Soft, pillowy gnocchi drenched in a velvety, creamy garlic parmesan sauce — this Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi is the kind of dish that sparks joy at the very first bite. It’s indulgent yet simple, filled with comforting textures and Tuscan flavors that feel like a warm hug. With sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, and the richness of cream and cheese, it’s a dinner that looks gourmet but takes barely 20 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or simply craving a satisfying vegetarian comfort meal, this gnocchi delivers. The sauce clings to every curve of the gnocchi, making each mouthful silky and rich with layers of umami. One bite, and it’s easy to see why they call it “Marry Me” — this dish is absolutely proposal-worthy!
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top — this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Once they float, drain immediately and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle gently for a minute to release their flavors.
Step 3: Add Cream and Spinach
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Toss in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan
Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. It will thicken slightly into a luscious consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Step 5: Combine with Gnocchi
Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes so the gnocchi soaks up the flavor.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces for a pop of color. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley is a beautiful finishing touch.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Marry Me” gnocchi?
“Marry Me” refers to a creamy, flavorful sauce often made with cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic — it’s said to be so good, it could inspire a proposal!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut), vegan parmesan, and olive oil instead of butter.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. This version uses no meat or meat-based broths. Just check your parmesan if you’re strictly vegetarian, as some brands use animal rennet.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
What type of gnocchi should I use?
Potato gnocchi is the classic choice, but cauliflower gnocchi or whole wheat gnocchi also work well.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much while cooking or reheating, simply stir in a splash of cream or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and gnocchi separately a day ahead. Combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They add a tangy depth of flavor, but you can substitute roasted red peppers or omit them entirely if preferred.
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
Description
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi is a rich, soul-satisfying dish that brings a gourmet feel to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. This quick and easy recipe combines pillowy soft gnocchi with a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and tender wilted spinach. It’s the ultimate comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and indulgent, yet effortlessly simple to make.
Whether you’re hunting for cozy dinner ideas, an easy recipe to impress your guests, or a creamy vegetarian main course, this dish has you covered. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, family meal, or when you’re craving restaurant-quality food at home. This is the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
Ingredients
1 lb potato gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi until they float, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil or butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add cooked gnocchi and gently mix to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer everything together for 2 more minutes.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.