Name: Creamy Baked Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk; ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional); Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Description

This Creamy Baked Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce and topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a side dish for special occasions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or casserole dish.
Cook the gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually until they float to the top (2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the cream sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and assemble:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the cream sauce and toss to coat. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, if using.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For added flavor, mix cooked spinach, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms into the sauce before baking.
Substitute milk and cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.