Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re craving something luxurious, flavorful, and destined to turn any dinner into a special occasion, look no further than Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi. This irresistible recipe masterfully blends soft, crispy gnocchi with a luscious sundried tomato cream sauce, laced with aromatic herbs, parmesan, and leafy greens for a restaurant-quality meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Every bite bursts with savory-sweet tomato and silky cheese, capturing the magic that makes this dish so memorable—no wonder it’s called “Marry Me” gnocchi!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about big flavor from simple, beautiful ingredients—each one playing a starring role in the taste, texture, and color of your Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi. Pay attention to the little touches, and the dish truly sings!

• Gnocchi (18 oz): Choose pillowy potato gnocchi for a soft center and get that golden, crisp finish when you pan-fry—short pasta shapes work too if that’s what you have.
• Red onion (1/2, diced): Adds gentle sweetness and a pop of color to every bite.
• Garlic (3 cloves): The secret weapon for turning up the richness and depth.
• Red pepper or chili flakes (pinch): Just enough heat to keep things lively, adjust to your preferred kick!
• Mixed Italian seasoning (2 tsp): Brings fragrant, classic Italian vibes—dried or fresh works here.
• Sundried tomatoes (1/3 cup, chopped): These pack a punch of bold, tangy tomato flavor—use the oil from the jar for extra taste.
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp): The ultimate in rich, umami tomato goodness.
• Vegetable broth (2/3 cup): Balances and deepens the sauce while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
• Heavy cream (2/3 cup): Delivers that dreamy, silky texture—the backbone of the sauce.
• Parmesan style cheese (3/4 cup, grated): The key to nutty, salty flavor and extra creaminess; use vegetarian hard cheese if preferred.
• Basil (small bunch, chopped): Fresh basil brightens the whole dish and adds a burst of herbal freshness.
• Baby spinach (1–2 handfuls, chopped): Sneaks in a little green, wilted just enough for flavor and nutrition.
• Olive oil (for sautéing): Ideally use the oil from your sundried tomato jar—so much flavor in every drop.
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and bring all the flavors together.

How to Make Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Sundried Tomatoes

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil—seriously, if you have that sundried tomato oil, use it! It’s a simple step that adds so much character to your sauce. Sauté the diced red onion gently over low-medium heat until translucent and sweet, about 4-5 minutes. Add in the garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper, and those glorious sundried tomatoes. Cook for a few more minutes. This builds the aromatic, robust flavor foundation your Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi deserves.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook out for a couple more minutes, drawing out its depth. Now pour in your vegetable broth. Let everything bubble away gently, partially covered. The sauce should reduce and concentrate—the aroma at this point is mouthwatering! Meanwhile, move on to the gnocchi, which is about to get extra delicious.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Gnocchi

While your sauce simmers, it’s time to crank up the magic: pan-fried gnocchi. Wipe out your gnocchi pan if needed, add a slick of olive oil (again, sun-dried tomato oil is gold here), and lay the gnocchi in a single layer. Let them cook low and slow, turning gently every few minutes, until every side is golden brown and crispy—about 10 minutes. This step is a game-changer, giving you that dreamy contrast between crispy edges and pillowy centers!

Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Cream, Cheese, and Greens

Once your gnocchi are nearly there—or if you’re a multitasking kitchen boss, do this during their last few minutes—turn the sauce to low and add the heavy cream and parmesan. Stir gently as it heats and melts until fully combined and creamy. Now for a little pop of freshness: fold in the spinach and basil, stirring just until the spinach begins to wilt and the basil releases its fragrance.

Step 5: Toss, Plate, and Serve

Gently add your pan-fried gnocchi to the sauce and toss to coat every piece. Spoon straight onto plates while piping hot, shower with extra parmesan and basil if you like, and serve immediately. The Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi is guaranteed to steal the show!

How to Serve Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi

Garnishes

For a truly stunning presentation, sprinkle an extra handful of grated parmesan over the top and scatter with fresh, hand-torn basil. A drizzle of sundried tomato oil adds instant gloss and a subtle kick, while a few reserved sundried tomato slivers bring a pop of color—a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds!

Side Dishes

This luxurious gnocchi is rich and comforting, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs. Some warm, crusty bread (or garlicky focaccia) is absolutely divine for mopping up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Make Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi the centerpiece of your next dinner party by serving it in a large, rustic bowl, family-style. You can also spoon individual portions into shallow dishes for elegant plating, or even pile it atop a bed of wilted greens for a pretty contrast and an instant upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce thickens a bit as it sits, but the flavors meld beautifully, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

While gnocchi can sometimes go a bit soft after freezing, you can absolutely freeze this dish for a quick future dinner. Let the Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the gnocchi in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream (or milk) to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, since slow stovetop warming helps keep the gnocchi from turning overly soft and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi is perfect for this recipe and yields fantastic crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside bites. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi makes it even more decadent.

How spicy does this dish get?

The pinch of red pepper or chili flakes adds a gentle warmth, but you’re totally in control of the heat. Like a little kick? Add extra. Prefer it mild? Go with just a small pinch or leave it out entirely.

Is there a vegan or dairy-free option?

You can make Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi vegan by swapping the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative (like oat or cashew cream) and using your favorite vegan parmesan-style cheese.

Can I make this with pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes! Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work marvelously if you don’t have gnocchi on hand. Just cook the pasta al dente and toss it through the finished sauce.

What type of sundried tomatoes should I use?

For the fullest flavor, choose oil-packed sundried tomatoes—and don’t forget to use a little of the oil, it’s brimming with herby tomato essence. If you only have dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water or a little broth before using.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy, impressive meals that taste like a hug in a bowl, make Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi your next kitchen adventure. Whether for a casual weeknight or a special date night, this dish is all about celebrating good flavor and great company. Give it a try—you might just fall a little bit in love!

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