If you’re in the mood for something rich, creamy, and impossible to forget, this Marry Me Gnocchi is your ticket to dinner bliss. Pillow-soft gnocchi are bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, kissed with garlic, and balanced by the subtle bitterness of wilted spinach. It’s cozy, indulgent, and as the name suggests, entirely swoon-worthy.

This dish brings together flavors that are comforting yet elegant. Whether you’re making it for a special date night or a lazy weeknight treat, it delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The sauce clings beautifully to each gnocchi, and the pops of sun-dried tomato add a vibrant depth that makes this meal unforgettable.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To whip up the perfect Marry Me Gnocchi, you won’t need a fancy kitchen setup, but a few trusty tools will make all the difference:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is essential for building flavor. A wide surface area allows the sauce to reduce evenly while giving your gnocchi enough room to brown slightly if desired.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce gently, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
Microplane Grater: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and brings an authentic flavor to the sauce.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters here—especially with the cream and seasoning.
Colander: For quickly draining your gnocchi if you’re using the boil method instead of pan-searing.

These basics will help streamline your cooking process, allowing you to focus on layering those rich, savory flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Ingredients for the Marry Me Gnocchi

Gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings form the hearty base of the dish. Choose shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade—all work beautifully in this rich sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with concentrated flavor and a hint of sweetness, they cut through the creaminess for a well-balanced bite.
Garlic: Minced garlic sautéed in olive oil lays the aromatic foundation for the sauce.

Heavy Cream: The base of our luscious sauce. It gives the dish its signature silky texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds complexity and thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Spinach: Bright and slightly bitter, it brings a pop of color and a healthful contrast to the richness.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for a subtle kick of heat.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together.

How To Make the Marry Me Gnocchi

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute or two to intensify their flavor.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to start thickening. Add grated parmesan, and mix until fully melted into the sauce.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts and turns vibrant green. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi

Add your gnocchi directly to the sauce. If you’re using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, no need to boil—just cook it right in the sauce for 5–6 minutes until soft and heated through. Stir occasionally to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once the sauce has thickened and the gnocchi are tender, remove from heat. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

How to Serve and Store Marry Me Gnocchi

This dish is at its absolute best served immediately, while the sauce is silky and the gnocchi are tender. Plate it up with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a crack of black pepper for an extra punch of flavor. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to make it a full meal.

For storing leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s texture. Gnocchi tend to absorb sauce as they sit, so a gentle warm-up on the stovetop works better than the microwave.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as cream-based sauces often separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll still get a delicious, comforting result.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes! Just thaw them before adding to the sauce, or boil briefly and then add them in. Be sure to reduce the sauce slightly before tossing in cooked gnocchi.

What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer the most flavor. Drain them slightly before chopping. If using dry-packed ones, rehydrate them in warm water first.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute with unsweetened coconut cream or a thick oat-based cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The flavor will be different but still tasty.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is mild. Red pepper flakes are optional and adjustable. Add more if you like a kick, or omit for a milder version.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage are excellent additions. Stir in after the sauce is complete to warm them through.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving the creamy, cozy vibes of Marry Me Gnocchi, you’ll definitely want to explore these other comforting pasta favorites:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for layers of cheesy indulgence.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce when you’re craving a bold garlic punch.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta for a spicy Caribbean-inspired twist.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a protein-packed skillet meal.

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for weeknights that need a flavor boost.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready whenever the craving hits.

Check out more daily pasta and comfort food recipes on my Pinterest: Life With Olivia

And if you try this dish, let me know in the comments—Did you go for spice or keep it mild? Add chicken or serve it solo? I love seeing how you make it your own.

Questions or tips? Share them below—we’re all in this delicious journey together!

Marry Me Gnocchi

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and comforting Marry Me Gnocchi recipe features tender potato gnocchi tossed in a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce with spinach and garlic. Perfect for date nights or easy weeknight dinners, it’s packed with bold flavor and comes together in one skillet.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

2. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance their flavor.

3. Pour in heavy cream and broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to begin thickening.

4. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted into the sauce.

5. Toss in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

6. Add gnocchi directly into the sauce. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tender and coated evenly.

7. Remove from heat, top with extra parmesan, and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and drain before chopping.

Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi can be cooked directly in the sauce—no pre-boiling required.

Stir gently while the sauce simmers to avoid sticking and ensure even coating on the gnocchi.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: creamy gnocchi, sun-dried tomato gnocchi, marry me gnocchi