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Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

5.2 from 9 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Season the sauce: Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper to balance the flavors.
  5. 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.
  6. Add spinach: Toss in the baby spinach and stir until it has just wilted, adding a fresh, green element to the dish.
  7. Finish with basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil right before serving to brighten the final flavor profile.
  8. 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

Keywords: gnocchi, creamy gnocchi recipe, Marry Me Gnocchi, Italian comfort food, one-pan meal, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan sauce, easy dinner recipe