Have you ever taken one bite of a dish and immediately thought, “I need to marry the person who made this”? Well, that’s exactly the kind of magic we’re talking about with Marry Me Gnocchi. Inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken, this dish combines pillowy soft gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy tomato parmesan sauce—all made in one pan.
It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but takes less than 30 minutes to make. Perfect for date night, family dinners, or whenever you need a comforting, indulgent dish. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to put a ring on it. 😉
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Perfect Marry Me Gnocchi
This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
🔹 For the Gnocchi & Chicken:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
🔹 For the Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Fresh basil, for garnish
🔹 Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- Spinach – Stir in at the end for a fresh, healthy twist.
- Mushrooms – Adds an earthy depth of flavor.
- Bacon – Because bacon makes everything better.
🔗 Love creamy dishes? Try: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step-By-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
2️⃣ Build the Creamy Tomato Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, cooking until tomatoes soften.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and basil, letting everything simmer for 3-4 minutes.
3️⃣ Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce
- Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gnocchi will absorb the sauce and become soft, pillowy, and full of flavor.
4️⃣ Bring It All Together
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of that creamy, dreamy sauce. 😍
🔗 Love creamy sauces? Check out: Best Jar Alfredo Sauce: A Complete Guide
Marry Me Gnocchi: Creamy, One-Pan Perfection
Ingredients
🔹 For the Gnocchi & Chicken:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi fresh or shelf-stable
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
🔹 For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- 2️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Mix in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and basil, then let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- 3️⃣ Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce
- Add uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The gnocchi will absorb the sauce, making it soft, pillowy, and flavorful.
- 4️⃣ Bring It All Together
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
✔ Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi – It cooks directly in the sauce, so no need to pre-boil!
✔ Add More Cheese – Stir in extra parmesan for ultra-cheesy goodness.
✔ Make It Spicy – Increase the red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.
What to Serve with Marry Me Gnocchi
This dish is already rich and satisfying, but here are a few sides to round out the meal:
✔ Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks – Because dipping is a must.
✔ Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the creamy gnocchi.
✔ Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
🔗 Want more easy dinner ideas? Mastering Easy Dinner Recipes
Tips for the Best Marry Me Gnocchi
✔ Use Fresh Gnocchi: If possible, opt for fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable for the best texture.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: It cooks directly in the sauce, so no need to pre-boil!
✔ Add More Cheese: Stir in extra parmesan for ultra-cheesy goodness.
✔ Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about Marry Me Gnocchi is how customizable it is! While the classic version is rich and creamy, you can easily adjust it to suit your flavor preferences.
🔥 Spicy Kick
- Increase red pepper flakes or add 1 tsp Calabrian chili paste for extra heat.
- Stir in a dash of hot honey for a sweet-spicy twist.
🧄 Garlic-Lover’s Dream
- Double the amount of garlic and add roasted garlic paste to the sauce.
- Top with crispy garlic chips for crunch.
🍄 Earthy Mushroom Delight
- Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic.
- Use truffle oil instead of olive oil for an elevated flavor.
🍋 Bright & Fresh
- Add zest of one lemon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Mix in fresh parsley and basil for a vibrant finish.
🔗 Love experimenting with flavors? Try this: Mastering Easy Dinner Recipes
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Gnocchi is rich and creamy, so pairing it with the right sides and drinks enhances the experience.
Best Side Dishes
✔ Garlic Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
✔ Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans – Adds freshness and balance.
✔ Simple Arugula Salad – Light, peppery greens cut through the richness.
Best Wines to Serve
🍷 Chardonnay – Creamy with notes of butter and oak, making it a perfect match.
🍷 Pinot Noir – Light and fruity, balancing the dish’s richness.
🍷 Sangiovese – A medium-bodied Italian red that pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes.
🔗 Want more pairing ideas? Check out: Quick Healthy Meals for Busy Lifestyles
Storage and Freezing Tips
While Marry Me Gnocchi is best served fresh, you can still store leftovers and make it ahead with these simple tips.
