If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich and silky parmesan-enriched tomato cream sauce creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s deceptively simple to prepare, yet so luxurious and satisfying that it quickly becomes a weeknight favorite. Whether you’re cooking for one or two, this dish balances freshness, creaminess, and a touch of tangy sweetness in every creamy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round pot with yellow handles contains three layers of ingredients: the bottom layer is creamy and pale, the middle layer has dark red sun-dried tomato slices, and the top layer is a mix of small shiny tomatoes in red, yellow, and brown colors. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a bunch of fresh green spinach leaves visible at the bottom left and a gray and white checkered cloth at the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create magic in your kitchen. Each component plays a unique role: the gnocchi provides that delightfully tender texture, the sun dried tomatoes bring deep, concentrated flavor, and the parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory richness that seals the deal.

16 oz gnocchi (fresh or frozen): This soft potato dumpling is the star of the dish and cooks quickly to a pillowy perfection.
2 tbsp butter: Adds a luscious base for sautéing garlic and developing rich flavors.
4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed): Provides a fragrant, aromatic foundation that’s essential for depth.
4 oz sun dried tomatoes: These intensify the tomato flavor with a sweet, umami punch.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence, helping to enrich the sauce’s color and taste.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Adds freshness and a slight pop of sweetness to balance the creaminess.
1 parmesan rind: Optional but highly recommended for infusing the broth with savory umami.
2 1/2 cups broth, water, or a mix of both: The cooking liquid that helps soften the gnocchi and meld flavors.
1 cup milk or heavy cream: Creates the silky, creamy texture that coats each gnocchi beautifully.
2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness to lighten the dish.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Grated fresh parmesan finishes the sauce with salty, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it sauté gently until fragrant, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This step creates a fragrant base that wakes up your senses and prepares the pot for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Flavor

Next, toss in the sun dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sauté everything together until the tomatoes have broken down and softened — this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. If you like, use a potato masher to gently press the tomatoes, turning them into a luscious, textured sauce that’s bursting with concentrated tomato flavor.

Step 3: Simmer with Gnocchi and Broth

Now, add the parmesan rind (this is optional but adds incredible depth), the gnocchi, and the broth or water mixture. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the gnocchis are tender and cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally and gently break apart any gnocchi sticking together to keep the texture light and airy.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Add Greens

Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in your milk or heavy cream along with the fresh spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Keep the heat on medium-low and half-cover the pot. Stir frequently over the next 6 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy dream and the spinach has wilted perfectly. This final step ties everything together with rich, cheesy creaminess and a pop of vibrant green.

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

The image shows a white pot filled with creamy orange sauce and tender gnocchi. Inside the sauce, there are bright green spinach leaves and dark red sun-dried tomatoes mixed in, creating a rich color contrast. A spoon holds a small serving of the gnocchi and sauce above the pot, showing the smooth and thick texture of the sauce that coats the soft pasta pieces. The background features a white marbled surface with a lemon and a cloth with a simple striped pattern in soft brown and white colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of parmesan on top will also enhance the presentation and add layers of taste.

Side Dishes

This creamy delight pairs beautifully with a crisp, fresh side salad, perhaps with a tangy lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a rustic crusty loaf is another fantastic companion, perfect for mopping up all that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add texture and nutrition without overpowering the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe in individual bowls garnished with microgreens and edible flowers for a fancy touch. You can also serve it over a bed of lightly sautéed zucchini ribbons or spiralized veggies to marry creaminess with freshness visually and texturally.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover gnocchi is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days and retains most of its creamy goodness if reheated gently. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dish, it’s better to do so before adding the spinach and parmesan cheese, as these can change texture when frozen and thawed. Freeze in a sealable container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to bring back that creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and keep the gnocchi tender and silky.

FAQs

Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh or frozen?

Dried gnocchi is not commonly used for this recipe as it tends to have a different texture and takes longer to cook. Fresh or frozen gnocchi is recommended for the best pillowy result and proper sauce absorption.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with olive oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap out parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to achieve a creamy texture and rich flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have a parmesan rind?

If you can’t find a parmesan rind, don’t worry — just skip it. The grated parmesan cheese added later will still provide plenty of savory depth, and the dish will remain rich and delicious.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta make fantastic additions to this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe. Add them toward the end to warm through before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the gnocchi for a gluten-free variety, which many brands offer. Just follow the package cooking instructions as they can vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe is truly a joy to make and eat, combining weekend-worthy indulgence with speedy weeknight convenience. It’s the kind of dish that feels special without fuss and brings everyone to the table with smiles. I encourage you to try it soon—it just might become your new favorite comfort food!

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Recipe