Name: Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

Jump to Recipe

There’s a good reason the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is sweeping kitchens everywhere! Creamy, savory, and loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, this irresistible one-pan dish wraps pillowy gnocchi in a velvety Parmesan sauce with just enough garlic and herbs to make every bite sing. Whether you’re making it for weeknight comfort or hoping to dazzle someone special, it delivers big flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how quickly humble, pantry-friendly ingredients transform into something magical. Each element in the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe brings its own special flair, contributing to the depth, richness, and gorgeous color of the finished plate.

Olive oil: Offers a smooth foundation and helps all the flavors meld in harmony.
Garlic: Adds that unmistakable fragrant punch—don’t skimp on the fresh cloves.
Italian seasoning: Delivers rustic herb notes for an elevated, Italian-inspired feel.
Vegetable broth: Deepens the sauce’s flavor and gives body to the creamy texture.
Gnocchi: Light, cheesy potato dumplings that absorb the sauce beautifully—shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen all work!
Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer sweet-tart bursts and an appealing chewy bite.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Provide gentle heat; adjust to taste if you like things spicy.
Kosher salt: Balances and amplifies all the other delicious flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives zingy warmth—always grind fresh if you can.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth and melts into the sauce for pure comfort.
Heavy whipping cream: The ingredient that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—don’t substitute if you want classic richness!
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and mild earthiness that perfectly contrasts the rich sauce.
Fresh basil leaves: Sliced into ribbons (chiffonaded) for lovely herbal brightness—don’t forget extra for garnish.
Shredded Parmesan cheese (for serving): For that signature creamy finish on top.
Basil leaves (for garnish): The cherry on top for color and aroma.
Extra crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little extra kick!

How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe by heating olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. When it’s shimmering but not smoking, toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma in just a minute—be careful not to let the garlic brown, just letting it turn tender and wildly fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Now, slowly stream in the vegetable broth while stirring, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits clinging to the pan (that’s pure taste gold right there!). Immediately add the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and fresh black pepper. This step is where all those big flavors are introduced and start mingling.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let everything bubble away for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi should be perfectly soft and the sauce already beautifully thickened. Resist the temptation to peek—those fluffy dumplings are steaming to pillowy goodness!

Step 4: Add Greens and Creaminess

Lift the lid and add the chopped baby spinach. Give it just a minute—spinach wilts astonishingly fast. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan, luscious heavy whipping cream, and fresh basil ribbons. Let everything warmly blend together—watching that creamy sauce come together is a moment of pure kitchen happiness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you crave a little more salt or pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Heap generous spoonfuls into bowls, then shower everything with extra Parmesan and more fresh basil for a pop of green. Serve immediately—you want everyone to experience those clouds of steam and the sauce at its absolute silkiest.

How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, adorn each bowl of Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe with extra shredded Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, and a flurry of torn or ribboned basil leaves. Not only do these garnishes pop with color, but each adds another layer of flavor and fragrance.

Side Dishes

This creamy gnocchi pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the sauce. If you’re extra hungry, add a garlic-studded baguette or a warm slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini also make a stunning plate-mate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe into the star of your next dinner party by serving it in individual ramekins, topped with browned cheese and popped under the broiler for a moment. For a summery vibe, spoon it over a bed of lemony arugula, letting the greens wilt just a little. You could even nestle a poached egg on top for an indulgent brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe tastes just as dreamy the next day. Transfer any extras to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked gnocchi in its sauce for up to two months. Let it cool to room temperature before portioning into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready for a quick, cozy meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently for the best, just-cooked texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?

Absolutely! Just add the frozen gnocchi straight to the pan—no need to defrost. You might need to cook it a minute or two longer, but it works perfectly fine in this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe.

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

The Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is already vegetarian as written, since it uses vegetable broth and no meat. For a vegan version, try substituting plant-based cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten up the sauce, you can use half-and-half or a full-fat coconut cream for a different flavor. Traditional heavy cream delivers the signature smoothness, but the recipe is flexible if you need to adjust!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely—feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even zucchini. The Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is fantastic for customizing with whatever’s in your fridge.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free gnocchi (many major brands offer a version) and keep the rest of the recipe as is. All the other ingredients in this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re whipping up a cozy dinner for one or hoping to impress at your next family gathering, give this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe a try—there’s just something magical about creamy, cheesy gnocchi that brings everyone together around the table. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Marry Me Gnocchi recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, all in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion!

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Place a large saute pan over medium-low heat, add olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until tender and fragrant.
Add Broth and Gnocchi: Stream in vegetable broth, add gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered until gnocchi is tender.
Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Stir in spinach, cook until wilted. Add Parmesan, cream, and basil. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Top with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves. Enjoy!