‘Marry Me’ Gnocchi with Camembert and Sage Recipe

Introduction

This ‘Marry Me’ Gnocchi is a rich and comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Creamy sundried tomato sauce, tender gnocchi, and melted camembert come together for a truly indulgent meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Pinch of chilli flakes
• 3-4 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
• 2 tbsp sundried tomato purée
• 150ml cream or 100g mascarpone
• 25g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated
• 500g gnocchi
• 1 camembert (about 250g; ensure vegetarian, if needed)
• 6 sage leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet or frying pan over low to medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook gently for 5 to 8 minutes until softened but not browned.
2. Step 2: Stir in the crushed garlic, chilli flakes, and thyme leaves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the sundried tomato purée, cream (or mascarpone), and half the grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain the gnocchi, reserving a mugful of the cooking water.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce in the skillet and gently toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved cooking water to loosen it.
5. Step 5: Preheat your grill to high. Slice the camembert into rounds and arrange them evenly over the gnocchi in the pan.
6. Step 6: Rub each sage leaf with a little olive oil and place them on top of the camembert slices.
7. Step 7: Place the pan under the grill for 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Remove from the grill, season with freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, use a suitable vegetarian parmesan alternative and check that the camembert is vegetarian-friendly.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute cream with mascarpone for a slightly tangier flavor and creamier texture.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or rocket to the sauce for extra greens just before adding the gnocchi.
• If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the gnocchi and sauce to a baking dish before adding camembert and sage for grilling.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. The camembert topping is best enjoyed fresh, as it may lose its texture when reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook it according to package instructions, usually boiling for a few minutes until they float to the surface, before adding to the sauce.

What can I substitute for camembert if I can’t find it?

Soft, creamy cheeses like brie or baked mozzarella make good alternatives. Choose cheeses that melt well and have a mild, creamy flavor to complement the sauce.

‘Marry Me’ Gnocchi with Camembert and Sage Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

‘Marry me’ gnocchi is a comforting and indulgent Italian-inspired dish featuring pillowy gnocchi tossed in a creamy sundried tomato sauce, topped with melted camembert and crispy sage leaves. This recipe combines rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice and fresh herbs, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop and Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Pinch of chilli flakes
• 3–4 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
• 2 tbsp sundried tomato purée
• 150ml cream or 100g mascarpone
• 25g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated

Main

• 500g gnocchi
• 1 camembert (about 250g; ensure vegetarian if needed)
• 6 sage leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet or frying pan over low-medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and cook gently for 5-8 minutes until softened but not browned, forming the flavorful base for the sauce.
2. Add aromatics and sauce components: Stir in the crushed garlic cloves, pinch of chilli flakes, and thyme leaves; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sundried tomato purée, cream or mascarpone, and half of the grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste and gently heat the sauce while stirring.
3. Cook the gnocchi: In a separate pan, bring water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain them, reserving a mugful of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later if necessary.
4. Combine gnocchi and sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it by adding a splash of the reserved gnocchi cooking water. Keep the pan warm on low heat.
5. Prepare for grilling: Preheat the grill to high. Slice the camembert into even pieces and arrange the slices evenly over the saucy gnocchi in the skillet. Take each sage leaf and rub it lightly with olive oil, then place the leaves on top of the camembert slices.
6. Grill until golden and bubbling: Place the skillet under the hot grill for 4-5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, and the sage leaves are crisp. Remove from the grill and season with freshly ground black pepper.
7. Serve: Serve the ‘Marry me’ gnocchi straight from the skillet while warm and gooey, making for a decadent and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can swap the camembert for a vegetarian-friendly cheese if preferred.
• Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi.
• For a lighter version, substitute cream with mascarpone or a lower-fat dairy option.
• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the melted cheese at its best.

Keywords: gnocchi, creamy gnocchi, camembert gnocchi, sundried tomato sauce, easy Italian dinner, vegetarian pasta, comfort food