Refrigeration:
✔ Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing:
🚫 Not recommended. Gnocchi can become mushy, and the creamy sauce may separate.
Make-Ahead Tip:
✔ Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, store separately, and cook the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Got a problem? Here’s how to fix the most common Marry Me Gnocchi issues.
Why is my sauce too thin?
✔ Let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
✔ Add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp cold water to thicken.
Why is my gnocchi gummy?
✔ Avoid overcooking – gnocchi only needs a few minutes to cook.
✔ Make sure to simmer gently, not boil.
Why is my sauce too thick?
✔ Stir in a splash of broth or heavy cream to loosen it up.
The Science Behind Gnocchi: Why It’s Unique
What makes gnocchi so irresistibly soft and pillowy? It all comes down to starch content and texture.
✔ Potato Starch Absorbs Liquid – Gnocchi naturally absorbs sauce, making every bite flavor-packed.
✔ Light and Fluffy – Unlike pasta, which is dense, gnocchi is soft and cloud-like due to its potato base.
✔ Quick Cooking – Because gnocchi contains minimal gluten, it cooks in just 2-3 minutes!
🔗 Love creamy textures? Check out: The Ultimate Guide to Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
Health Benefits of Marry Me Gnocchi
Even though this dish is indulgent, it still has some surprising health benefits.
✔ Good Source of Protein – Thanks to chicken and parmesan cheese.
✔ Rich in Healthy Fats – The olive oil and cream add essential fats for energy.
✔ Sun-Dried Tomatoes = Antioxidants – These little gems are packed with lycopene, great for heart health.
Best Grape Varieties for a Wine Pairing
Since this dish has sun-dried tomatoes and creamy flavors, the right wine makes all the difference!
🍷 Chardonnay – Buttery notes complement the creamy sauce.
🍷 Sangiovese – Medium acidity enhances the sun-dried tomatoes.
🍷 Pinot Grigio – Light and crisp, balancing the richness.
Marry Me Gnocchi Around the World
Did you know gnocchi is not just an Italian dish? Here’s how similar dishes appear worldwide:
🇫🇷 Parisian Gnocchi – Made with pâte à choux instead of potatoes.
🇦🇷 Argentinian Gnocchi – Served on the 29th of every month, believed to bring good luck.
🇵🇱 Polish Kopytka – A close cousin to gnocchi, made with potato dough.
Seasonal Twists on Marry Me Gnocchi
This dish is perfect year-round, but you can adjust it based on the season!
🍁 Fall & Winter:
- Use butternut squash gnocchi for a cozy twist.
- Add sage and nutmeg for warmth.
🌸 Spring & Summer:
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add fresh cherry tomatoes and basil.
How to Make Marry Me Gnocchi in an Instant Pot
Short on time? You can make this in an Instant Pot in just 10 minutes!
1️⃣ Sauté the chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
2️⃣ Add gnocchi, broth, and cream.
3️⃣ Seal and pressure cook for 3 minutes.
4️⃣ Stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
🔗 Want more easy cooking hacks? Check out: Quick Healthy Meals for Busy Lifestyles
Fun Ways to Serve Leftovers
✔ Gnocchi Bake – Layer leftovers with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
✔ Gnocchi Soup – Add broth and simmer for a comforting dish.
✔ Gnocchi-Stuffed Peppers – Fill bell peppers with leftovers and bake.
FAQs About Marry Me Gnocchi
Can I make Marry Me Gnocchi vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just increase the simmering time by 2-3 minutes to ensure it fully cooks.
How do I make a lighter version?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the parmesan cheese slightly.
Can I freeze Marry Me Gnocchi?
Not recommended—the creamy sauce can separate upon reheating. It’s best fresh!
Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Make This Marry Me Gnocchi
Marry Me Gnocchi is rich, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive. Whether you’re making it for date night, family dinner, or just yourself, this dish is a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.
So, grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love—because this gnocchi just might put a ring on your finger! 💍🥂
🔗 More indulgent meals: Marry Me Chicken Pasta