Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Quick and Easy Dish

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16 oz potato gnocchi; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; to taste salt and pepper; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional); for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

October 22, 2025April 16, 2025 by Emma Smith

Are you craving a quick and creamy pasta dish that satisfies? Look no further. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi is simple, delicious, and ready in no time. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels fancy without a fuss. Join me as we dive into this easy recipe that will impress your taste buds and make weeknight dinners a breeze!

Why I Love This Recipe

Comfort Food: This creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi is the epitome of comfort food, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables or protein to suit your taste.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates the gnocchi.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

Potato gnocchi is the star of this dish. It has a soft, pillowy texture. I always choose the best quality for great flavor. Next, unsalted butter adds richness. It melts perfectly, bringing all flavors together. Minced garlic gives a strong, fragrant kick. Make sure not to burn it while cooking.

Dairy Components

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heavy cream makes the sauce incredibly smooth. It creates a rich base that coats the gnocchi well. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds depth. It melts nicely, giving a savory flavor. I recommend grating it fresh for the best taste.

Seasonings and Extras

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs. It enhances the dish’s flavors without overpowering them. Salt and pepper are key for balancing taste. Feel free to adjust these to your liking. Fresh spinach is a great optional add-in. It wilts down and adds color. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and makes it look appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Gnocchi

To cook the gnocchi, first bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is important for flavor. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. They will sink to the bottom at first. Watch closely; when they float to the top, they are ready. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, drain the gnocchi and set them aside.

For proper cooking, do not overcrowd the pot. If you add too many gnocchi, they may stick together. You can cook them in batches if needed.

Making the Sauce

Now, let’s make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This adds richness to the sauce. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic; burnt garlic can ruin the flavor.

Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Slowly add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining and Serving

Once your sauce is ready, gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir to coat them well with the creamy sauce. If you want, add 1 cup of fresh chopped spinach at this stage. Stir until the spinach wilts and brightens the dish.

For serving, use shallow bowls. This gives a nice look. Drizzle a bit of extra Parmesan on top and sprinkle fresh parsley for color. You can also add cracked black pepper for a little kick. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan gnocchi!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Sauce

To get that perfect creamy sauce, focus on the cream’s temperature. Heat the heavy cream gently. If you boil it, the sauce can split. Stir often to keep it smooth.

Burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Cook the minced garlic for just 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely. Once it smells good, it’s ready. If it turns dark, start over.

Gnocchi Cooking Tips

To prevent your gnocchi from getting soggy, use a large pot. Boil plenty of salted water. This helps the gnocchi cook evenly. When they float, they are done. Drain them right away.

For best results, cook gnocchi in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot. This will keep them light and fluffy.

Garnishing Suggestions

You can try different garnishes. Fresh basil or grated cheese can add flavor. Cracked black pepper adds a nice kick, too.

To turn this dish into a fuller meal, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. This adds freshness and balance to your meal.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi while boiling; they are done as soon as they float to the surface to maintain their texture.
Add a Touch of Acid: A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the creamy sauce and balance the richness.
Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute or add other greens like kale or arugula for added nutrition and color.

Variations

Flavor Enhancements

You can easily make this dish your own. Try adding proteins like chicken or shrimp. Cook the chicken in the skillet before adding the garlic. For shrimp, add them to the sauce at the same time as the gnocchi. This adds great flavor and makes the dish heartier.

You can also incorporate different vegetables. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can try peas, broccoli, or bell peppers too. Just add them in with the garlic to cook slightly. This adds a nice crunch and boosts the meal’s nutrition.

Dairy-Free Options

If you’re looking for dairy-free options, there are great substitutes. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give you a rich feel without dairy. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth for a tasty option.

For cheese, look for non-dairy cheese alternatives that melt well. Many brands offer products made from nuts or soy. Check the labels to find one that suits your taste.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free gnocchi. These are often made from rice or potato flour. They cook just like regular gnocchi, so follow the package instructions.

You can also swap out any other ingredients that contain gluten. Ensure your seasonings and any added sauces are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy dish without worry.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi, first cool it to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about three days. After this time, the texture may change. It’s best to eat it sooner rather than later.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat slowly. You can use a skillet on low heat. Add a little cream or butter to help the sauce stay smooth. Stir often to keep everything from sticking. For best results, avoid the microwave. It can make the gnocchi tough and the sauce grainy.

Freezing Guidelines

To freeze, separate the gnocchi from the sauce. Place each in freezer bags. This way, they stay fresh longer. The gnocchi can last up to three months in the freezer. The sauce can also be frozen, but it may separate when thawed. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to restore the creaminess.

FAQs

How to make creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi from scratch?

To make gnocchi from scratch, you need just a few ingredients. Start with potatoes, flour, and egg.

1. Cook the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until soft.

2. Mash the Potatoes: Once cool, mash them well.

3. Mix Ingredients: Add flour and egg to the mashed potatoes.

4. Knead the Dough: Gently knead until smooth.

5. Shape the Gnocchi: Roll the dough into ropes and cut into small pieces.

6. Form the Gnocchi: Use a fork to create ridges on each piece.

This process takes longer but yields delicious, homemade gnocchi.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make parts of this dish ahead.

– Gnocchi: Prepare and store raw gnocchi in the fridge for a day.

– Sauce: Make the sauce a day before and refrigerate it.

When ready to serve, just cook the gnocchi and heat the sauce. This saves time during busy days.

What can I serve with creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides.

