Description
This Marry Me Gnocchi recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, spinach, and fresh basil. Topped with Parmesan cheese and a touch of crushed red pepper, it’s an elegant yet easy one-pan meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Sauce and Base
- 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)
Dairy and Greens
- 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)
Toppings (Optional)
- Basil leaves
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes (if additional heat is desired)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic: Place a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic is tender and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Vegetable Broth and Ingredients: Slowly stream in the vegetable broth while stirring to scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Then add the gnocchi, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let cook for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach. Cook for about one minute until the spinach is wilted. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and fresh chiffonaded basil leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes if you desire extra heat.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy whipping cream with unsweetened cashew creamer or full-fat coconut milk, and use vegan or dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternatives. Ensure the gnocchi used does not contain dairy or eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 528
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1296mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 56mg