Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions (usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top). Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside. Keep a little pasta water on hand just in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the gnocchi! They should be tender but still have a little bite to them. If you overcook them, they’ll get mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

While the gnocchi is cooking, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! After that, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes. You’ll want them to soften up and get all nice and aromatic.

Tip: If you love garlic, feel free to add more! Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes are a match made in heaven.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken up. You should see it start to get nice and creamy. Add the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning at this stage if you’re using them. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, just add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Toss the Gnocchi in the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened and the gnocchi is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the sauce, stirring until they’re all coated and warmed through. If you like, you can also toss in some fresh spinach at this point and let it wilt into the sauce. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice pop of green to the dish!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the gnocchi to serving bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. The cheese adds a salty, nutty kick, while the basil gives it a fresh, herby finish.

Serving Tip: This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a light salad or some crispy bread to soak up that delicious sauce.