilt: Remove the lid and stir in the chopped baby spinach. Cook for about one minute until the spinach wilts nicely into the sauce.
- Finish with cheese, cream, and basil: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and chiffonaded fresh basil leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the gnocchi and top with extra shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat.
Notes
- Storage: 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. Use a vegan/dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Confirm that the gnocchi is dairy- and egg-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 528 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1296 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg