Gnocchi Carbonara

Gnocchi Carbonara is a luxurious yet simple twist on the traditional Italian pasta dish. Soft potato gnocchi are enveloped in a creamy, silky carbonara sauce made with crispy pancetta, eggs, and cheese—without a drop of cream. It’s rich, savory, and ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple pantry ingredients for maximum flavor
• Incredibly quick—on the table in under 20 minutes
• Comforting and indulgent with minimal effort
• Perfect balance of creamy sauce, salty pancetta, and pillowy gnocchi
• A fun twist on classic carbonara that feels gourmet but is easy to make

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Potato gnocchi (fresh, shelf-stable, or frozen)
• Pancetta or bacon, diced
• Eggs (whole eggs or a mix of yolks and whole eggs)
• Grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (or a blend)
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Reserved pasta water
• Optional: garlic, fresh parsley for garnish

directions

this recipe

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Reserve ½–1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated cheese. Add a splash of hot pasta water to temper the mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
4. Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet with pancetta and toss to coat in the fat. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture into the skillet, stirring vigorously to coat the gnocchi and form a creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and more cheese to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10–15 minutes
• Total time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

• Cheese swap: Use all Parmesan if Pecorino is too sharp
• Add garlic: Sauté a minced clove with the pancetta for added flavor
• Make it vegetarian: Use crispy mushrooms or smoked tofu instead of pancetta
• Gnocchi type: Try sweet potato gnocchi or whole wheat gnocchi for a different twist
• Herb it up: Add fresh thyme or basil for an herby note

storage/reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce
• Freezing: Not recommended as the egg-based sauce can separate and the gnocchi may become mushy

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi work well and cook quickly.

Is cream used in carbonara?

No, authentic carbonara uses eggs and cheese for creaminess—no cream needed.

What cheese is best for carbonara?

Pecorino Romano is traditional, but Parmesan works if you prefer a milder taste.

How do I avoid scrambled eggs in the sauce?

Temper the eggs with warm pasta water and remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture.

Can I use just egg yolks?

Yes, for a richer sauce, use two yolks and one whole egg.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can cook the pancetta and prepare other ingredients ahead to save time.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely—carbonara works well with spaghetti, rigatoni, or fettuccine if you’re out of gnocchi.

How do I make it spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the pancetta for a subtle kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What wine pairs well with it?

Try a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti.

Conclusion

Gnocchi Carbonara is a creamy, decadent dish that feels like something you’d order in a cozy Italian restaurant—but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this indulgent comfort food on the table in no time. Perfect for any night when you want to treat yourself without the fuss.

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