Description
Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce is a rich and decadent Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil. Perfectly comforting and easy to prepare, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Sauce
- 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 and black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Gnocchi: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: While the gnocchi cooks, heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to develop maximum flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic mixture. Stir well to combine and allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so the cream thickens slightly and absorbs the garlic essence.
- Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce further and create a creamy, smooth texture without lumps.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, adjusting the seasoning to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi directly from the boiling water into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat each gnocchi piece evenly with the sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh basil to infuse the dish with fresh, aromatic herbal notes evenly distributed throughout the gnocchi.
- Simmer Together: Reduce the heat to low and let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly and the dish to warm through completely.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, fresh finish. Serve while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream.
- Use fresh homemade gnocchi if desired for an even more authentic texture and taste.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes is optional but adds a nice subtle heat to balance the creamy richness.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi during boiling to avoid mushiness.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for best melting and flavor integration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Gnocchi, Creamy Sauce, Parmesan, Garlic, Basil, Italian Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
