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A rich and creamy gnocchi dish featuring soft potato gnocchi coated in a velvety sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil, perfect for a comforting yet luxurious meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add gnocchi and cook according to package directions until they float to the surface.
  3. While gnocchi cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant and not browned.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky and smooth.
  7. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat.
  9. Stir in chopped fresh basil until evenly distributed.
  10. Reduce heat to low and simmer gnocchi in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to cling.
  11. Plate immediately and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Salt the water for cooking gnocchi to enhance flavor., Serve in shallow bowls or wide plates to showcase the sauce., Pair with a crisp green salad or crunchy garlic bread for balanced texture., A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or additional fresh herbs before serving adds flavor and aroma., Leftovers should be reheated gently over low heat to maintain creamy texture., Use fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary as alternative herbs., Substitute Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper flavor or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option., Add sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for variation., Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, kale, or roasted cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition., A splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish’s flavor., Leftovers keep for up to 3 days refrigerated., Freeze gnocchi and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approx. 450 calories per serving
  • Fat: Approx. 20 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 50 grams per serving
  • Protein: Approx. 15 grams per serving