My mom always made the most amazing Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce when I was growing up. The way the soft, pillowy gnocchi would melt in my mouth, combined with the rich, velvety sauce, was truly a heavenly experience. I can still remember the aroma of garlic, thyme, and Parmesan wafting through the kitchen as the dish simmered away on the stovetop. It was the kind of comforting, indulgent meal that would instantly lift my spirits and make all my worries fade away.
Even now, as a seasoned home cook, I find myself craving that nostalgic flavor combination. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce recipe with you. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite, thanks to its unbelievable taste and shockingly simple prep.
Why This Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce
What sets this Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the creamy, luscious sauce that coats each tender gnocchi dumpling. By using a combination of heavy cream, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan, the sauce becomes velvety and decadent, without being overly rich or heavy.
The addition of minced garlic and dried thyme elevates the overall flavor profile, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. And the best part? This whole Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce masterpiece can be prepared in just 20 minutes, start to finish. That’s right – in the time it takes to boil a pot of water, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: The foundation of this dish, these soft, pillowy dumplings provide the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The rich, velvety texture of heavy cream is what makes the sauce so indulgent and luxurious.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adding butter to the sauce gives it a silky mouthfeel and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: This aged, hard cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, lending a savory, umami-packed punch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in any creamy sauce, providing an aromatic, pungent base note.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Dried thyme adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt helps to balance and enhance the other flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Ground black pepper provides a subtle heat and a nice depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce Instructions
Preparing Your Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce
This Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce comes together in a flash, with just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking. All you’ll need is a large pot, a skillet, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where you’ll cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
2- While the water is heating up, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly.
4- Once the gnocchi have cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly from the boiling water into the creamy sauce. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi evenly.
5- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6- Serve the Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired. Enjoy this indulgent dish while it’s hot and bubbly!
Pro Tips for Success
1- Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
2- Don’t overcook the gnocchi – they should be tender but still hold their shape. As soon as they float to the surface of the boiling water, they’re ready to be added to the sauce.
3- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with the recommended amounts of salt and pepper, then add more if needed to suit your preferences.
4- For an extra creamy and luscious sauce, consider reducing the heavy cream by simmering it for a few extra minutes before adding the other ingredients.
Serving and Storing Your Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce
Perfect Pairings for Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce
This Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce is a rich and indulgent dish that serves 4 people. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a complete and satisfying meal. For a drink pairing, consider a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to help cut through the creaminess of the sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, in 30-second intervals, until warmed to your liking.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the creamy sauce in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply boil the gnocchi, toss it with the pre-made sauce, and heat everything through. This way, you can have a delicious Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce meal ready in a matter of minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce
Creative Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce Variations
- Swap out the classic potato gnocchi for sweet potato or spinach gnocchi for a fun twist on the dish.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, diced sun-dried tomatoes, or crumbled bacon to the creamy sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a blend of grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses for a more complex, tangy flavor profile.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, basil, or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Making Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply use store-bought or homemade gluten-free gnocchi in place of the traditional potato variety. To make it dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and the Parmesan cheese with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. For a low-carb adaptation, serve the creamy gnocchi sauce over roasted zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of the starchy potato dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
A: While Parmesan is the traditional cheese used in this Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce recipe, you can certainly experiment with other hard, aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Manchego. Just be sure to grate them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?
A: This Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce comes together in just 20 minutes total – 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! The creamy sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly boiled gnocchi.
Q: How much does this recipe serve?
A: This Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce recipe yields 4 servings. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily scale up the ingredients to suit your needs.
Q: What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
A: If the sauce becomes too thick as it simmers, simply add a splash of the gnocchi cooking water or a bit of extra heavy cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Millionaire Gnocchi recipe – pillowy soft gnocchi nestled in a rich, velvety cream sauce that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
– 1 pound potato gnocchi
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cooked gnocchi to the cream sauce and gently toss to coat.
6. Serve the Millionaire Gnocchi immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh thyme, if desired.
Notes
For a richer sauce, you can use half-and-half or a combination of heavy cream and milk. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or crispy pancetta for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Pasta & Noodles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Conclusion
This Millionaire Gnocchi With Creamy Sauce is truly a dish fit for royalty. With its velvety, indulgent sauce and tender, pillowy gnocchi, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? It all comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal or elegant dinner party dish.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Bon appétit!
