Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Dreamy Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe That Sparks Joy

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this creamy Tuscan marry me gnocchi recipe that promises to steal hearts.

Soft potato dumplings swim in a luxurious sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

Garlic and parmesan cheese melt together, creating a velvety embrace of flavors.

Each bite delivers comfort and sophistication in perfect harmony.

Tender gnocchi absorb the rich, creamy sauce, making every forkful irresistibly decadent.

Restaurant-quality magic happens right in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet elegant dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Must-Try Flavors

  • This gnocchi recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complex techniques.
  • Creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and vibrant ingredients create a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults at the dinner table.
  • Elevate ordinary meals with restaurant-quality taste using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods that make weeknight cooking exciting and delightful.
  • Swap ingredients like adding chicken or switching spinach for kale, making this recipe adaptable to personal preferences and pantry availability.

Ingredients for Tuscan Gnocchi Bliss

Main Ingredients:
  • Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of this creamy Tuscan dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and luxurious texture to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Deliver a fragrant and classic Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
  • Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that complements the creamy sauce.
Vegetable and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Add vibrant color, tangy sweetness, and nutritional value to the gnocchi.
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the recipe.

Kitchen Gear for Tuscan Gnocchi Night

  • Large skillet: Essential for frying gnocchi and creating creamy sauce.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients gently.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting board: Useful for chopping fresh basil garnish.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for preparing garnish.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure oil, seasonings, and salt.

Making Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi at Home

Step 1: Crisp Up Gnocchi

Get a large skillet sizzling with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Drop in the gnocchi and let them dance until they turn golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.

Transfer the beauties to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, splash in the remaining olive oil.

Toss in minced garlic and let it release its magical fragrance, stirring for about 1 minute until it’s just turning golden.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Sauce

Bring your sauce to life by adding:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese

Whisk these ingredients with love until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Create Magic in the Skillet

Introduce these flavor heroes to your sauce:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh spinach
  • Crispy gnocchi

Gently toss everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and simmer for 5 minutes, creating a harmonious dish.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the gnocchi are perfectly tender.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips for Dreamy Creamy Gnocchi

  • Pat gnocchi dry before frying to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without sticking to the pan.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce if too thin.
  • Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding liquid to intensify its aromatic profile.
  • Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based parmesan for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Chop basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum flavor into the dish.

Variations for a Tuscan Gnocchi Twist

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Variation: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with gluten-free potato or rice-based gnocchi for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Creamy Option: Swap heavy cream and chicken broth with coconut milk and vegetable broth. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken or sautĂ©ed shrimp to increase protein content. Alternatively, incorporate white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce flavor.

Tuscan Gnocchi Served for Dinner

  • Italian Family-Style Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this gnocchi with warm crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of sauce.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate gnocchi in beautiful white dishes, sprinkle extra parmesan, and add a delicate basil leaf for sophisticated restaurant-quality appeal.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the dish's rich flavors.
  • Healthy Side Balance: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide fresh contrast.

Storage for Creamy Gnocchi Dishes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer gnocchi to freezer-safe container, keeping sauce separate. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water, cover loosely. Heat 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to distribute warmth evenly.
  • Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce's smooth texture.

FAQs

  • What makes gnocchi crispy in this recipe?

The key is frying the gnocchi in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes before adding to the sauce. This creates a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and pillowy.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Absolutely! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with dried basil or Italian seasoning. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs to maintain the flavor profile.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi is not spicy. It’s a creamy, savory dish with mild flavors from garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasonings. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes to taste.

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Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Gnocchi from Tuscany brings hearty romance to dinner tables with rich parmesan cream sauce. Savory sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken elevate this classic Italian comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) parmesan cheese, shredded, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish & Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Create a golden crust on gnocchi by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until pillowy pieces turn crispy and light brown. Transfer to a separate plate.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for approximately 45-60 seconds until aromatic and slightly translucent.
  3. Construct a luxurious sauce by whisking together heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a smooth, velvety consistency.
  4. Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce, allowing them to wilt and integrate their flavors. Gently fold the crispy gnocchi back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the sauce.
  5. Simmer the entire mixture for 4-5 minutes, letting the ingredients meld together and the sauce reach a perfect, rich texture.
  6. Plate the gnocchi immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve hot for maximum flavor and optimal dining experience.

Notes

  • Choose soft, pillowy gnocchi for the best texture, avoiding hard or dense varieties that can ruin the dish’s creamy experience.
  • Pat gnocchi dry before frying to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that adds delightful crunch to the creamy sauce.
  • Use fresh spinach instead of frozen to maintain a vibrant color and prevent excess water from diluting the sauce’s rich consistency.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter or dairy-free versions without compromising the luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 555
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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