Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce recipe transforms simple ingredients into a truly decadent meal. Prepare to indulge in soft, pillowy gnocchi coated in a rich, velvety sauce. This dish is not only comforting and elegant but also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
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Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Gnocchi
You will quickly fall in love with this impressive yet simple Millionaire Gnocchi dish. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. The creamy, cheesy sauce offers an irresistibly decadent flavor profile that satisfies every craving. You can have this luxurious meal on the table in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
Plus, the fresh spinach adds a touch of nutritious goodness, making it a well-rounded option. Expect this dish to be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
Ingredients for Millionaire Gnocchi
Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups Store-bought gnocchi
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
For the gnocchi, choose good quality store-bought potato gnocchi for the best texture; fresh or shelf-stable varieties both work well. If you prefer a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it will be less rich. Experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor profile. Always mince fresh garlic for the most aromatic results, but pre-minced works in a pinch. Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different leafy green benefits.
Equipment Needed
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful dish.
- A large pot for cooking the gnocchi.
- A large skillet to prepare the creamy sauce.
- Basic kitchen utensils such as a wooden spoon or spatula.
- A grater if using a block of Parmesan cheese.
How to Make Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare this luxurious Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce by following these simple steps. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the store-bought gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, usually for about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi thoroughly and set them aside.
- Next, in a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter until it is fragrant. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; you just want it to become aromatic.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and butter. Stir the cream frequently to prevent it from sticking or scorching. Continue to cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the cream begins to gently thicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time. Cook the spinach until it has completely wilted down into the creamy sauce, which takes just a minute or two. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, mixing constantly. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and exceptionally creamy.
- Carefully fold the cooked gnocchi into the prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together until each gnocchi piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, velvety sauce. Season the dish generously with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the optional nutmeg for an added layer of warmth and complexity.
- Plate the Millionaire Gnocchi immediately to enjoy it warm. Finish each serving with an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese. For an optional flourish, drizzle with a little high-quality olive oil and add some freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect results with these helpful tips. Avoid overcooking gnocchi; they only need a few minutes until they float, otherwise they become gummy. When sautéing garlic, watch it closely to prevent burning, as burnt garlic turns bitter very quickly. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of vegetable broth or a little reserved gnocchi cooking water. Use nutmeg sparingly; a quarter teaspoon provides a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
For the creamiest sauce, ensure your Parmesan is freshly grated and melts smoothly into the warm cream. If your sauce tastes bland, add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Ensuring your gnocchi are light and not gummy is crucial for a perfect dish; learn more about preventing overmixing of gnocchi dough for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Millionaire Gnocchi experience with perfect accompaniments.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or warm garlic breadsticks to sop up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi.
- Consider roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
- For a heartier meal, pair it with a light protein such as grilled chicken breast or pan-seared scallops.
Storage & Freezing
Store any leftover Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. While you can freeze cooked gnocchi in sauce, the texture of the gnocchi may become slightly softer upon reheating, and the cream sauce can sometimes separate. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore consistency.
Variations
Customize your Millionaire Gnocchi to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Opt for gluten-free gnocchi alternatives readily available in most grocery stores.
- For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Incorporate additional fresh herbs like chopped fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for more aromatic depth.
- Sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini ribbons can add extra vegetables and flavor.
- Introduce a spicy kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic.
- A hint of lemon zest stirred in at the end brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness.
Nutrition Information
This rich and satisfying Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce offers a hearty meal. This nutritional breakdown is an estimate per serving and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 40 g |
| Protein Content | 10 g |
| Fat Content | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 15 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 70 mg |
| Sodium Content | 600 mg |
| Fiber Content | 2 g |
| Sugar Content | 2 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 4 g |
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits that contribute to a well-rounded diet.
Learn more about the health benefits of spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of gnocchi is best for this recipe?
Store-bought potato gnocchi, whether fresh from the refrigerated section or shelf-stable, works perfectly for this creamy dish. Choose a brand you enjoy for the best results.
Can I use frozen gnocchi in this Millionaire Gnocchi recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen gnocchi! Cook it directly from frozen in boiling water according to package instructions until it floats.
How do I prevent my gnocchi from becoming sticky?
Ensure you use a large pot of generously salted boiling water and do not overcrowd the pot. Cook until they float, then drain immediately.
Conclusion
This Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce offers an irresistible blend of comfort and indulgence, perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity ensures a stress-free cooking experience, delivering a remarkably rich and satisfying meal in minutes.
We encourage you to try this decadent recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Share your culinary creations with us – we love seeing your delicious results!
Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce: An Indulgent Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- large skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Store-bought gnocchi
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Instructions
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil, cook gnocchi until they float, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir frequently, and cook until thickened.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then gradually add Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy.
- Fold the cooked gnocchi into the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Plate the gnocchi, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and optionally drizzle with olive oil and cracked black pepper before serving.