– Salad: A fresh green salad complements the creamy gnocchi.

– Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and crunch.

– Bread: Garlic bread or crusty rolls work well to soak up the sauce.

These options will round out your meal beautifully.

This blog post covered everything about creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi. We explored main ingredients like potato gnocchi, butter, and garlic. I provided steps for cooking and making the sauce. Tips for perfecting the dish and variations for different diets were also included.

Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process. Use these tips to make your gnocchi a hit every time. Enjoy experimenting with flavor and feel free to make it your ow

$- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced Potato gnocchi is the star of this dish. It has a soft, pillowy texture. I always choose the best quality for great flavor. Next, unsalted butter adds richness. It melts perfectly, bringing all flavors together. Minced garlic gives a strong, fragrant kick. Make sure not to burn it while cooking. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Heavy cream makes the sauce incredibly smooth. It creates a rich base that coats the gnocchi well. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds depth. It melts nicely, giving a savory flavor. I recommend grating it fresh for the best taste. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs. It enhances the dish's flavors without overpowering them. Salt and pepper are key for balancing taste. Feel free to adjust these to your liking. Fresh spinach is a great optional add-in. It wilts down and adds color. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and makes it look appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the gnocchi, first bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is important for flavor. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. They will sink to the bottom at first. Watch closely; when they float to the top, they are ready. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, drain the gnocchi and set them aside. For proper cooking, do not overcrowd the pot. If you add too many gnocchi, they may stick together. You can cook them in batches if needed. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This adds richness to the sauce. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic; burnt garlic can ruin the flavor. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Slowly add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once your sauce is ready, gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir to coat them well with the creamy sauce. If you want, add 1 cup of fresh chopped spinach at this stage. Stir until the spinach wilts and brightens the dish. For serving, use shallow bowls. This gives a nice look. Drizzle a bit of extra Parmesan on top and sprinkle fresh parsley for color. You can also add cracked black pepper for a little kick. Enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan gnocchi! To get that perfect creamy sauce, focus on the cream’s temperature. Heat the heavy cream gently. If you boil it, the sauce can split. Stir often to keep it smooth. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Cook the minced garlic for just 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely. Once it smells good, it’s ready. If it turns dark, start over. To prevent your gnocchi from getting soggy, use a large pot. Boil plenty of salted water. This helps the gnocchi cook evenly. When they float, they are done. Drain them right away. For best results, cook gnocchi in batches. Don't overcrowd the pot. This will keep them light and fluffy. You can try different garnishes. Fresh basil or grated cheese can add flavor. Cracked black pepper adds a nice kick, too. To turn this dish into a fuller meal, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. This adds freshness and balance to your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Don't Overcook Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi while boiling; they are done as soon as they float to the surface to maintain their texture. Add a Touch of Acid: A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the creamy sauce and balance the richness. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute or add other greens like kale or arugula for added nutrition and color. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish your own. Try adding proteins like chicken or shrimp. Cook the chicken in the skillet before adding the garlic. For shrimp, add them to the sauce at the same time as the gnocchi. This adds great flavor and makes the dish heartier. You can also incorporate different vegetables. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can try peas, broccoli, or bell peppers too. Just add them in with the garlic to cook slightly. This adds a nice crunch and boosts the meal's nutrition. If you're looking for dairy-free options, there are great substitutes. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give you a rich feel without dairy. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth for a tasty option. For cheese, look for non-dairy cheese alternatives that melt well. Many brands offer products made from nuts or soy. Check the labels to find one that suits your taste. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free gnocchi. These are often made from rice or potato flour. They cook just like regular gnocchi, so follow the package instructions. You can also swap out any other ingredients that contain gluten. Ensure your seasonings and any added sauces are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy dish without worry. To store your creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi, first cool it to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about three days. After this time, the texture may change. It’s best to eat it sooner rather than later. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat slowly. You can use a skillet on low heat. Add a little cream or butter to help the sauce stay smooth. Stir often to keep everything from sticking. For best results, avoid the microwave. It can make the gnocchi tough and the sauce grainy. To freeze, separate the gnocchi from the sauce. Place each in freezer bags. This way, they stay fresh longer. The gnocchi can last up to three months in the freezer. The sauce can also be frozen, but it may separate when thawed. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to restore the creaminess. To make gnocchi from scratch, you need just a few ingredients. Start with potatoes, flour, and egg. 1. Cook the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until soft. 2. Mash the Potatoes: Once cool, mash them well. 3. Mix Ingredients: Add flour and egg to the mashed potatoes. 4. Knead the Dough: Gently knead until smooth. 5. Shape the Gnocchi: Roll the dough into ropes and cut into small pieces. 6. Form the Gnocchi: Use a fork to create ridges on each piece. This process takes longer but yields delicious, homemade gnocchi. You can make parts of this dish ahead. - Gnocchi: Prepare and store raw gnocchi in the fridge for a day. - Sauce: Make the sauce a day before and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just cook the gnocchi and heat the sauce. This saves time during busy days. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. - Salad: A fresh green salad complements the creamy gnocchi. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and crunch. - Bread: Garlic bread or crusty rolls work well to soak up the sauce. These options will round out your meal beautifully. This blog post covered everything about creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi. We explored main ingredients like potato gnocchi, butter, and garlic. I provided steps for cooking and making the sauce. Tips for perfecting the dish and variations for different diets were also included. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process. Use these tips to make your gnocchi a hit every time. Enjoy experimenting with flavor and feel free to make it your own!$