Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe—a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed one-pan wonder that brings comfort and elegance to your weeknight dinners. Each fluffy gnocchi pillow is coated in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fragrant garlic, Italian herbs, and lots of freshly grated Parmesan, all finished with the pop of tender spinach and fresh basil. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply craving a cozy, restaurant-worthy meal at home, this dish is an absolute showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe shines because of how just a handful of kitchen staples come together to build layers of flavor and texture. Every ingredient has its own starring role, so gather up these beauties and let’s get cooking!

• Olive oil: Use a good quality one if you can—this sets a deeply flavorful foundation for your sautéed aromatics.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings a mouthwatering aroma and a warm, savory note that’s downright irresistible.
• Italian seasoning: This blend provides an instant hit of herby goodness and helps the dish taste like it simmered for hours.
• Vegetable broth: The secret to depth and umami, plus it keeps the gnocchi pillowy as they cook.
• Gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade, these give you that quintessential pillowy bite and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): They add a tangy-sweet complexity and gorgeous color to every bite.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch here, so you get a gentle heat without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
• Kosher salt: It’s all about bringing out all the other flavors—taste and season as you go!
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a punchy earthiness that balances the richness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty backbone of the sauce—rotate in extra for that irresistible cheesy finish!
• Heavy whipping cream: For unbeatable silkiness and richness; this is what makes the sauce cling to every bite.
• Baby spinach (roughly chopped): Stirred in just before serving, it adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green.
• Fresh basil leaves (chiffonaded): These tender ribbons wake up the whole dish, adding sweet, peppery notes right at the end.
• Extra basil leaves, shredded Parmesan, and crushed red pepper: Perfect for sprinkling on top before serving for texture and color.

How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Herbs

Set a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, drizzle in the olive oil, and let it get warm and shimmery. Add in the freshly minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for about a minute. You want the garlic to turn fragrant—but not browned—so it infuses the oil without becoming bitter. This is the flavor base where your Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe starts to sing.

Step 2: Build the Sauce and Simmer Gnocchi

Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring as you go to loosen any delicious golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Now it’s time to tumble in the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to coat. Bring the mixture up to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and let the gnocchi absorb the flavors for about 5 minutes until they’re pillowy and tender.

Step 3: Finish with Spinach, Cream, and Cheese

Lift off the lid and add your roughly chopped spinach, stirring through just until it wilts—about a minute. Lower the heat and swirl in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and ribbons of fresh basil. The sauce will turn glossy and luxurious, beautifully coating all the gnocchi. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if you like. This step gives the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe its signature silkiness and irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the gnocchi into bowls, making sure every serving gets plenty of sauce. Sprinkle generously with extra Parmesan, more fresh basil, and another dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. That’s it! Your Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is ready to enjoy—creamy, herby, cheesy perfection in every bite.

How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

A flurry of shredded Parmesan and a scattering of fresh basil ribbons make the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe truly pop. For a little drama on the plate (and to tempt spice lovers), a light shower of crushed red pepper flakes and a drizzle of quality olive oil will take it over the top.

Side Dishes

Because the sauce is so creamy and bold, simple accompaniments work best. Think a crusty piece of garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. If you want to keep it classic Italian, roasted asparagus or broccolini makes a fresh, vibrant pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the gnocchi in shallow bowls for a beautiful restaurant feel, or spoon it into a cast iron skillet for a family-style centerpiece. For dinner parties, divide the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe into individual ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe quickly, then transfer it into an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—the sauce thickens overnight but the flavor just keeps developing.

Freezing

While gnocchi can sometimes go a little soft when frozen, you can absolutely stash leftovers in the freezer if needed. Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months; just know the sauce may separate ever so slightly when reheated (a good stir usually fixes this right up).

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave also works for a quick fix—cover the dish and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Always finish with another pinch of basil or extra cheese to bring it back to life!

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just add them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. They might need an extra minute or two to cook, but they’ll soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

A full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half both work in a pinch for a lighter (or dairy-free) twist, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. It’s still delicious with either option!

Can I add chicken or another protein?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp fold in beautifully. Just add them right before stirring in the cheese and cream to warm them through.

How spicy is this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe?

It has a gentle background heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can always dial it up or down depending on your taste. Omit the flakes if you prefer it mild—or bring on extra for a bit of a kick!

Is there a gluten-free version?

Easy! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free gnocchi from the grocery store. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress, or just need a bowl of pure comfort, there’s no better choice than this Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe. It’s quick enough for weeknights, truly special for weekends, and hits every note of flavor and coziness you could dream of. Give it a try—you’ll see why so many people are head-over-heels.

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