Marry Me Gnocchi

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Creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible — Marry Me Gnocchi is the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience. With tender pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce, every bite is loaded with comfort and flavor. The blend of parmesan, baby spinach, and a hint of spice makes this a complete one-pan wonder that feels indulgent yet effortless.

This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients coming together in harmony. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, Marry Me Gnocchi lives up to its name — it’s love at first bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s proof that easy meals can still feel gourmet.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Gnocchi

• It’s a one-pan recipe, which means easy prep and even easier cleanup.
• Rich and satisfying without being too heavy.
• Quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.
• Packed with creamy, cheesy, savory goodness.
• The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish seamless, gather these essential tools:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is your main cooking vessel. A deep skillet works best to contain the sauce and allow the gnocchi to cook evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring gently and scraping up those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need these for slicing sun-dried tomatoes and mincing garlic or shallots.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key to balancing the creamy sauce.
• Microplane or Cheese Grater: Freshly grated parmesan makes a big difference in flavor and texture.

Each tool plays a part in making this dish come together quickly and without stress.

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Preparation Tips

Start by prepping all your ingredients ahead of time — slice the sun-dried tomatoes, mince the garlic, and measure out your cream and broth. This mise en place makes the cooking process much smoother. Use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for convenience, and don’t rinse the gnocchi before cooking — it helps the sauce cling better. When adding the spinach, do so toward the end so it just wilts without becoming soggy. For best flavor, don’t rush the simmering step — let the sauce thicken naturally so it coats the gnocchi beautifully.

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Ingredients for This Marry Me Gnocchi

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped (optional, for added depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

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Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots (if using), and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Let the tomatoes sizzle slightly to deepen their flavor.

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Step 2: Add Liquids & Simmer

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine, scraping any bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This base forms the luscious, creamy sauce that defines the dish.

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Step 3: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted into the sauce. The cheese will help thicken the sauce and add a salty, umami-rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the cream and tomatoes.

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Step 4: Add Gnocchi

Stir in the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Let it simmer uncovered for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will absorb the flavors while cooking and help thicken the sauce further.

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Step 5: Fold in Spinach

Once the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened, gently fold in the baby spinach. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

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Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with extra grated Parmesan, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love extra heat. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Notes

This recipe is incredibly flexible and can be adapted based on what you have on hand. You can swap spinach for kale or arugula, or even stir in rotisserie chicken or crispy pancetta for added protein. The sauce continues to thicken as it cools, so feel free to thin it out with a splash of broth or cream if reheating. If you’re using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw — just increase the cooking time slightly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the gnocchi: Gnocchi only needs a few minutes to cook. Overcooking makes it gummy and mushy.
• Boiling the cream too hard: Let the sauce gently simmer to avoid breaking or curdling.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go — the Parmesan adds saltiness, so adjust gradually.
• Using low-quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides the best flavor.
• Skipping the simmer step: This stage helps the sauce develop body and richness; don’t rush it.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the Marry Me Gnocchi to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content and texture of the gnocchi.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving — based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work well in this recipe. Frozen can be used with slightly increased cooking time.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, pancetta, or even shrimp make great additions.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with cherry tomatoes (roasted or sautéed), though the depth of flavor may differ.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can be used in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Heavy cream is ideal for best results.

Is this spicy?

Only mildly — the red pepper flakes add warmth, but you can increase or omit them to suit your taste.

Can I make this ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce a day ahead and cook the gnocchi just before serving.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s consistency.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Gnocchi is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence — comforting, quick, and packed with luxurious flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress a special someone or just want a cozy, satisfying meal without the hassle, this recipe delivers every time. With just one pan and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that earns its name: unforgettable, comforting, and maybe even proposal-worthy.

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