Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this gnocchi cream sauce! It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! The creaminess of this sauce just elevates those little pillows of gnocchi to a whole new level. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kitchen smelled divine, and I could hardly wait to dig in. My sister took one bite and declared it the best thing she’d ever tasted! Seriously, this sauce wraps around the gnocchi so perfectly, you’ll find yourself wanting to slurp up every last drop. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the plates are cleared!
Ingredients for Gnocchi Cream Sauce
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a deliciously creamy sauce that’ll make your gnocchi shine!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the star of the show! It gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best! It adds a nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Use unsalted butter for more control over the seasoning. It’s the base for sautéing your garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic brings an aromatic punch. Don’t skimp on this one; it’s essential!
- Salt, to taste: A pinch here and there will elevate all the flavors. Start small and adjust as needed!
- Pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick. Season generously, but remember—you can always add more!
How to Prepare Gnocchi Cream Sauce
Ready to dive into the creamy goodness? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious gnocchi cream sauce in no time! Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it—nobody wants burnt butter ruining this sauce! Just let it melt until it’s bubbly and slightly golden; that’s when all the magic begins!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, add in those 2 cloves of minced garlic. Oh, the aroma is heavenly! Sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This is where the flavor really comes alive, so don’t walk away—keep stirring and savor that smell!
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream
Now it’s time to pour in that luscious 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to keep stirring occasionally to blend everything together. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to keep it at a light simmer. This is where the creaminess starts to shine!
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
Here comes the fun part—add in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese! Stir it in slowly, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Make sure to keep the heat low at this point; we want it creamy, not clumpy! You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Time to season! Sprinkle in salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and taste to see if it needs a little more love. You want that perfect balance of flavors—so don’t be shy about adjusting!
Step 6: Serve Over Gnocchi
Finally, it’s time to serve! Take your cooked gnocchi and gently toss it in the creamy sauce until it’s well coated. For an extra touch, you can garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and some fresh herbs if you have them. Wow, doesn’t that look gorgeous? Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich, creamy flavor that takes your gnocchi to the next level.
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Vegetarian-friendly—perfect for meatless meals!
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delicious the next day.
- Impress your family or guests with a restaurant-quality dish at home!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your gnocchi cream sauce turns out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips to help you achieve that creamy, dreamy goodness!
- Don’t rush the butter: When melting the butter, keep the heat at medium and be patient. If you crank up the heat too high, it can burn quickly, and burnt butter just won’t do for this sauce!
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a much stronger flavor than pre-minced. It makes a world of difference in the aroma and taste of your sauce!
- Simmer gently: Once you add the heavy cream, keep the heat low. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to develop without curdling the cream.
- Stir, stir, stir: Make sure to stir frequently when adding the cheese. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping!
- Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Always taste the sauce before serving, and don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to fit your preference.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the sauce and make it even more delicious.
- Serve immediately: This sauce is best enjoyed fresh, so try to serve it right after you finish cooking. If you let it sit too long, it might thicken up more than you’d like.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! Storing your gnocchi cream sauce is super simple, and with the right method, you can enjoy that creamy goodness later without sacrificing flavor!
First off, let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent any condensation from forming, which can make the sauce watery. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s sealed tight!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Stir it frequently to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t scorch. If it thickens up a bit too much in the fridge, feel free to add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to that dreamy, pourable consistency!
And remember, while it’s tempting to microwave it, I recommend against it. Microwaving can cause uneven heating and might make the sauce lose that silky texture we all love. So, take a few extra minutes on the stovetop for the best results!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this creamy goodness? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving of my gnocchi cream sauce. Keep in mind, these numbers are based on typical ingredients used, and actual values may vary depending on specific brands or additions you make!
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
Now that you know what’s packed into this delicious sauce, you can enjoy it with a little extra peace of mind! It’s rich and indulgent, perfect for a special treat or a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy every creamy bite!
FAQ About Gnocchi Cream Sauce
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can! Using half-and-half will still give you a creamy sauce, but it might be a bit lighter in texture. If you want to maintain that richness, consider adding a little extra butter or cheese to compensate.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gnocchi cream sauce, simply add more grated Parmesan cheese as it cooks. You can also let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally. Just remember to stir frequently!
Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
Absolutely! This sauce pairs wonderfully with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers. Just cook the veggies separately and toss them in when you mix the sauce with the gnocchi.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat your sauce is on the stovetop over low heat. Stir it often to ensure it warms evenly. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up.
Can I freeze the gnocchi cream sauce?
While it’s possible to freeze the sauce, I recommend consuming it fresh for the best texture. If you do freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container and use it within a month. Just know it may separate a bit when reheated, so stir well!
What should I serve with gnocchi cream sauce?
This sauce is fantastic over gnocchi, but it also works well with pasta, chicken, or even drizzled over grilled vegetables. It’s quite versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Is this sauce suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! My gnocchi cream sauce is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for meatless meals. Just check the cheese you’re using to ensure it meets your dietary preferences!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup or Homemade Gnocchi!
Print
Gnocchi Cream Sauce: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and rich sauce perfect for gnocchi.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked gnocchi.
Notes
- Adjust the thickness by adding more cream or cheese.
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- This sauce pairs well with spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: gnocchi cream sauce, creamy sauce, Italian sauce