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Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe

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4.4 from 40 reviews

This rich and creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi combines pillowy gnocchi with a luscious sauce made from sundried tomatoes, garlic, onion, and cream, all seasoned with Italian herbs and finished with fresh basil and parmesan-style cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful vegetarian pasta dish perfect for a cozy dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Gnocchi

  • 18 oz (500 g) gnocchi, or another short pasta shape

Sauce

  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes, or to taste
  • 2 tsp mixed Italian seasoning
  • ⅓ cup (140 g) sundried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (puree)
  • ⅔ cup (160 ml) vegetable broth
  • ⅔ cup (160 ml) heavy (double) cream
  • ¾ cup (80 g) parmesan style cheese, grated
  • 1 small bunch basil, chopped
  • 1-2 handfuls baby spinach, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Sundried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly caramelize the tomato paste.
  4. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
  5. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan style cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  6. Add Greens: Toss in the chopped baby spinach and chopped basil, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sundried tomato sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Serve: Transfer to plates or a serving dish and garnish with extra basil or parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes for a richer flavor, or rehydrate dry sundried tomatoes in warm water before chopping.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes based on your preference.
  • Gnocchi can be replaced with other short pasta such as penne or rigatoni if preferred.
  • For gluten-free option, be sure to use gluten-free gnocchi.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian