This creamy gnocchi with shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender gnocchi, succulent shrimp, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the kind of comfort food that I crave after a long day, and it comes together so easily! Perfect for a quick, yet satisfying dinner, this dish has all the components of a hearty meal with a little extra flair.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb gnocchi
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Add the cooked gnocchi and shrimp back into the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add spinach or kale: For extra greens, toss in a handful of spinach or kale after cooking the sun-dried tomatoes.
Swap shrimp for chicken: If I’m not in the mood for shrimp, I’ll swap it out for grilled chicken breast, cut into pieces.
Use a different cheese: If I don’t have Parmesan, I’ll use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a slightly different flavor profile.
Make it spicier: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if I want a little kick!
Storage/Reheating
Storing leftovers: If there are any leftovers, I store the gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it cools.
Reheating: To reheat, I’ll place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking. I sometimes use frozen shrimp when I don't have fresh on hand.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture, but you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. The gnocchi can be cooked, and the shrimp can be prepped and stored in the fridge for up to a day before making the sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
If I don’t have gnocchi, I can substitute with another type of pasta like penne or rigatoni. The creamy sauce will still work wonderfully with any pasta!
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all unless you add red pepper flakes or chili peppers. It's quite mild and creamy in flavor, with a slight tang from the sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, I’d substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
This creamy gnocchi with shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes is a simple yet impressive dish that brings together all the flavors I love in one easy meal. The combination of gnocchi, shrimp, and a rich cream sauce is truly comforting, and it’s a recipe I’ll keep coming back to. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Recipe:

Creamy Gnocchi with Shrimp and Sun-dried Tomatoes
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A rich, flavorful dish combining tender gnocchi, succulent shrimp, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb gnocchi
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and shrimp back into the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra greens, add spinach or kale after cooking the sun-dried tomatoes.
If not in the mood for shrimp, swap it for grilled chicken breast.
Use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 170mg