If you have a package (or two) of shelf-stable gnocchi in your pantry and no idea which gnocchi recipe to make with it, then you’re in luck. In just 15 minutes, you can have a creamy gnocchi Alfredo on your table using minimal ingredients, without sacrificing incredible taste. This traditional Italian pasta is the perfect side dish to your main, or it can even serve as the main dish itself with a protein tossed in.
Ingredients for Gnocchi Alfredo
- Potato gnocchi: Buy packages of the shelf-stable potato gnocchi for the best results in this recipe. You can find gnocchi in the pasta section of the grocery store.
- Butter: Butter is used as the base for the Alfredo sauce, and it’s also browned before sauteing the mushrooms.
- All-purpose flour: This recipe makes an Alfredo sauce from a traditional roux of butter, flour and milk.
- Milk: Stick to a whole milk for a thicker sauce consistency.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan is added to the roux to make the Alfredo sauce. We highly recommend freshly grating the cheese yourself.
- Nutmeg: A dash of ground nutmeg is added to the sauce to enhance the flavor of this dish.
- Portobello mushrooms: Slice up baby portobello mushrooms to toss into this dish with the gnocchi. Cremini mushrooms can also work for this recipe.
- Parsley (optional): Top this gnocchi with Alfredo sauce dish with minced fresh parsley to finish.
Directions
Step 1: Make the pasta
Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then drain it.
Step 2: Make the sauce base
In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Stir in the flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk until you have a creamy sauce texture. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it cook for one to two minutes or until thickened.
Step 3: Stir in the cheese
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and nutmeg until they’re fully incorporated. Keep the sauce warm.
Step 4: Cook the mushrooms, then combine
In a large heavy skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter becomes golden brown, five to seven minutes. Add in the mushrooms and the cooked gnocchi and cook for another four to five minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the gnocchi is lightly browned.
Step 5: Top with sauce and serve
Serve the pasta with the sauce drizzled on top, and sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Gnocchi Alfredo Variations
- Add a protein: Make this meal even heartier with an added protein, like rotisserie chicken or leftovers from roasted chicken. Sweet Italian sausage would also work well with this dish.
- Make your own gnocchi: If you’re up for a fun project that will elevate your dish, you can make your own potato gnocchi from scratch.
- Use sweet potato gnocchi: For something a little different, swap the regular gnocchi with a sweet potato variety, or even a cauliflower gnocchi. You can find these variations in the freezer section of the grocery store.
- Bake it in the oven: To help thicken the sauce and make the gnocchi crispy around the edges, add the sauce to the skillet and place it in the oven for 10 minutes at 400°F, or until the sauce is bubbling and thick.
How to Store Gnocchi Alfredo
Store the leftover gnocchi Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to three months. Simply defrost the container in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
How do you reheat gnocchi with Alfredo sauce?
For the best results, toss this gnocchi Alfredo with the sauce in a skillet on the stovetop. Add some water or milk to the pan to help loosen up the sauce when heating it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring it every minute until it’s fully heated through.
Gnocchi Alfredo Tips
What’s the best way to cook gnocchi?
While the package of gnocchi you bought will have instructions, the best way to cook gnocchi is to first boil it, then saute it with a sauce to add to the flavor, so you’re not simply eating a flavorless dumpling.
Is gnocchi supposed to be hard or soft?
A cooked gnocchi should be pillowy and soft, and shouldn’t be tough or chewy in texture. This is why it’s important to thoroughly cook your gnocchi before tossing it into this dish.
What do you serve with Alfredo gnocchi?
This gnocchi Alfredo works well as a side for any lighter main dish you might be serving, like a grilled chicken or fish, or even a vegetable-focused meal like this cherry tomato mozzarella saute.
