With spicy vegan sausage and a dreamy Tuscan-style cream sauce, this Vegetarian “Marry Me” Gnocchi is everything you could want in a quick, cozy dinner. The sauce is so irresistibly rich and flavorful that it’s earned its romantic name — one bite, and you might just fall in love!
This dish brings together pillowy gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach in a velvety “marry me” sauce that’s easy to make in just one pan. It’s perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for date nights or holidays.
And because flexibility is key, this recipe can easily be made vegan or gluten-free — just swap in your favorite plant-based cream or gluten-free gnocchi.
Pair it with vegan garlic bread, a crisp Italian salad, or a refreshing Hugo cocktail for a full Tuscan-inspired meal.
What Makes This “Marry Me” Gnocchi So Special
If you’ve never tried a “Marry Me” sauce before, think of it as the ultimate creamy Tuscan-inspired creation — a luxurious blend of garlic, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes swirled into a silky sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to pull together.
Over time, this sauce has made its way into so many beloved dishes — from “Marry Me” chickpeas to Tuscan butter beans — and every version has been a crowd-pleaser. This gnocchi twist might just be the best yet.
Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or just need a warm, satisfying meal for yourself, this recipe delivers the kind of flavor that wins hearts.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✨ One-pan magic – The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor.
💚 Quick and easy – 20 minutes from stovetop to table.
🌿 Versatile – Easily adaptable to vegan or gluten-free diets.
🍅 Flavor-packed – Spicy vegan sausage, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes create layers of irresistible flavor.
🥬 Balanced and hearty – Creamy, savory, and full of veggies.
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients to make this unforgettable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter & Garlic – A classic duo that starts any great sauce. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
- Seasonings – A mix of oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper gives the sauce depth and warmth.
- Vegan Spicy Sausage – Adds heat, protein, and a meaty texture. Try Impossible or Beyond Meat spicy sausage for the best flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – The heart of every “Marry Me” recipe! They add umami and tang.
- Vegetable Broth – Use high-quality broth to infuse the gnocchi with savory depth.
- Gnocchi – Potato gnocchi cooks fast and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or even cauliflower gnocchi work great.
- Spinach – Fresh, roughly chopped spinach brings color and nutrients.
- Cream – Heavy cream gives the sauce its richness. For a vegan version, use full-fat coconut milk or any dairy-free cream.
- Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan or a vegan alternative adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh Basil – Torn basil leaves add a burst of freshness at the end.
💡 Other Gnocchi Options
Feeling adventurous? You can swap traditional gnocchi for sweet potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi. Just avoid frozen versions that release too much water, as they can cause the sauce to separate.
👩🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This one-pan recipe is all about layering flavor. Follow these simple steps for perfect creamy gnocchi every time.
1. Brown the Vegan Sausage
Melt the butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add garlic and spices, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Then crumble in the vegan sausage and cook until it’s browned and crispy — this step builds major flavor!
🔥 Pro Tip: Vegan sausage doesn’t release as much fat as regular sausage, so the butter helps it brown beautifully.
2. Build the Sauce
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the gnocchi. Cover and let it cook for 2–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and plump.
3. Finish with Cream and Cheese
Remove the pan from heat (this prevents the cream from curdling). Stir in the spinach until wilted, then pour in the cream and sprinkle in the parmesan. Add fresh basil and stir until everything is silky and luscious.
That’s it — you’ve just made a creamy Tuscan masterpiece in under 20 minutes!
🥖 Serving Suggestions
This gnocchi is so satisfying on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, try serving it:
- With crusty garlic bread or sourdough toast for dipping
- Alongside a crisp Caesar or arugula salad
- With a refreshing Italian spritz or Hugo cocktail
- Topped with extra parmesan or crushed red pepper for a little kick
🧠 Recipe Notes & Tips
- Cream last – Always add the cream after turning off the heat to avoid curdling.
- Reheating – Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating, as the gnocchi will absorb the sauce as it sits.
- Storage – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Vegan swap – Use vegan butter, vegan parmesan, and coconut or soy cream.
- Gluten-free option – Choose a certified gluten-free gnocchi brand.
Vegetarian “Marry Me” Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce
- Total Time: 20 min
Description
This creamy and comforting Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi comes together in just 20 minutes!
Soft potato gnocchi simmered in a silky Tuscan sauce with spicy vegan sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach — the ultimate one-pan comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Main Dish
14 oz (400 g) vegan spicy sausage, crumbled (or mild if preferred)
½ cup (130 g) sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 cups (475 ml) vegetable broth
1 lb (450 g) gnocchi, shelf-stable or refrigerated
2 cups (60 g) spinach, roughly chopped
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for vegan)
½ cup (40 g) grated parmesan (or vegan alternative)
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the “Sausage”
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Crumble in the vegan sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2 – Build the Sauce
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add gnocchi directly into the pan, cover, and cook for 2–4 minutes, until the gnocchi are soft and tender.
Step 3 – Make It Creamy
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in spinach until just wilted, then pour in the cream and sprinkle in the parmesan.
Mix until smooth and glossy. Fold in fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, cream (such as coconut or soy), and vegan parmesan.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free gnocchi.
- Thicker sauce: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with ¼ cup broth, then stir it in before adding the cream.
- Don’t skip the butter: Vegan sausage needs it for a rich, golden finish.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, kale, or roasted red peppers also taste amazing here!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
