Last weekend, while helping my daughter set up her new kitchen in the city, I stared at a bag of potato gnocchi tucked between jars of sun-dried tomatoes. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, and the smell of fresh basil on the counter inspired me to try something comforting yet elegant.
With a few familiar ingredients, I began sautéing garlic in butter and olive oil, letting the scent fill the apartment. My grandchildren peeked over the counter, curious about the sizzling pan, while my son teased that anything with cheese was an instant hit. As I poured in the cream and chicken broth, the sauce started to thicken, and I couldn’t help but smile thinking of family dinners past.
Stirring in the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, the colors alone were enough to make the dish irresistible. Chopped basil added a fresh, aromatic finish that made everyone’s eyes light up. That evening, we sat around the table, laughter echoing, as plates of this creamy, dreamy gnocchi disappeared in minutes.
A simple combination of ingredients transformed a casual afternoon into a moment worth savoring. Cooking together, tasting together, and sharing stories—this dish has a way of bringing people closer, bite by bite.
Short Description
A rich and creamy gnocchi dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil, perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.
Key Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving plates
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi. Let simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Add Spinach
Fold in baby spinach, stirring until wilted and evenly distributed.
Step 5: Finish with Basil
Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil for a colorful, aromatic touch. Serve hot.
Troubleshooting Tips
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream.
Gnocchi may stick together if not stirred gently—fold, don’t stir aggressively.
For extra flavor, lightly toast the Parmesan before adding.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Comfort: Velvety sauce coats every tender gnocchi piece.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Colorful & Fresh: Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes brighten the plate.
Family-Friendly: Mildly seasoned yet flavorful, suitable for all ages.
Elegant Presentation: Looks gourmet with minimal effort.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking gnocchi makes it mushy—cook until just tender.
Skipping salt in the sauce can make it bland—taste and adjust gradually.
Adding spinach too early can overcook it—fold in at the last minute.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve immediately with a crisp side salad.
Pair with garlic bread or a light white wine for a dinner party.
Plate family-style for casual dinners, letting everyone scoop their favorite portions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving without covering, it can dry out the gnocchi.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, potato gnocchi from the store works perfectly and saves time.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, and it’s fully vegetarian.
3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain well before adding to prevent watery sauce.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Partially: cook the sauce and store separately, then add gnocchi and spinach just before serving.
5. How do I get the sauce extra creamy?
Add an extra 2 tablespoons of cream or fold in a little mascarpone cheese for richness.
Tips & Tricks
Drain sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
Stir in fresh herbs at the last moment for maximum flavor.
Use a wide skillet for even cooking and to prevent overcrowding.
Recipe Variations
Tomato-Free Version: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Add ¼ cup shredded mozzarella for an extra gooey texture.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon for heat.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken slices or shrimp during the gnocchi step.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Gnocchi is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create comfort and joy. The tender gnocchi, creamy sauce, and bright bursts of spinach and basil bring both flavor and warmth to the table. It’s a dish that encourages lingering conversation, laughter, and seconds for everyone. Preparing it reminds me of cozy afternoons spent cooking with family, sharing stories, and savoring every bite. Even a busy weeknight feels special when this is on the plate.
The combination of textures—the soft gnocchi, creamy sauce, and tender vegetables—makes it satisfying and indulgent without being heavy. For anyone looking to impress without stress, this recipe is a winner. It’s easy, approachable, and leaves your kitchen smelling irresistible. Sharing this dish makes meals feel celebratory, whether for a casual dinner or a small gathering with friends.
Marry Me Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 1 16-ounce package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in grated Parmesan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add gnocchi and sun-dried tomatoes, simmering 4–5 minutes until gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens.
- Fold in baby spinach until wilted and evenly mixed.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil, and serve hot.
