Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce is a luxurious and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring fluffy gnocchi coated in a rich, smooth Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. Perfect for an elegant weeknight meal or special occasion, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a decadent, satisfying experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Gnocchi: In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions or until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. This typically takes 2-3 minutes for fresh gnocchi.
- Sauté Garlic: While the gnocchi cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the cream slightly thickens and absorbs the garlic flavor.
- Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure the sauce becomes creamy and smooth without clumping.
- Season: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting the amounts to your taste preference for heat and seasoning.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi directly from the boiling water into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each gnocchi piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh basil until it is evenly distributed throughout the sauce and gnocchi.
- Simmer Together: Reduce the heat to low and allow the gnocchi and sauce to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the creamy gnocchi to serving plates or shallow bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Salt your boiling water generously to enhance the gnocchi’s flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley for a flavor variation.
- Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or vegan cheese alternatives if desired.
- Add sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving to add a bright, refreshing zest.
Keywords: Gnocchi recipe, creamy sauce gnocchi, Italian gnocchi dish, Parmesan gnocchi, easy gnocchi recipe, comforting Italian meal
