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Irresistible Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

This Irresistible Marry Me Gnocchi recipe features tender gnocchi coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce bursting with sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil. Perfect for a comforting Italian dinner, this dish layers aromatic spices and silky parmesan cream for a truly crave-worthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Gnocchi:

  • 18 oz gnocchi (preferably De Cecco for best chewy texture)
  • 2.5 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
  • 2.5 tbsp tomato paste (Mutti brand preferred)
  • 2/3 cup vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 handfuls spinach
  • 1 bunch basil, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Mise en Place and Cook Gnocchi: While prepping your ingredients — dice the red onion, mince the garlic, tear basil leaves, and finely grate parmesan. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes after they float to the surface. Drain and set aside to keep tender and ready to absorb the sauce.
  2. Build the Sauce Base with Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Heat 2.5 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds to release their flavors. Add tomato paste and cook 2 more minutes to caramelize and deepen the tomato flavor.
  3. Simmer the Sauce with Broth and Tomatoes: Add sundried tomatoes and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and reduce sauce slightly, allowing the sundried tomatoes to soften and infuse sweetness.
  4. Create the Creamy Finish and Wilt the Greens: Lower the heat and stir in the cream. Warm through for about 1 minute, then slowly add freshly grated parmesan while stirring constantly to melt cheese into a silky sauce without graininess. Add spinach and basil, stirring until wilted (1-2 minutes). Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
  5. Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce until well coated and warmed through. Serve immediately in bowls, enjoying the gnocchi’s tender texture with the luscious sauce at its peak flavor.

Notes

  • Use high-quality gnocchi like De Cecco for best texture.
  • Freshly grated parmesan melts better and creates a creamier sauce than pre-grated.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; sauce thickens as it cools.
  • Can substitute cream with cashew cream for a dairy-free version, but cheese flavor will differ.

Keywords: gnocchi, creamy tomato sauce, sundried tomatoes, Italian dinner, spinach, basil, parmesan, comfort food

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/irresistible-marry-me-gnocchi-recipe/