This Gnocchi alfredo is so quick and comforting. Ready in less than 20 minutes, this easy dinner idea combines tender gnocchi with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is speedy. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast.
Make it a meal and serve this with garlic bread, roasted vegetables or added protein like grilled chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without much effort.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy flavor is a hit with kids, making it a family-friendly meal.
- Comfort Food: Gnocchi Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings at home.
You have to try this gnocchi and alfredo sauce—it’s seriously life-changing. Imagine tender gnocchi swimming in the creamiest, dreamiest Alfredo sauce. And the best part? It takes less than 20 minutes to make, making it perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something delicious, fast.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Plus, it’s so easy, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef in no time. This dish is not only comforting and indulgent, but it’s also versatile enough to dress up with veggies or chicken if you’re feeling fancy. Give it a go and let me know how much you love it!
Save This Recipe!
Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox + you’ll receive all our newest recipes!
Ingredients You Need
If you’ve never tried to make your own alfredo, you are in for a treat! This gnocchi alfredo sauce is so incredibly rich and delicious. Here is what you need to get started:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of your dish. It allows you to add just the right amount of salt to taste.
- Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the sauce, giving every bite a burst of flavor.
- Cream: Use heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to avoid an overly salty dish, allowing you to adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi until they float to the top of the boiling water, indicating they are perfectly cooked and ready to be combined with the sauce.
- Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
- Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
Variations and Substitutions
These variations will help you customize your Gnocchi Alfredo to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile and delicious meal for any occasion.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add steamed broccoli florets for a burst of color and added nutrition, stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end of cooking for a healthy, vibrant addition, or sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
- Protein Options: Add cooked, shredded chicken or seared chicken breast slices for a heartier meal or Toss in cooked shrimp to elevate the dish with a seafood twist.
- Cheese Variations: Substitute or combine Parmesan with Asiago cheese for a slightly different, yet delicious, cheesy flavor, or add shredded mozzarella for an extra creamy, gooey texture.
- Herb Enhancements: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness and color.
- Flavor Twists: Add a touch of lemon zest to the Alfredo sauce for a refreshing citrus twist, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hint of spice and a kick of heat.
Gnocchi Alfredo Recipe
When I say this recipe is easy, that is an understatement. It took just minutes and everyone was begging for seconds.
- Heat the Skillet: Place the butter in a deep skillet and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream, broth, and gnocchi. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5 minutes. This will allow the gnocchi to cook and the sauce to thicken.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Enjoy: Season with black pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy your delicious creamy gnocchi!
Storage and Reheating
To store your Gnocchi Alfredo, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation and sogginess. You can refrigerate the dish for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the cooled Gnocchi Alfredo in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, you have several options. For a quick method, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
- Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop by transferring the Gnocchi Alfredo to a saucepan or skillet, adding a bit of milk, cream, or chicken broth to rehydrate the sauce, and heating over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally.
- For oven reheating, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the Gnocchi Alfredo in an oven-safe dish, add a little milk or cream if needed, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Tips for success:
Use Fresh Gnocchi: If possible, use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable or frozen varieties. Fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a lighter, more delicate texture.
High-Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer, creamier sauce.
Avoid Overcooking: Gnocchi cooks quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the top of the boiling water. Overcooking can make them mushy.
Proper Cream Thickening: When making the Alfredo sauce, simmer the cream gently. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate and the sauce to become grainy.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to customize the Alfredo sauce by adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or a splash of white wine for depth of flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a soft, pillowy texture and are often used as a pasta substitute.
Technically, yes you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time. However, making the sauce from scratch will give you a richer and fresher flavor and takes little time.
The Alfredo sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of the reserved gnocchi cooking water or additional cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer until it thickens.
Gnocchi Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth preferably low sodium
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1½ cups Parmesan fresh grated
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the butter in a deep skillet and melt it over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the cream, broth, and gnocchi. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5 minutes. This will allow the gnocchi to cook and the sauce to thicken.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with black pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy your delicious creamy gnocchi!
Video
Notes
- Use Fresh Gnocchi: If possible, use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable or frozen varieties. Fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a lighter, more delicate texture.
- High-Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer, creamier sauce.
- Avoid Overcooking: Gnocchi cooks quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the top of the boiling water. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Proper Cream Thickening: When making the Alfredo sauce, simmer the cream gently. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate and the sauce to become grainy.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!
Find even more recipes!
Be sure to share it in the comments below and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more delicious recipes.