Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Marry Me Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a luscious sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Enhanced with baby spinach and fresh basil, this one-pan meal is bursting with rich, savory flavors that make it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a romantic date night.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish
- Heat the fat: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted and sizzling to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté garlic and pepper flakes: Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, allowing the aromatics to bloom.
- Add liquids and cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce: Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper to balance the flavors.
- Incorporate tomatoes and gnocchi: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the potato gnocchi. Let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Add spinach: Toss in the baby spinach and stir until it has just wilted, adding a fresh, green element to the dish.
- Finish with basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil right before serving to brighten the final flavor profile.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves. Serve the Marry Me Gnocchi hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use vegetarian Parmesan or a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to turn this into a heartier meal.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for different flavor profiles.
- Try alternative gnocchi varieties such as sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi for variation.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay and a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- Gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, saving time and enhancing flavor, so no need to boil separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: gnocchi, creamy gnocchi recipe, Marry Me Gnocchi, Italian comfort food, one-pan meal, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan sauce, easy dinner recipe