5-Ingredient Marry Me Gnocchi

If you thought the viral “Marry Me Chicken” was good, wait until you try this speedy vegetarian twist. This 5-Ingredient Marry Me Gnocchi takes the famous creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and pairs it with pillowy potato gnocchi for a dinner that feels luxurious but takes only 15 minutes to make.

It’s a one-pan wonder that’s creamy, tangy, and undeniably comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just need a lightning-fast dinner after a long day, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with zero stress.

Key Takeaways

Viral Flavor, Simplified: Captures the creamy, tangy, and savory notes of the famous “Marry Me” sauce without the meat.
5 Core Ingredients: Uses just shelf-stable gnocchi, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
One-Pan, 15-Minute Meal: From start to finish, this entire dish comes together in a single skillet in about 15 minutes.
No Boiling Necessary: The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and thickening the cream.
If you love quick and creamy pastas, you absolutely have to try my 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta—it’s another weeknight savior!

Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi

Rich & Creamy: The heavy cream and Parmesan create a velvety sauce that perfectly coats each gnocchi.
Savory & Tangy: Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet, tangy counterpoint to the rich cream sauce.
Effortlessly Elegant: It looks and tastes impressive enough for a date night but is easy enough for a beginner cook.
Versatile Base: You can easily add cooked chicken, sausage, or mushrooms to make it your own.
It brings the same cozy vibes as my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice, but vegetarian and even faster.

Food or Cultural Background

The “Marry Me” flavor profile—a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs—became a viral sensation with “Marry Me Chicken.” The name comes from the idea that the dish is so good, anyone you make it for will want to propose. This recipe adapts that concept for a quick, vegetarian-friendly meal by swapping chicken for fast-cooking gnocchi.

This is my go-to “I’m too tired to cook but want something amazing” meal. It feels luxurious but comes together faster than ordering takeout. It has the same satisfying, cozy feeling as my Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta but is ready in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients for 5-Ingredient Marry Me Gnocchi

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Shelf-Stable Potato Gnocchi	1 (16 oz) package	You can find this in the pasta aisle. No pre-boiling needed.
Heavy Cream	1 ½ cups	Forms the base of the luxurious sauce. Don’t substitute with milk!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes	½ cup, chopped	Use the kind packed in oil for the best flavor; you can use some of the oil too.
Fresh Baby Spinach	2-3 cups (handfuls)	Wilts down into the sauce in seconds, adding color and nutrients.
Grated Parmesan Cheese	½ cup, plus more for topping	Use freshly grated for the smoothest melt.
Seasoning (Optional but Recommended)	Garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes	If you have garlic and basic seasonings, they elevate the dish immensely.

Equipment Needed

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A single pan is all you need for this recipe.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring everything together.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet. If using, sauté 2-3 minced garlic cloves for one minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the simmering cream sauce. Stir to coat and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and have plumped up.
Wilt Spinach & Add Cheese: Turn off the heat. Stir in the baby spinach until it wilts down. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Serve: Serve immediately in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

While you’re enjoying this creamy dish, you might be inspired to try another rich favorite like my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: It’s done when it’s soft and pillowy. Overcooking can make it gummy. It usually cooks in just a few minutes in the sauce.
Control the Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or even a little water to thin it out.
Use the Tomato Oil: The oil from the sun-dried tomato jar is infused with flavor. Using it to sauté the garlic adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce slightly grainy. A block of Parmesan grated fresh will melt much more smoothly.
If you love this flavor profile, check out my Viral Tomato Feta Pasta for another trending recipe that hits the spot.

What to Serve With “Marry Me” Gnocchi

Since this dish is rich and creamy, you’ll want sides that add freshness or crunch to balance the meal:

Crusty Bread: Essential for mopping up every drop of that incredible sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Garlic bread works great too!
Crisp Green Salad: A simple arugula or romaine salad with a sharp balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the heavy cream.
Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted with lemon zest add a nice nutritious crunch.
Protein: While it’s a filling vegetarian meal, grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or Italian sausage can be served on top or on the side for extra protein.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Ingredient Marry Me Gnocchi is proof that you don’t need a lot of time or a long list of ingredients to create a show-stopping meal. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together so fast it feels like magic. Keep these ingredients in your pantry, and you’ll always have a phenomenal dinner just 15 minutes away.

Pin this recipe to save it for your next busy weeknight or impromptu date night!

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