Name: Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 18 oz gnocchi (or another short pasta shape); 1/2 red onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes (or to taste); 2 tsp mixed Italian seasoning; 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (see notes); 2 tbsp tomato paste (puree); 2/3 cup vegetable broth; 2/3 cup heavy (double) cream; 3/4 cup parmesan style cheese, grated; 1 small bunch basil, chopped; 1-2 handfuls baby spinach, chopped; Olive oil (preferably from the sundried tomato jar), for sautéing and frying

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Introduction

This Creamy Sundried Tomato “Marry Me” Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce bursting with sundried tomatoes and fragrant herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special with minimal effort.

The image shows two white bowls filled with a creamy orange sauce dish, with three layers visible: at the bottom, there are gnocchi pieces coated in the sauce, followed by a middle layer of wilted green spinach leaves mixed in, and the top layer has garnishing of shredded white cheese and small fresh green basil leaves. One bowl is closest, showing a silver spoon resting inside it, while the second bowl is slightly behind. The bowls are placed on a white cloth on a white marbled surface, with scattered basil leaves nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

18 oz gnocchi (or another short pasta shape)
1/2 red onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic
1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes (or to taste)
2 tsp mixed Italian seasoning
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped, see notes)
2 tbsp tomato paste (puree)
2/3 cup vegetable broth
2/3 cup heavy (double) cream
3/4 cup parmesan style cheese (grated)
1 small bunch basil (chopped)
1-2 handfuls baby spinach (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large, deep saucepan with a lid, heat a little olive oil (ideally the oil from the sundried tomato jar) over low-medium heat. Sauté the diced red onion until soft. Add minced garlic, red pepper or chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped sundried tomatoes. Continue sautéing for a few more minutes until everything is soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for another two minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer partially covered while you prepare the gnocchi. The sauce will reduce slightly and thicken.
Step 3: Meanwhile, heat a layer of olive oil in a frying pan over low-medium heat. Pan fry the gnocchi until crisp and golden on all sides, which may take around 10 minutes. Cook slowly to ensure the inside becomes soft and tender.
Step 4: When the gnocchi is nearly done, add the heavy cream and grated parmesan-style cheese to the sauce. Simmer gently over low heat until the cheese melts smoothly. Stir in the chopped spinach and basil just until the spinach begins to wilt.
Step 5: Toss the crispy gnocchi through the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, comforting meal!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use the oil from the jar of sundried tomatoes to sauté the onions and gnocchi.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili flakes to taste or a small splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Substitute baby spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green twist.
Use fresh gnocchi if available for an even softer texture; frozen works well too.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispiness of the gnocchi.

How to Serve

A white ceramic bowl with brown speckles holds a creamy orange sauce mixed with small gnocchi pieces. The gnocchi are soft and coated evenly in the rich sauce, which contains visible dark green spinach leaves and small red sun-dried tomato bits. Thin shavings of pale cheese are scattered on top, adding texture and contrast. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth featuring small pom-poms slightly underneath. Another similar bowl is partially visible in the top right corner, and a small glass bowl with shredded cheese is in the top left. A few fresh green basil leaves decorate the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work well as alternatives if you can’t find gnocchi.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

You can make this dish vegan by using a plant-based cream alternative, vegan cheese, and ensuring the gnocchi does not contain eggs or dairy.