Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi is a luxurious, one-pan dish featuring pillowy gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan in a rich garlic cream sauce. It’s fast, flavorful, and ideal for both weeknights and romantic dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Made in one pan for easy cleanup
- Packed with flavor from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan
- Flexible for add-ins like chicken, sausage, or extra vegetables
- Restaurant-quality comfort food made at home
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion or shallot, minced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, sliced for garnish
directions

- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, broth, cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add the gnocchi and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes until gnocchi are tender.
- Stir in spinach and half the Parmesan until wilted.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with basil and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Variations
- Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or pancetta for extra protein
- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach
- Make it vegetarian by using veggie broth and omitting meat
- Swap heavy cream for a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and flavor
storage/reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream
- Freezing not recommended as the sauce may separate
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking.
2. Do I have to cook the gnocchi separately?
No, it cooks right in the sauce, saving time and dishes.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk if possible.
4. Is it spicy?
Only slightly from the red pepper flakes—adjust or omit to your taste.
5. What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi work best.
6. Can I make this vegan?
Use non-dairy cream, plant-based Parmesan, and vegetable broth.
7. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free gnocchi and check your broth.
8. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes or add more Parmesan.
9. How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Best enjoyed fresh.
10. What can I serve it with?
Great with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi is the ultimate cozy yet elegant meal—rich, flavorful, and fast. Whether for a date night or a weeknight indulgence, this dish delivers restaurant-style comfort in every bite.
PrintCreamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi
Rich, creamy gnocchi tossed in a sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce with herbs and Parmesan—guaranteed to make anyone say “Marry Me!”
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (not in oil)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil; cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in sun‑dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer gently until sauce starts to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Fold in spinach; cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet; toss gently to coat in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use oil-packed sun‑dried tomatoes drained if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg