Description
Comfort meets luxury in this irresistible creamy baked gnocchi recipe, where pillowy potato dumplings nestle in a rich, velvety sauce. Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal that will transport your senses and satisfy your deepest cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and lightly coating a baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a bubbling water bath in a large pot with a pinch of salt, then gently submerge the gnocchi, allowing them to dance and float to the surface within 2-3 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve the pillowy pasta.
- Craft a velvety sauce foundation by melting butter in a spacious skillet over medium warmth. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
- Develop a smooth roux by incorporating flour and whisking continuously for one minute, creating a golden base for the sauce.
- Gradually introduce milk and heavy cream, eliminating potential lumps through consistent stirring. Allow the mixture to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency over 3-5 minutes.
- Elevate the sauce’s flavor profile by blending in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
- Marry the gnocchi with the creamy sauce, ensuring each dumpling is generously coated, then transfer the harmonious mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute shredded mozzarella across the surface, creating a blanket of cheese. Optionally, sprinkle Italian seasoning for an additional flavor dimension.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble for 15-20 minutes. For an irresistible golden crust, activate the broiler for a final 2-3 minute transformation.
- Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling moment. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, then serve while the dish maintains its enticing warmth.
Notes
- Swap gnocchi for gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary restrictions and make the dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk alternatives to create a vegan-friendly cream sauce that maintains rich, luxurious texture.
- Select store-bought or homemade gnocchi with consistent size to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Add extra protein like crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to transform this side dish into a hearty main course with more nutritional balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg