Tuscan Creamy Gnocchi

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

Crispy gnocchi meets a creamy, Tuscan-inspired sauce in this standout dish. Start by pan-frying the gnocchi until golden, then create the sauce with cream, parmesan, and broth for a velvety finish. Bright pops of flavor come from sun-dried tomatoes, while spinach adds freshness. It’s a quick 25-minute meal that’s both comforting and impressive.
Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 01:28:49 GMT
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Tuscan Creamy Gnocchi | thefamilycooks.com

Fluffy potato dumplings meet luxurious Tuscan elements in this dreamy one-pan creation. The Marry Me Gnocchi gets its catchy name by mixing soft potato bites with a smooth parmesan cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach - making a meal so tasty it might just prompt someone to pop the question.

When I whipped this up at my gathering last month, everyone went quiet except for the sound of utensils scraping up every last bit. Those crispy-edged dumplings swimming in that velvety sauce had the whole group begging me to share how I made it.

Key Components

  • Potato Gnocchi: Can be homemade or bought, go for top-shelf options
  • Heavy Cream: Forms the foundation of our decadent sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Brings concentrated sweet-sour punch
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds bright color and healthy greens
  • Fresh Garlic: Can't skip this for real flavor depth
  • Italian Seasoning: Delivers those classic Tuscan vibes

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Browning Your Gnocchi (8-10 minutes):
Warm olive oil in big skillet. Put gnocchi down in one layer. Cook till golden on both sides. Take them out when crispy. Do small batches if needed.
Creating Your Sauce (10 minutes):
Add some new oil to the same pan. Cook minced garlic till it smells good. Slowly add your heavy cream. Pour in chicken broth while you stir. Sprinkle in Italian herbs. Let it bubble until it starts getting thicker. Mix in parmesan bit by bit.
Mixing Everything Together (5-7 minutes):
Drop sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. Mix in handfuls of fresh spinach. Put crispy gnocchi back into the pan. Gently mix to cover everything. Let all the tastes come together. Add salt and pepper if needed.
Finishing Touches (3-5 minutes):
Look at how thick your sauce is. Add more broth if it's too thick. Let gnocchi warm up again. Throw in fresh basil. Give everything one last gentle stir. Serve it right away while hot.
Velvety Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Pin it
Velvety Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | thefamilycooks.com

I found the trick to amazing marry me gnocchi was getting those edges extra crispy before tossing them in sauce. One night I let them cook longer by accident, and those extra-browned bits made the whole dish taste so much better.

Insider Cooking Tricks

  • Wipe gnocchi with paper towels before frying for extra crispiness
  • Let cream sit out a bit before using to keep sauce smooth
  • Save some cooking water to thin out sauce if needed
  • Toss in herbs just before serving for brightest flavor

Prep-Ahead Ideas

  • Shred cheese and keep in fridge container
  • Chop garlic and herbs beforehand
  • Get all ingredients portioned out
  • Set up everything within reach before cooking
Silky Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Pin it
Silky Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | thefamilycooks.com

Tasty Companions

  • Cold glass of Pinot Grigio
  • Basic green salad with light dressing
  • Fresh baked bread for mopping up sauce
  • Simple fruit dessert like mixed berries

Easy Twists

  • Toss in some grilled chicken pieces for heartiness
  • Mix in sautéed mushrooms for deeper flavor
  • Switch up your cheese blend for variety
  • Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some kick

Made for a special evening or just Tuesday dinner, this Marry Me Gnocchi shows how basic ingredients can turn into something magical. The mix of crunchy dumplings and silky sauce creates something unforgettable - a dish that won't guarantee anyone gets on one knee, but will definitely win over everyone at your table.

Luscious Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi Pin it
Luscious Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is this called Marry Me Gnocchi?
People joke that it’s so good, it could lead to a marriage proposal!
→ What happens when you fry the gnocchi?
It gives the outside a crispy texture while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
→ Which wine pairs nicely with this?
Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
→ What’s the point of draining the tomatoes?
It stops the extra oil from overpowering the sauce.
→ Can I add a hint of lemon?
Sure can! A little lemon cuts through the creaminess perfectly.

Tuscan Creamy Gnocchi

Soft gnocchi tossed with cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. A dish that’s perfect for special occasions!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 16 ounces gnocchi
02 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
03 2 tablespoons of olive oil

→ Sauce

04 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs
05 1 cup of chicken stock
06 1½ cups of rich cream
07 ½ teaspoon of black pepper
08 ¼ cup of shaved parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
09 ½ teaspoon of salt

→ Add-ins & Garnish

10 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach
11 ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, drained and diced
12 Optional: Fresh chopped basil leaves for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pan on medium heat. Sear the gnocchi for a few minutes until golden, then set aside on a plate.

Step 02

Pour the rest of the oil into the pan. Let the garlic cook for about a minute until it smells amazing.

Step 03

Stir in the cream, stock, parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together and let it thicken.

Step 04

Toss the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and gnocchi back into the pan. Gently stir and cook for a few minutes to blend flavors.

Step 05

Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top and serve right away.

Notes

  1. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor.
  2. Drain the tomatoes well, so the sauce doesn't get oily.
  3. Goes great with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet
  • Whisk for mixing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (parmesan, cream)
  • Contains gluten from gnocchi

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 612
  • Total Fat: 44 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 11 g