Few dishes strike the perfect balance between rich flavor and ease of preparation quite like Marry Me Gnocchi. This comforting, one-skillet meal blends creamy textures, savory notes, and a touch of freshness for a recipe that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re preparing dinner for someone special or just treating yourself, this dish has a cozy charm that’s hard to resist. It’s fast, flavorful, and beautifully satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to make yet impressively delicious, this dish delivers. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up flavor while keeping the process quick and mess-free. Cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs come together to create a restaurant-style meal without the effort. Plus, it’s adaptable, whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add your favorite protein. This is a meal that looks and tastes special but fits seamlessly into your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
A base for sautéing the garlic and spices, olive oil helps create depth and keeps the butter from browning too quickly.
Unsalted Butter – 1 tablespoon
Contributes to a rich and silky base for the sauce.
Garlic – 3 cloves, finely minced
A flavorful starting point for the dish. Garlic brings warmth and aroma as it cooks in the oil and butter.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional)
Adds a gentle heat that livens up the creaminess. Use more or less depending on your spice preference.
Chicken Broth – 1 cup
Provides a savory foundation and balances the cream to create a sauce that’s full-bodied but not too heavy.
Heavy Cream – 1 cup
The star of the sauce, it gives the dish its signature richness and smooth finish.
Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
Melts into the sauce to thicken it and brings a salty, nutty element that complements the tomatoes and herbs.
Salt – ½ teaspoon or as needed
A necessary seasoning to enhance every flavor in the dish.
Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Adds subtle warmth and earthiness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – ½ cup, chopped and drained
They bring a burst of tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness and adds chewy texture.
Potato Gnocchi – 16 ounces
Soft, pillowy dumplings that hold up well in a creamy sauce and cook quickly in the pan.
Baby Spinach – 2 cups
Gives a splash of color and a mild earthy note that balances the rich sauce.
Fresh Basil – ¼ cup, chopped
Stirred in at the end, basil adds a fresh and aromatic finish.
Extra Parmesan and Basil – for topping
Optional, but they enhance the final look and flavor of the dish.
How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi
This entire recipe is prepared in just one pan, making both cooking and cleanup easier. Each step builds upon the last, layering flavor until you’re left with a luxurious, creamy dish. The gnocchi absorbs the sauce as it cooks, which creates a unified dish where every element shines. From sautéing the garlic to folding in the herbs, the process is simple but delivers rich rewards.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes
Begin by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the mixture is hot and bubbling, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. Mix well, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes so they begin to soften and infuse the sauce with their sweet, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly into the pan. Stir to coat them in the sauce and let them simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they’re tender and the sauce has thickened more.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Toss in the spinach and stir gently. The heat from the pan will wilt the leaves quickly without overcooking them.
Step 6: Add Basil and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped basil. Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Helpful Tips
Use shelf-stable gnocchi for quick cooking and consistent results
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the cream and cheese
Avoid over-stirring the gnocchi to keep them from breaking apart
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it
Details
Flavor
This recipe offers a rich, creamy taste with a balance of savory garlic, nutty Parmesan, and the bright acidity of sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh basil and spinach lighten up the dish and bring added freshness.
Texture
The gnocchi is soft and pillowy, coated in a velvety sauce with just enough bite from the sun-dried tomatoes and wilted greens.
Occasion
It’s ideal for an intimate dinner, a quick weekday meal, or anytime you want something that feels comforting but effortless.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Notes and Variations
To make it vegetarian, simply switch the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based cream and cheese
Add cooked chicken breast, pancetta, or shrimp for extra protein
Increase the red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of chili oil for a spicier version
Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach if preferred
Use alternative gnocchi, such as sweet potato or cauliflower, for a creative twist
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
These values are estimates based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on brands used or substitutions made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Marry Me Gnocchi be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slowly with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the original texture.
What type of gnocchi works best for Marry Me Gnocchi?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi is the most convenient choice for this recipe. It holds its shape and cooks quickly right in the sauce.
Can Marry Me Gnocchi be made without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, milk with a thickener, or plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly lighter.
What proteins pair well with Marry Me Gnocchi?
Grilled or shredded chicken, seared shrimp, sausage, or even crispy tofu all complement the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little added broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Print
Marry Me Gnocchi | Creamy One-Pan Comfort That Wins Hearts
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, garlicky one-pan gnocchi is the perfect weeknight or date night meal. Sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spinach bring flavor, comfort, and richness together in under 30 minutes.
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. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and sizzling.
2. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
7. Stir in chopped basil just before serving.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and basil on top.
Notes
Use vegetable broth and plant-based cream for a vegetarian version.
Add protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta.
Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
Use sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 29
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 75
Conclusion
Marry Me Gnocchi brings comfort and flavor together in a way that feels both luxurious and effortless. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with personality thanks to sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. And yet, it takes less than half an hour to make and uses just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a special evening or just want something warm and satisfying on a busy night, this recipe is always a good idea. Try it once, and you’ll understand how it got its name.