Name: Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 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, plus more for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy, dreamy gnocchi creation combines tender pillows of potato gnocchi with a luscious sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and just the right amount of heat. It’s so irresistibly good that it might just inspire lifelong vows—or at least a strong craving to make it again and again. Simple ingredients come together in harmony to create a dish that’s both homey and elegant, perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven small bowls and dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, each with different ingredients. Starting from the bottom left, a clear glass bowl holds a layer of pale yellow gnocchi that look soft and smooth. Above this, a small glass bowl contains green spinach leaves with a fresh, leafy texture. To the right, a white bowl is filled with a layer of pale ivory cheese shavings with a slightly curly texture. Above the spinach, a clear small bowl contains dark red sun-dried tomato pieces that look chewy and rough. Beside this, a small glass bowl holds golden olive oil shining smoothly. At the top center is a bunch of bright green basil leaves with a shiny surface. Around these, smaller dishes include a beige bowl with two garlic cloves, a beige bowl with dried herbs, and wooden bowls with white salt and red chili flakes. Lastly, there are small glass bowls with light cream and light brown liquid, and a tiny glass bowl with cracked black pepper visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one plays an essential role in building the rich, flavorful, and colorful experience that defines the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe. From the bright punch of sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy depth of Parmesan, every component works in perfect balance.

Olive oil: A healthy fat that infuses the dish with a subtle fruity aroma and helps gently cook the garlic.
Garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant, savory background that wakes up your taste buds.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean warmth and depth.
Vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful, light liquid base that lifts the sauce without heaviness.
Gnocchi: The star of the show, with its pillowy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with concentrated sweetness and a slight chewiness to contrast the gnocchi.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A subtle kick that adds a lively layer without overwhelming heat.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a fragrant sharpness that complements the mild creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty umami that melts smoothly into the sauce.
Heavy whipping cream: The magic ingredient that makes this sauce irresistibly silky and rich.
Baby spinach (roughly chopped): Adds fresh greenery and a gentle earthiness that balances the richness.
Fresh basil leaves (chiffonaded): The bright, herbal finishing touch that elevates each bite.

How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let them cook for about one minute, stirring often, until the garlic is tender and releases its enchanting fragrance. This step builds the flavor foundation essential to the dish’s irresistible allure.

Step 2: Add broth and gnocchi

Next, pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to scrape up every flavorful bit stuck to the pan. Immediately add the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. The broth will start to simmer and transform the gnocchi from chewy to pillowy perfection as it absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Simmer to tenderness

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let everything cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened. This downtime lets the flavors mingle and ensures a luxuriously soft texture.

Step 4: Finish the sauce and add greens

Remove the lid and stir in the chopped baby spinach, allowing it to wilt in the warm sauce for about a minute. Then, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh chiffonaded basil leaves. Give everything a good stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. This creamy finish turns the dish into pure comfort food magic.

Step 5: Serve with flair

Dish up the gnocchi right from the pan, garnishing generously with extra Parmesan and basil. The vibrant colors and silky sauce make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

A white bowl with a beige bottom is filled with creamy gnocchi covered in a thick, light yellow sauce with red sun-dried tomato pieces and dark green spinach leaves mixed throughout. The dish is topped with a small pile of shredded white cheese and two fresh green basil leaves in the center. A gold spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a folded white towel with orange stripes, dark wooden salt and pepper shakers, a small dish of crushed red pepper flakes, and scattered green basil leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe experience to the next level, don’t skip the garnishes. Fresh basil leaves bring a fresh floral brightness, shredded Parmesan adds texture and richness, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes provides an optional heat boost. These finishing touches transform the dish into a feast for all the senses.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides that balance its richness. Consider a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables with a splash of balsamic glaze. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia also work wonderfully for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like impressing your guests? Serve the gnocchi in warm, shallow pasta bowls to showcase its creamy sauce and colorful ingredients. Adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a scattering of toasted pine nuts adds unexpected texture and flair. For a stunning centerpiece, plate the gnocchi atop a bed of sautéed mushrooms or beside grilled lemon-garlic shrimp.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is creamy, it’s normal for it to thicken as it chills, so stirring well before reheating is key to reviving that luscious texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freezing gnocchi dishes can be tricky due to changes in texture, but it is possible. Allow the gnocchi to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and be gentle when reheating to maintain the best texture possible.

Reheating

Reheat your Marry Me Gnocchi gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir often and add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully here and saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just follow the recipe instructions as written; the gnocchi will absorb all the delicious sauce perfectly.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Make sure your vegetable broth has no animal products.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely—a few grilled chicken breasts, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon pieces would make excellent protein additions that complement the creamy sauce without overpowering the gnocchi’s delicate texture.

How spicy is this gnocchi recipe?

The recipe calls for just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, providing a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavor without making it spicy. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on your heat preference.

Can I prepare part of this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce base with sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the gnocchi and spinach fresh when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had a name, it would be the Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe. This dish combines simplicity and elegance in a way that charms every single time you make it, bringing smiles around the table and a sense of indulgent satisfaction. I promise once you try it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to add this gem to your recipe collection. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy, flavorful celebration of Italian-inspired cooking—it’s a dish you’ll want to revisit often!

Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need