Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love how the Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe turns out every time I make it. It s one of those comforting yet impressive dishes that feels fancy enough for a date night but is actually super quick and easy to whip up on a busy weekday. The creamy Tuscan sauce coated over pillowy gnocchi with a hint of spice from vegan sausage makes it feel indulgent without being heavy.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil add such a vibrant punch of flavor that carries the whole dish. You ll find that this Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also makes a fantastic vegetarian meal prep option – leftovers taste just as good the next day!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create a luscious, spicy, and creamy sauce that s perfect for gnocchi. You ll want fresh garlic and basil for brightness, and make sure to use a good-quality vegan spicy sausage to really nail the bold flavors.

• Unsalted butter: I like using butter for richness, but vegan butter works great if you want dairy-free.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish-don t skimp here.
• Oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika: These spices give the sauce a subtle smoky heat that makes it special.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
• Vegan spicy sausage: I use Impossible Foods, but any plant-based spicy sausage will work; it adds great texture and a little kick.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: They add chewy sweetness and tang, elevating the sauce flavor beautifully.
• Vegetable broth: A flavorful base for the sauce and helps cook the gnocchi perfectly.
• Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi works great and cooks quickly right in the sauce.
• Spinach: Fresh chopped spinach adds color, nutrition, and a fresh bite to balance the richness.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy-swap for dairy-free cream if you want vegan.
• Grated parmesan: Adds savory umami, but vegan parmesan can be used to keep it plant-based.
• Fresh basil: Stirred in at the end for an herbaceous lift that ties the whole dish together.

Variations

I love customizing the Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand. Don t be afraid to switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs-you can make this dish truly your own!

• Make it Vegan: I swap heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use vegan butter and parmesan; the dish still tastes rich and creamy without dairy.
• Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free gnocchi is an easy switch, and the sauce is naturally gluten-free, so it fits perfectly for gluten sensitivities.
• Add Mushrooms: Sometimes I toss in sliced cremini mushrooms for extra texture and earthiness-the sauce soaks them up beautifully.
• Less Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes; the sauce remains flavorful without the spice.

How to Make Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Vegan Sausage with Seasonings

Start by heating your butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until melted. Toss in the minced garlic along with oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Cook them together for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Then crumble in the vegan spicy sausage and cook until nicely browned, about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the brand-this step builds a ton of flavor so don t rush it.

Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Simmer with Broth

Once the sausage is browned, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring everything up to a simmer so the flavors meld together. This is where the sauce starts coming together beautifully-let it bubble gently before moving on.

Step 3: Cook Gnocchi Right in the Sauce

Pour your gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce and cover the pan. It’s a small trick I learned that helps the gnocchi cook perfectly tender while soaking up all those spicy, garlicky notes. Cook it for 2 to 4 minutes until the gnocchi rise to the surface and feel soft but not mushy.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach, Cream & Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped spinach. It ll wilt quickly in the residual heat, which keeps the dish fresh and vibrant. Then add the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and fresh basil, mixing everything until silky and combined. Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce-you’ll love every bite.

How to Serve Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil and a little parmesan on top for that beautiful presentation and added flavor kick. Sometimes, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on serving adds a nice touch too.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi goes wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic-roasted asparagus on the side. My family also loves pairing it with warm, crusty bread for soaking up the creamy Tuscan sauce-you can’t go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this dish in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. You can also plate it over a bed of sautéed kale for extra greens, or cook gnocchi in a large skillet for a rustic presentation where everyone can serve themselves family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 5 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep it luscious.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works okay, though I prefer fresh because the texture of gnocchi changes slightly after freezing. If you do freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating-I usually add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to silky goodness. Microwave works too, but heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for impressing family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It s creamy, comforting, and filled with bold flavors that make it feel so indulgent. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do-it s one of those meals that warms your soul and leaves everyone asking for seconds!

Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

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• Author: Megane
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi cooked in a creamy Tuscan sauce with vegan spicy sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This easy one-pan dish combines tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 14 oz vegan spicy sausage (396 g), such as Impossible Foods Plant Based Spicy Sausage
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped (130 g)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (473 g)
• 1 lb gnocchi (453 g)
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 mL)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan (40 g)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Brown the Vegan Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon each of oregano, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika, along with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Crumble in 14 ounces of vegan spicy sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the brand.
2. Simmer with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in ½ cup of roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Gnocchi: Add 1 pound of gnocchi to the pan, cover, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
4. Finish the Sauce: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach until wilted, then add ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of grated parmesan, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Stir well to combine and heat through gently. Serve warm, optionally with crusty bread on the side.

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Notes

• For a vegan option, substitute dairy-free cream (such as full-fat canned coconut milk or unflavored dairy-free creamer), vegan butter, and vegan parmesan cheese.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg