Description
This creamy Tuscan Marry Me gnocchi is a quick, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy gnocchi in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil. It’s a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free recipe perfect for cozy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (16 oz) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- A handful of fresh basil, torn or sliced
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cup white wine
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water (about 3 quarts with 1 tablespoon salt) to a boil.
- While the water heats, prep your sauce ingredients: mince garlic, slice sun-dried tomatoes, chop spinach, tear basil, and grate parmesan.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and broth. Stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
- Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in the boiling water. Once they float to the top (about 2-3 minutes), remove with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander.
- Add cooked gnocchi to the sauce. Gently toss to coat and let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in chopped spinach and fresh basil. If adding chicken or mushrooms, stir them in now. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot, garnished with more parmesan and basil if desired. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
Don’t overcook the gnocchi—remove as soon as they float. Use fresh basil for best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. To make dairy-free, substitute plant-based cream and cheese. Add cooked chicken, mushrooms, or white wine for variations. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 3.5
- Protein: 13
Keywords: gnocchi, creamy, Tuscan, comfort food, Italian, easy dinner, Marry Me sauce, vegetarian, weeknight meal