Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe with you because it s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly – perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting yet impressive. The blend of spicy vegan sausage with that rich, creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach is a total crowd-pleaser; you ll find that it satisfies even meat-eaters in your life!

What makes this recipe truly special is how it balances simple ingredients to create deep, vibrant flavors. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the smoky paprika and red pepper flakes add a subtle kick without overpowering the mellow creaminess. Whether you re cooking for family, guests, or just craving an indulgent yet wholesome meal, this Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe is a real winner that s become a staple in my kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe come together beautifully to create a dreamy, cozy dish. When shopping, keeping an eye out for quality vegan sausage and fresh herbs can really elevate your final flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness; you can swap for vegan butter if you want a plant-based version.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic builds the base flavor; don t skip it!
• Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes & Smoked Paprika: These spices give that warm, smoky Tuscan vibe with just a bit of heat.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential to balance flavors-always adjust to taste at the end.
• Vegan Spicy Sausage: I love Impossible Foods, but any plant-based spicy sausage works well here.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Roughly chopped, these add tangy sweetness and depth.
• Vegetable Broth: Keeps the sauce light but flavorful; homemade or store-bought both work.
• Gnocchi: Pillowy potato gnocchi soak up the sauce perfectly; fresh or frozen are both fine.
• Spinach: Roughly chopped and stirred in at the end for color, nutrients, and freshness.
• Heavy Cream: Gives that luscious creaminess; use dairy-free cream to make vegan.
• Grated Parmesan: I add it right at the finish for a salty nutty punch; vegan parmesan is a great alternative.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped and added at the end to brighten and freshen the dish.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe based on what I have on hand or the mood I m in. The great thing about the Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to personalize without losing any of that delicious flavor.

• Vegan Variation: Swap out the heavy cream for canned coconut cream, vegan butter for regular butter, and use vegan parmesan. I did this for a girlfriend s dinner party, and no one guessed it was entirely plant-based!
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free gnocchi to make this friendly for gluten-sensitive folks-so comforting without compromise.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and nutrition; I often add mushrooms when I have them.
• Less Spicy: Reduce or skip red pepper flakes if you re cooking for kids or prefer mild flavors. I usually keep them because I love that gentle heat!

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

Step 1: Brown the “Meat” and Build Flavor

Start by melting your butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat-this step is where flavors bloom! Add the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes until you can smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. Then crumble in your vegan spicy sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it s nicely browned-usually around 5 to 10 minutes depending on the brand. I found that letting it brown properly gives you a richer, heartier flavor so don t rush this part.

Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Broth, and Gnocchi

Once your “meat” is browned and fragrant, stir in the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then add your gnocchi. Cover the pot and let it cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the gnocchi has puffed up and is tender. Watching the gnocchi cook in the sauce is one of my favorite parts because those little pillows soak up all those beautiful flavors.

Step 3: Finish with Spinach, Cream, Cheese, and Basil

Remove the pan from heat, toss in the chopped spinach, and stir it until wilted-this only takes a minute or so and keeps the vibrant color and nutrients. Then pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle over your grated parmesan, and add fresh chopped basil. Give everything a gentle stir to combine and serve warm. At this point, the sauce is luxuriously creamy but still light enough that you don t feel weighed down.

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

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a little extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle zing. A handful of toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts adds a lovely crunch if you re feeling fancy. Freshly cracked black pepper and a touch more parmesan (or vegan parmesan) never hurt either!

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this gnocchi with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette-it cuts through all that creaminess nicely. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for sopping up the residual sauce, and roasted asparagus or green beans provide a vibrant, fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of balsamic reduction around the edges for a pop of acidity and color. You can also layer it in mini gratin dishes and top with breadcrumbs, then broil quickly for a crispy crust-my family goes crazy for this twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps amazingly well for up to 5 days. When I meal prep with this, I make sure to add fresh basil after reheating for that burst of fresh flavor.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but the gnocchi texture can change a bit. I recommend freezing leftovers without the cream sauce, then adding fresh cream when reheating for the best result. I ve done this before when prepping ahead for a busy week!

Reheating

I usually reheat Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Microwaving works fine too-just do it in short bursts so you don’t dry it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely think this Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe is one of those gems that ll soon become your go-to comfort meal. I love how it feels special but never complicated, plus the way it gives you so much flavor in such a short time. Trust me, once you make this, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again – and you’ll be glad you have it in your recipe arsenal!

Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi in Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 51 reviews

• Author: Jasmine
• 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

This Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender gnocchi simmered in a creamy Tuscan sauce with vegan spicy sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Enhanced with fragrant garlic, herbs, and a touch of parmesan, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Seasoning

• 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 black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 14 oz vegan spicy sausage, crumbled (396 g) – e.g., 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

Dairy and Herbs

• 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 “Meat”: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Crumble the vegan spicy sausage into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the brand.
2. Add Fillings and Simmer Gnocchi: Stir in the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
3. Finish the Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the roughly chopped spinach until wilted. Then add the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and chopped fresh basil, stirring well to combine. Serve the gnocchi warm, optionally alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Notes

• For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or an unflavored dairy-free creamer, use vegan butter, and choose a vegan parmesan alternative.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free gnocchi varieties.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg