Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe

If you are ready to wow your taste buds with a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you will adore this Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe. This dish perfectly balances pillowy gnocchi with a velvety, tangy sauce loaded with sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, and just the right hint of spice. It’s comfort food elevated to something irresistibly special — the kind of meal that might just have you asking for seconds before you even finish your first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these ingredients together is the first step toward an unforgettable meal. While simple, each item plays a crucial role in the texture, flavor, and gorgeous color of this Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe. Let’s take a look:

• 18 oz gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato gnocchi provides the perfect base to soak up all the creamy sauce.
• ½ red onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and a bit of crunch to contrast the smoothness.
• 3 cloves garlic: Delivers a fragrant backbone that infuses the whole dish with warmth.
• 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes: Offers just the right kick to keep things interesting without overpowering.
• 2 tsp mixed Italian seasoning: A blend that brings in classic herbs for that authentic Italian vibe.
• ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped: These give a tangy richness and chewy texture that’s absolutely addictive.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor depth and adds a lovely, thick body to the sauce.
• ⅔ cup vegetable broth: Keeps the sauce light and helps blend all the flavors together smoothly.
• ⅔ cup heavy cream: Creates the signature rich, creamy texture that makes this recipe truly unforgettable.
• ¾ cup parmesan style cheese, grated: Adds sharp, savory notes and melts beautifully into the sauce.
• 1 small bunch basil, chopped: Provides fresh herbal brightness that lifts the dish.
• 1-2 handfuls baby spinach, chopped: Sneaks in some vibrant green color and subtle earthiness.

How to Make Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced red onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden—this builds a sweet, savory foundation for your sauce. Next, add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy scent that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 2: Incorporate Sundried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add your chopped sundried tomatoes, mixed Italian seasoning, and tomato paste into the skillet. Stir vigorously to coat these ingredients with the aromatics and release their flavor. Cook this mixture for a few minutes to intensify the tomato’s rich tang and meld the herbs perfectly into the base.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the vegetable broth first, stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and loosen any delicious bits stuck to the bottom. When it starts simmering, reduce the heat slightly and slowly add the heavy cream, giving you a luxuriously silky sauce. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Cook and Add the Gnocchi

In a separate pot, cook your gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface—this usually means they’re perfectly cooked. Drain them and immediately transfer to the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss everything together carefully, letting the gnocchi soak up all that garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Spinach, and Basil

Sprinkle the grated parmesan style cheese into the skillet, stirring until it melts completely, enriching the sauce’s flavor depth. Then add the chopped baby spinach and basil, folding them gently into the gnocchi just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe, a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves on top works wonders. For a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil add texture and richness that will leave your guests in awe.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For heartier meals, garlic bread or warm focaccia bread invites dipping and soaking every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the gnocchi in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce’s vibrant colors, or plate on a large serving dish with extra basil scattered artfully on top. For a fun twist, pop it into individual ramekins and broil a handful of cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers—and believe me, that can happen fast!—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even more beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier experience the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe, but keep in mind that gnocchi’s texture may soften slightly after thawing. To minimize this, freeze the sauce separately and gently reheat both before tossing together, maintaining the magic of the dish.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the silky texture of the sauce and the tender bite of the gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gnocchi?

Absolutely! While gnocchi lends a unique pillowy texture, short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work well and will hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Are sundried tomatoes necessary, or can I substitute fresh tomatoes?

Sundried tomatoes provide that distinctive tangy, concentrated flavor essential to this recipe. Fresh tomatoes lack that intensity, so if you use them, try roasting them first to deepen their sweetness.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, especially if you use a vegetarian parmesan style cheese. Always check your cheese to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

How spicy is the dish?

The pinch of red pepper flakes adds a mild warmth but isn’t overpowering. You can always adjust the amount to suit your preference — leave it out for no heat, or add more for a bolder kick.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the gnocchi for a gluten-free version, which many brands offer now, to enjoy this dish without gluten worries.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way this Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients into a dish that feels luxurious yet comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So go ahead, give it a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to dish!

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