Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi

$To make this dish, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly. The butter adds a smooth texture, while garlic gives a bold flavor. Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, adding depth to the dish. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some items you should have on hand: - A large pot for boiling the gnocchi - A large skillet for making the sauce - A whisk for mixing the sauce - A cutting board and knife for chopping garlic and parsley - A colander for draining the gnocchi These tools help you cook efficiently and make clean-up easier. While the dish tastes great on its own, a few garnishes can enhance its look and flavor. Consider adding: - Extra grated Parmesan cheese on top - A sprinkle of fresh parsley for color - A dash of red pepper flakes for heat These extras make your creamy garlic Parmesan gnocchi more appealing and delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, drop in the gnocchi. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they float to the top. This means they are light and fluffy. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside for later. Next, take a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but don’t let it brown. That can make the sauce bitter. Now, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream slowly. Stir it well and let it simmer gently. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning too. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked gnocchi to your skillet. Gently toss them in the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the gnocchi soak up all those delicious flavors. Finally, taste your dish and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan gnocchi! To make your gnocchi just right, start with fresh gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a better texture. When boiling, wait for them to float. This means they are ready. Overcooking can make them mushy. Drain them gently to avoid breaking. You can boost flavor with simple tweaks. Add more garlic if you love that taste. A splash of lemon juice brightens the sauce. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate this dish too. Feel free to adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls for a nice look. Drizzle extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can also use a lemon wedge on the side for a zesty touch. Consider pairing it with a light salad or garlic bread for a full meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese make a significant difference in flavor, enhancing the creaminess of the sauce. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi just until they float; overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for that perfect pillowy bite! Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder and Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick! Make it a Meal: Add cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the gnocchi for a heartier dish. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi. Chicken or shrimp work well. Cook the protein in the skillet before adding the sauce. For chicken, use diced pieces and sauté until golden. For shrimp, cook until they turn pink. This step enhances flavor and makes the dish more filling. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and increase the veggies. Use mushrooms or spinach for a hearty touch. If you want a vegan option, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy taste. These swaps keep the dish rich without dairy. Adding seasonal veggies can up the flavor. In spring, try asparagus or peas. In summer, zucchini or bell peppers add color. In fall, butternut squash or kale brings warmth. Just sauté the veggies in butter before adding the sauce. This way, you make the dish fresh and exciting with every season. To keep your creamy garlic Parmesan gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the gnocchi. This helps bring back its creamy texture. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If you use the skillet, heat it on low. Stir gently and watch it closely. This way, it warms evenly and stays delicious. For freezing, place the cooled gnocchi in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. The gnocchi can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty gnocchi anytime! Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them straight from the freezer. Boil them in salted water until they float to the top, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Frozen gnocchi can taste just as good. They save time and still soak up the creamy sauce well. To make gluten-free gnocchi, select gluten-free gnocchi from the store. Many brands offer great options. You can also try making your own with gluten-free flour and potatoes. This way, you control the ingredients. The taste and texture can match traditional gnocchi. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use half-and-half mixed with butter. Mix ¾ cup half-and-half with ¼ cup melted butter for a rich flavor. You can also use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It adds creaminess and a hint of coconut flavor. In this post, we explored how to make creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi from start to finish. We covered key ingredients, equipment, and steps to cook the dish perfectly. You learned handy tips for texture and flavor, plus options for proteins and veggies. We shared how to store leftovers and answered common questions about recipes. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal any day. Enjoy the cooking process and make it your own!$

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi

A rich and creamy gnocchi dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

16 oz gnocchi
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to let it brown.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soak up some of the flavors.
Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish.

Keyword creamy, garlic, gnocchi, Parmesan