Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi

Featured in Center of the plate recipes.

This viral Marry Me Gnocchi earns its name with a luxurious combination of pan-fried gnocchi and a rich Tuscan-style cream sauce. The recipe starts by crisping the gnocchi for extra texture, then builds a silky sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes add intense flavor while fresh spinach brings color and nutrition. Ready in just 25 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish creates a memorable meal whether you're planning to pop the question or just want to impress at dinner.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:39 GMT
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi pin it
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | myhomemaderecipe.com

A perfect blend of pillowy gnocchi and rich Tuscan flavors comes together in this creamy one-skillet wonder. This Marry Me Gnocchi earns its name by combining tender potato dumplings with a velvety parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach - creating a dish so delicious it just might inspire a proposal.

Last month when I made this for a dinner party, the kitchen fell silent except for the sound of forks scraping plates clean. The combination of crispy-edged gnocchi and silky sauce had everyone asking for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

  • Potato Gnocchi: Fresh or store-bought, choose quality brands
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious sauce base
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for best melting
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds sweet-tart intensity
  • Fresh Spinach: Provides color and nutrition
  • Fresh Garlic: Essential for authentic flavor
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Tuscan notes

Detailed Instructions

Gnocchi Preparation (8-10 minutes):
Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add gnocchi in single layer. Cook until golden brown on each side. Remove to plate when crispy. Work in batches if needed.
Sauce Development (10 minutes):
Add fresh olive oil to same skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream gradually. Add chicken broth while stirring. Season with Italian herbs. Let simmer until thickening begins. Add parmesan in small batches.
Building Flavors (5-7 minutes):
Add sun-dried tomatoes to sauce. Stir in fresh spinach by handfuls. Return crispy gnocchi to pan. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Final Assembly (3-5 minutes):
Check sauce consistency. Add more broth if needed. Let gnocchi warm through. Add fresh basil leaves. Give final gentle toss. Serve immediately while hot.
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi pin it
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | myhomemaderecipe.com

I discovered the secret to perfect marry me gnocchi was getting those crispy edges before adding them to the sauce. One evening when I accidentally let them brown more than usual, the extra texture made all the difference.

Professional Tips

  • Pat gnocchi dry before frying for better browning
  • Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from breaking
  • Reserve some pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency
  • Keep herbs fresh by adding at the very end

Make-Ahead Strategies

  • Grate cheese and store in airtight container
  • Prepare garlic and herbs
  • Measure out ingredients
  • Have everything ready before starting to cook
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi pin it
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | myhomemaderecipe.com

Perfect Pairings

  • Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
  • Simple green salad with light vinaigrette
  • Crusty bread for sauce-soaking
  • Light dessert like fresh berries

Quick Variations

  • Add grilled chicken for extra protein
  • Include mushrooms for earthiness
  • Try different cheese combinations
  • Add crushed red pepper for heat

Whether served for a romantic dinner or casual weeknight meal, this Marry Me Gnocchi proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most impressive dishes. The combination of crispy gnocchi and silky sauce creates something truly memorable - a dish that might not guarantee a proposal, but will certainly win hearts at the dinner table.

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi pin it
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called Marry Me Gnocchi?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it might inspire a marriage proposal.
→ Why fry the gnocchi first?
Frying creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and pillowy.
→ What wine pairs best with this?
A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich, creamy sauce.
→ Why drain the sun-dried tomatoes?
Draining prevents excess oil from making the sauce too greasy.
→ Can I add lemon juice?
A few drops of lemon juice can help balance the richness of the cream sauce.

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi

A rich and creamy gnocchi dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a parmesan cream sauce - so good it might inspire a proposal!

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

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

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

→ Sauce

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

→ Add-ins & Garnish

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

Instructions

Step 01

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry gnocchi 2-3 minutes, then remove to plate.

Step 02

Add remaining oil to skillet. Cook garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 03

Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until sauce thickens.

Step 04

Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and gnocchi to skillet. Toss gently and simmer 5 minutes.

Step 05

Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. A few drops of lemon juice can cut through the richness
  2. Drain sun-dried tomatoes well to prevent greasy sauce
  3. Pairs well with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, parmesan)
  • Contains 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