This rich, creamy gnocchi is comfort in a skillet. Soft potato dumplings get tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream with bright spinach and garlic. It smells savory and cheesy, and the texture is pillowy with a silky sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight treat that feels a little luxurious. If you enjoy warming, cozy meals, you might also like this hearty gnocchi chicken soup to serve alongside for a fuller dinner.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 525 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why Make This Irresistible Millionaire Gnocchi
This dish is quick, comforting, and feels upscale without extra work. The heavy cream and Parmesan create a rich, silky sauce that clings to each gnocchi. Fresh spinach adds color, a mild green taste, and a tender bite. Garlic gives aroma and depth. The result is creamy, savory, and satisfying — perfect for busy nights or when you want something special with minimal fuss.
How to Make Irresistible Millionaire Gnocchi
You’ll cook the gnocchi, make a simple cream sauce, then toss everything together. The technique is straightforward: sauté garlic, simmer cream, melt in cheese, then gently fold in the gnocchi and spinach so the greens wilt but stay bright. Finish with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside. Drain well so the gnocchi don’t water down the sauce. Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan if needed.
Step 2: Sautéing Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds. Don’t let the garlic brown to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Simmering the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it warm for 1–2 minutes so it thickens slightly and the garlic infuses the cream.
Step 4: Melting the Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Keep the heat low to avoid breaking the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.
Step 5: Combining Gnocchi and Spinach
Add the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet, gently tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi are heated through.
Step 6: Seasoning
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste first — Parmesan adds saltiness, so you may need little or no additional salt.
Step 7: Garnishing and Serving
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs. A final grind of black pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil brighten the dish.
How to Serve Irresistible Millionaire Gnocchi
Serve hot in shallow bowls so the sauce pools around the gnocchi. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for contrast. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled chicken or pan-seared shrimp. Finish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh herbs for aroma and color.
How to Store Irresistible Millionaire Gnocchi
- Refrigerator: Cool the dish to room temperature, place in an airtight container, and store up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal — cream sauces can separate when frozen. If you must freeze, store gnocchi and sauce separately (sauce in a freezer-safe container) for up to 1 month and thaw slowly.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Millionaire Gnocchi
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi. When they float, they’re done. Drain quickly to keep them pillowy.
- Keep heat moderate when melting cheese. High heat can make the sauce grainy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Add a splash of reserved gnocchi cooking water if the sauce needs thinning; starch helps bind the sauce.
- Taste before salting. Parmesan is salty and can reduce the need for added salt.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi apart.
Delicious Variations
- Mushroom Millionaire: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
- Tomato & Basil: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for brightness.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy pancetta for extra protein.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan slightly.
- Lemon & Pea: Add frozen peas and a squeeze of lemon zest for freshness and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes. Cook frozen gnocchi according to package directions, usually a minute or two more. Drain well and proceed with the recipe.
Q: My sauce looks grainy. What went wrong?
A: Grainy sauce can happen if cheese was added over high heat or if the cheese quality is poor. Lower the heat and stir gently; add a splash of warm cream or milk to smooth it out.
Q: How do I make this dish ahead for guests?
A: Cook gnocchi and prepare the sauce until just before adding gnocchi. Cool separately and refrigerate up to a day. Reheat gently, combine, and serve within minutes.
Q: Can I substitute a different cheese?
A: Yes. Pecorino Romano adds a sharper, saltier flavor. A mix of Parmesan and Asiago also works. Reduce added salt accordingly.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use a dairy-free cream substitute (such as a cashew cream or coconut cream) and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Flavor will shift slightly, so adjust herbs and seasoning.
Q: How can I add more vegetables?
A: Quickly sauté thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms after the garlic and before adding cream. Add them back in with the gnocchi.
Q: Will the dish thicken as it stands?
A: Yes, the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. If it gets too thick, stir in a little warm water or milk before serving.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Millionaire Gnocchi is a simple way to make a rich, restaurant-style meal at home in under 30 minutes. The sauce is creamy and savory, the gnocchi soft and comforting, and fresh spinach adds a bright bite. Try the pairing dessert idea with a classic Millionaire Shortbread recipe (easy to follow!) – The Recipe Rebel if you want a sweet finish that matches the “millionaire” theme. Enjoy cooking — this dish rewards you with big flavor and little effort.
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Irresistible Millionaire Gnocchi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich, creamy gnocchi is comfort in a skillet, featuring soft potato dumplings in a velvety Parmesan cream with spinach and garlic.
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Warm for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet, gently tossing to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
Don’t overcook the gnocchi and keep the heat moderate when melting the cheese. Use fresh herbs for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
