Oh my goodness, have you ever tried Millionaire Gnocchi? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made this dish; I was having a cozy night in, and the smell of the creamy tomato sauce filled my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to dig in! The gnocchi is so pillowy and soft, and when you mix it with the rich sauce, it just melts in your mouth. Trust me, every bite is pure comfort, and the combination of melted mozzarella and parmesan takes it to the next level. If you’re looking for something that’s both indulgent and quick to whip up, this is your ticket to flavor town!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound gnocchi – store-bought or homemade, either works beautifully!
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved – these little gems burst with flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – for that luscious, creamy texture you won’t forget.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – because who doesn’t love gooey cheese?
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated – adds a savory punch to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for that aromatic kick that makes everything better.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – to sauté and bring all these flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skimp on seasoning; it makes a big difference!
- Fresh basil for garnish – for that pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
How to Prepare Millionaire Gnocchi
Cooking the Gnocchi
First things first, let’s get that gnocchi cooked! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes just about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top like little fluffy clouds. Drain them and set aside, but don’t rinse—those little starches will help the sauce stick later!
Sautéing the Garlic and Tomatoes
While the gnocchi is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, the aroma is heavenly! Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they burst and release their sweet juices. It’s like a little flavor explosion!
Making the Sauce
Now, the magic happens! Pour in that luscious heavy cream to the skillet and give it a good stir. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes so it thickens a bit. Then, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy. If it’s looking a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up!
Combining the Gnocchi
Time to bring it all together! Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, making sure each piece gets smothered in that rich sauce. Stir it carefully so you don’t break the gnocchi, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a couple of minutes on the heat so everything melds together perfectly.
Finishing Touches
Finally, it’s time to plate up! Garnish your Millionaire Gnocchi with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in with delight. Trust me, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredibly creamy texture: The combination of heavy cream and melted cheese creates a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Flavorful ingredients: Bursting cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic make every bite a delight.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This dish is a hearty option that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.
- Comfort food at its best: It’s like a warm hug after a long day, guaranteed to lift your spirits.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spice it up with red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Millionaire Gnocchi turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my go-to tips:
- Cook the gnocchi al dente: This is key! You want them to have a slight bite, so keep an eye on them as they cook. They only need about 2-3 minutes once they hit the boiling water. Trust me, you don’t want mushy gnocchi!
- Use the freshest ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality cheese make all the difference. When tomatoes are in season, grab those juicy beauties for a pop of flavor!
- Don’t skimp on seasoning: Salt and pepper are your friends here! Taste as you go to ensure the dish is perfectly balanced. A little extra seasoning can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Spice it up! If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the cream. It adds a nice kick and complements the creaminess beautifully.
- Add veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach or zucchini when sautéing the tomatoes for an extra nutritional boost and color!
- Save some pasta water: If your sauce gets too thick, adding a splash of that starchy pasta water can help loosen it up without losing flavor.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a deliciously creamy, comforting dish that everyone will adore!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Millionaire Gnocchi, it’s good to know what’s in your bowl! Here are the typical nutritional values per serving (about a quarter of the recipe):
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary slightly based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But isn’t it good to know that you’re indulging in something so delicious yet packed with satisfying goodness? Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Millionaire Gnocchi? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries and my go-to answers:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mozzarella or parmesan, feel free to swap in your favorite cheese. Cheddar or fontina would also work beautifully, just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative. Just note that the texture might not be as rich, but it’ll still taste great!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook your gnocchi fresh when you’re ready to eat, and combine them right before serving for the best texture!
How do I store leftovers?
Simply transfer any leftover Millionaire Gnocchi to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay good for about 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the gnocchi!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be fantastic additions. Just cook them separately and mix them in with the gnocchi for a heartier meal!
What’s the best way to reheat it?
The stovetop is your best friend here! Gently reheat the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it from drying out. Give it a good stir until it’s warmed through!
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, you can! Use a plant-based gnocchi, swap in a dairy-free cream, and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. It’ll still be delicious and creamy!
If you have any more questions or need tips, feel free to ask. I’m here to help you whip up the best Millionaire Gnocchi ever!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of Millionaire Gnocchi and have leftovers? Lucky you! Storing this creamy delight is super easy, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep it tasting just as amazing as when it was freshly made.
First off, let your gnocchi cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. If you’ve got a lot of sauce, you might want to separate it from the gnocchi to keep everything in tip-top shape. Just remember to store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, the stovetop is your best bet for reheating! Gently warm the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over low heat. If it seems too thick or dry, add a splash of water or cream to bring back that luscious consistency. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece gets heated evenly. It’s all about that creamy goodness!
And hey, if you find you have too much to finish, you can freeze the sauce for later. Just make sure to cool it down, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Easy peasy!
Print
Millionaire Gnocchi: 5 Steps to Creamy Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dish featuring gnocchi cooked in a delicious tomato sauce with cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and mix until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes.
- Substitute cream with a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Use fresh tomatoes when in season for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Millionaire Gnocchi, Creamy Gnocchi, Italian Dish