If you love creamy pasta dishes and comforting homemade meals, this Creamy Garlic Butter Gnocchi is a recipe you won’t want to miss! Soft, pillowy gnocchi are coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce flavored with garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
This delicious dish looks elegant enough for a special dinner but is simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a restaurant-style meal right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup reserved cooking water, if needed
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Fresh or packaged gnocchi are often ready when they float to the surface.
Drain the gnocchi, reserving a little cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Cook the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can make the sauce taste bitter.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir gently. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes so the gnocchi can absorb the delicious flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm, creamy, and smooth.
Tips for the Best Creamy Gnocchi
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Avoid boiling the cream: A gentle simmer helps prevent the sauce from separating.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Follow the package instructions to keep them soft and tender.
- Adjust the consistency: A small splash of cooking water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the gnocchi.
- Add extra flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the creamy sauce.
Delicious Variations
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