Get ready to swoon because Marry Me Gnocchi is about to become your new comfort food obsession! This dish wraps soft, pillowy gnocchi in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with savory Parmesan, punchy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. It’s everything you want in a cozy meal: decadent, quick to make, and so impressive you’ll want to share it with someone special—or maybe keep it all to yourself. With minimal prep and maximum flavor payoff, Marry Me Gnocchi turns an ordinary weeknight into a delicious occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of fresh and pantry staples to pull off this showstopper. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the fluffy gnocchi to the vibrant basil and sun-dried tomatoes, coming together to create those signature Marry Me Gnocchi flavors.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth, slightly fruity start to your base, ensuring nothing sticks and helping flavors meld beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth that balances the flavors of the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Brings a warm, aromatic kick that ties the sauce together.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat, perfect if you love a little spicy surprise.
Chicken broth: Lends savory depth and helps create a silky, not-too-heavy sauce.
Heavy cream: Delivers luxurious creaminess, making the sauce extra luscious.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce, adding umami and salty, cheesy goodness.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient, making sure the flavors sing.
Ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and balance to the creamy sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Bring tangy-sweet pops of flavor and gorgeous color.
Potato gnocchi (16-ounce package): Soft, chewy dumplings that soak up every bit of sauce.
Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy bite and a pop of vibrant green.
Fresh basil (chopped): Infuses the dish with aromatic, peppery notes you’ll crave.
Extra Parmesan and basil: Essential for finishing with that irresistible, restaurant-worthy look and flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi

Step 1: Create a Buttery, Flavorful Base

Start by heating your olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As soon as they sizzle together, you’re creating a luscious base for the rest of the ingredients. This simple step gives every bite of Marry Me Gnocchi an indulgent, velvety richness right from the beginning.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Next, toss in your minced garlic and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This quick step unlocks the aromatic magic that makes the sauce so irresistible.

Step 3: Simmer the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then shower in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently—just 2 to 3 minutes—enough for the cheese to melt and the sauce to start thickening. At this stage, season the sauce with salt and black pepper and marvel as it turns decadently creamy.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Gnocchi

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the potato gnocchi right into the skillet. Let everything simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will soak up the sauce while the tomatoes add their delicious tang, and the sauce will cling beautifully to every dumpling.

Step 5: Wilt in the Spinach

Now, toss in the baby spinach and gently stir until the leaves are just wilted. You’ll love watching the green swirls fold into the golden sauce, adding fresh flavor and color.

Step 6: Finish with Basil and Serve

Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the chopped fresh basil. This last touch infuses the entire skillet with fresh, herbaceous notes and truly elevates your Marry Me Gnocchi to showstopper status. Plate it right away, making sure to spoon plenty of sauce over every serving.

How to Serve Marry Me Gnocchi

Garnishes

A generous shower of extra grated Parmesan and a flurry of fresh basil leaves will make your Marry Me Gnocchi absolutely irresistible. These finishing touches don’t just add beauty—they brighten up the creamy sauce and dial up the savory aromas with every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve up your Marry Me Gnocchi with a simple green salad (think arugula or crisp romaine) for a refreshing contrast. A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up leftover sauce—and honestly, you won’t want a single drop to go to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable twist, try serving Marry Me Gnocchi in shallow pasta bowls with a sprig of basil or a few sun-dried tomato slices on top. If you’re hosting, mini cast iron skillets or ramekins turn this dish into an elegant dinner-party main course. Individual portions let everyone enjoy that creamy sauce all to themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Marry Me Gnocchi, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken a bit, but the flavors deepen overnight, making for an irresistible next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

To freeze Marry Me Gnocchi, transfer fully cooled portions to freezer-safe containers. While the creamy sauce may separate slightly after thawing, a gentle reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth will bring it back to life.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed Marry Me Gnocchi in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir gently and heat until piping hot—you’ll be amazed how the dish bounces back in flavor and texture!

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Gnocchi vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for veggie broth and proceed as usual. The flavors will still be bold and satisfying, with every bit of that creamy, cheesy goodness.

What kind of gnocchi works best?

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi are ideal for this recipe and make prep a breeze, but homemade or refrigerated varieties also work beautifully. Just make sure they’re cooked until tender so they can soak up all that sumptuous sauce.

Can I add protein to Marry Me Gnocchi?

Definitely! Cooked chicken breast, juicy shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms can all be added in with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra heartiness. Adapt it to your tastes or whatever you have on hand.

How spicy is the sauce?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a warming back note. It’s easy to adjust: leave them out if you prefer mild, or bump up the quantity for a little extra kick in each bite.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce for Marry Me Gnocchi a day in advance. When ready to serve, gently reheat, add the gnocchi, and finish with spinach and basil for that just-cooked freshness.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning date night or just craving a ridiculously delicious dinner, Marry Me Gnocchi is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s so simple, so flavorful, and so memorable that you’ll want to make it again and again—so go ahead and give this recipe a try! Your taste buds (and maybe your favorite people) will thank you.