Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi

Featured in Pasta Night Made Easy.

This buttery Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is famous for good reason. You’ll start by crisping gnocchi to perfection, then craft a smooth sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan. Sun-dried tomatoes add a bold punch of flavor, while spinach brightens it up both in color and taste. Ready in 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:37:21 GMT
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Soft potato dumplings meet luscious Tuscan flavors in this dreamy one-pan masterpiece. Our Marry Me Gnocchi pairs fluffy potato pillows with a smooth parmesan cream bath, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach - making a meal so tasty it just might spark a marriage proposal.

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

Key Components

  • Potato Gnocchi: Go for good quality, either packaged or homemade
  • Heavy Cream: The foundation of your dreamy sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoothest melting
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Brings tangy-sweet punch
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds bright color and goodness
  • Fresh Garlic: Can't skip this for true flavor
  • Italian Seasoning: Delivers those signature Tuscan flavors

Step-By-Step Method

Getting Golden Gnocchi (8-10 minutes):
Warm olive oil in big skillet. Drop gnocchi in one layer. Brown each side until crispy. Set aside when done. Work in smaller batches if needed.
Creating The Sauce (10 minutes):
Add fresh oil to empty pan. Cook minced garlic till you smell it. Slowly pour in cream. Add chicken stock while mixing. Sprinkle Italian herbs. Let it bubble till slightly thick. Mix in parmesan bit by bit.
Combining Everything (5-7 minutes):
Mix sun-dried tomatoes into your sauce. Toss in handfuls of spinach. Put crispy gnocchi back in. Gently fold everything together. Let flavors mix well. Taste and add salt if needed.
Finishing Touches (3-5 minutes):
Look at sauce thickness. Splash in more stock if too thick. Let gnocchi warm up. Toss in fresh basil. Stir gently once more. Grab plates and enjoy while hot.
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Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi with Cream | cookbybook.com

I found out the trick to amazing marry me gnocchi was getting those edges super crispy before they swim in sauce. One night I let them cook longer than usual by accident, and that extra crunch totally changed the game.

Expert Advice

  • Wipe gnocchi with paper towels before cooking for better crisping
  • Don't use cold cream straight from fridge
  • Save some cooking water to thin sauce if needed
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs right before serving

Prep Ahead Ideas

  • Shred cheese and keep in container
  • Chop garlic and herbs
  • Get all ingredients ready
  • Set up everything before you start cooking
Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi with Cream Pin it
Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi with Cream | cookbybook.com

Tasty Companions

  • Chilled Pinot Grigio or similar white wine
  • Basic green salad with light dressing
  • Good bread for mopping up sauce
  • Fresh fruit for after dinner

Simple Twists

  • Toss in some grilled chicken pieces
  • Throw in sliced mushrooms
  • Swap in different cheese blends
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes for kick

From date nights to weekday suppers, this Marry Me Gnocchi shows how basic ingredients can turn into something magical. The mix of crunchy-edged dumplings with that silky sauce creates a truly unforgettable meal - it might not guarantee anyone pops the question, but it'll definitely win over everyone at your table.

Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi with Cream Pin it
Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi with Cream | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Where does the name Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi come from?
It got its name because people love its rich, creamy flavor so much, it feels like a dish you'd propose over.
→ What’s the point of frying gnocchi first?
Frying gives gnocchi an amazing crispy bite on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
→ Which wine goes well with this?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
→ Why should you drain sun-dried tomatoes?
Draining stops excess oil from making the sauce too greasy or heavy.
→ Can lemon juice improve the dish?
Yes! A squeeze of lemon adds a fresh pop and cuts the richness of the sauce.

Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi

A luscious gnocchi meal loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a parmesan-packed cream sauce. It’s so good, you’ll want to make it all the time!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 16 ounces gnocchi
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Sauce

04 1 cup chicken broth
05 1½ cups heavy cream
06 ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus a bit extra for topping
07 ½ teaspoon black pepper
08 ½ teaspoon salt
09 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

→ Add-ins & Garnish

10 Fresh basil, chopped (optional for topping)
11 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
12 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained

Instructions

Step 01

Warm one tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Cook the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, then scoop it onto a plate.

Step 02

Pour the rest of the olive oil into the skillet. Stir in garlic and cook for a minute until it smells tempting.

Step 03

Mix in the heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it thickens nicely.

Step 04

Gently toss the gnocchi, tomatoes, and spinach into the skillet. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 05

Top it off with fresh basil and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  1. Adding lemon juice balances the sauce’s richness.
  2. Make sure to drain sun-dried tomatoes to keep the sauce from getting oily.
  3. It pairs beautifully with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

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