Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi

Featured in Pasta Perfection: Simple to Spectacular.

This trending Tuscan-style gnocchi is a hit! Golden gnocchi pairs with a decadent cream sauce made from heavy cream, chicken stock, and parmesan. Toss in vibrant spinach for freshness and sun-dried tomatoes for a bold zing. Done in 25 minutes, it's a dinner that'll wow anyone, whether you're saying 'I love you' or just want something fancy tonight.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:20:38 GMT
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This cloud-soft gnocchi mixed with deep Tuscan flavors comes together in just one pan for a dreamy meal. Our Marry Me Gnocchi gets its name by mixing fluffy potato dumplings with a smooth, creamy parmesan sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and bright spinach – making something so tasty it might just spark a marriage proposal.

When I cooked this at my dinner gathering last month, everyone went quiet except for the sound of forks scraping every last bit from their plates. The mix of slightly crispy gnocchi and that velvety sauce had all my friends begging me to share how I made it.

Key Ingredients

  • Potato Gnocchi: Grab store-bought or homemade from good suppliers
  • Heavy Cream: Forms the base of our decadent sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoothest melting
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Brings sweet and tangy punch
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds gorgeous green and goodness
  • Fresh Garlic: Can't skip this for real flavor
  • Italian Seasoning: Gives those classic Tuscan vibes

Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Gnocchi Ready (8-10 minutes):
Warm olive oil in big skillet. Put gnocchi down in one layer. Cook till golden on each side. Set aside when crunchy. Do small batches if needed.
Creating The Sauce (10 minutes):
Drop fresh olive oil in the same pan. Cook minced garlic till you smell it. Slowly add heavy cream. Pour in chicken broth while mixing. Sprinkle Italian herbs. Let it bubble till it starts getting thicker. Mix in parmesan bit by bit.
Mixing Flavors (5-7 minutes):
Toss sun-dried tomatoes into your sauce. Mix in handfuls of fresh spinach. Put crispy gnocchi back in pan. Gently stir everything together. Let all flavors mix. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.
Finishing Touches (3-5 minutes):
Look at how thick your sauce is. Add more broth if it's too thick. Warm gnocchi through. Toss in fresh basil. Stir everything gently one last time. Serve right away while hot.
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I found out the trick to amazing marry me gnocchi was getting those edges nice and crispy before they go in the sauce. One night I let them brown a bit longer by accident, and that extra crunch really made the dish special.

Expert Advice

  • Dry your gnocchi with paper towels for better browning
  • Let cream sit out a bit so it won't break your sauce
  • Save some cooking water to thin sauce if needed
  • Toss in fresh herbs right at the end

Prep-Ahead Ideas

  • Shred cheese and keep in fridge container
  • Chop garlic and herbs
  • Set out all needed amounts
  • Get everything ready before turning on heat
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Tasty Accompaniments

  • Cool glass of Pinot Grigio
  • Basic green salad with light dressing
  • Warm crusty bread for scooping sauce
  • Something sweet like fresh berries to finish

Simple Twists

  • Toss in some grilled chicken pieces
  • Mix in sautéed mushrooms
  • Switch up your cheese blend
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes for kick

Served up for date night or just a regular Tuesday dinner, this Marry Me Gnocchi shows how basic ingredients can create something truly special. The combo of slightly crunchy gnocchi with that silky sauce makes an unforgettable meal – it might not guarantee someone will propose, but it'll definitely win over everyone at your table.

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Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's with the name Marry Me Gnocchi?
The name suggests this dish is so irresistible, it might just lead to a proposal.
→ Why crisp up the gnocchi first?
Crisping gives the gnocchi a golden crust while keeping the inside super soft.
→ What wine works best with this dish?
A chilled white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess.
→ Why get rid of the oil from sun-dried tomatoes?
Skipping the extra oil keeps the sauce from feeling overly heavy or greasy.
→ Could I add a splash of lemon juice?
A bit of lemon juice brightens up the creamy texture, cutting through the richness.

Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi

Soft gnocchi in a smooth cream sauce with parmesan, spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It's so delightful, you might just fall in love with it!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 16 ounces gnocchi
02 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
03 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Sauce

04 1 cup chicken broth
05 ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling on top
06 ½ teaspoon salt
07 1½ cups heavy cream
08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Add-ins & Garnish

10 Fresh basil, chopped up (optional topping)
11 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained
12 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pan on medium-high heat. Cook gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, then set aside on a plate.

Step 02

Pour the leftover oil into the pan. Stir garlic for around a minute until the smell pops.

Step 03

Add cream, chicken broth, parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir constantly until the sauce turns thicker.

Step 04

Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and the sautéed gnocchi. Stir gently and let it cook for 5 minutes over low heat.

Step 05

Top with basil and serve it straight away.

Notes

  1. A squeeze of lemon can balance the creaminess.
  2. Make sure to drain the sun-dried tomatoes to avoid excess grease.
  3. Tastes great with Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pan or skillet
  • A whisk to mix ingredients

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (heavy cream, parmesan cheese)
  • Includes gluten (gnocchi)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 612
  • Total Fat: 44 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 11 g