If you’re a cheese lover, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. The creamy Gorgonzola sauce clings to each piece of gnocchi, creating a velvety, cheesy dish that’s both rich and flavorful. With its robust flavors, this meal makes for a decadent dinner option that’s quick to prepare.
Why You’ll Love Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce 🍽️
- Cheesy Comfort: The Gorgonzola cream sauce is rich, velvety, and full of bold, cheesy flavors.
- Quick and Easy: The sauce comes together in minutes, making this a great weeknight meal.
- Sophisticated Flavors: The sharp, tangy Gorgonzola cheese gives the dish a gourmet touch, while still being approachable and comforting.
Ingredients 🛒
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Gnocchi | 500g store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi |
| Gorgonzola Cheese | 150g Gorgonzola cheese (crumbled) |
| Cream | 1 cup heavy cream |
| Butter | 2 tbsp unsalted butter |
| Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra cheesiness) |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg |
| Garnish | Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish) |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving) 🍴
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
Step 1: Cooking the Gnocchi 🥟
The first step is to prepare your gnocchi. Whether you use store-bought or homemade gnocchi, the cooking process is quick and easy.
- Boil Water:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Gently add the gnocchi to the boiling water. They will sink initially but will float to the surface once cooked—this takes about 2-3 minutes.
- As soon as the gnocchi float to the top, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate. Reserve a bit of the cooking water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Step 2: Preparing the Gorgonzola Cream Sauce 🧀
The Gorgonzola cream sauce is the star of this dish, and it couldn’t be easier to make. Rich and tangy, this sauce clings beautifully to the gnocchi, creating a luscious, cheesy bite.
- Melt the Butter:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the Cream:
- Once the butter is melted, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently and bring the cream to a simmer.
- Add the Gorgonzola:
- Gradually add the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- The Gorgonzola will break down into the sauce, giving it a rich, tangy flavor.
- Season the Sauce:
- Season the sauce with a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
- If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
Step 3: Combining the Gnocchi and Sauce 🥟🧀
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to combine everything and bring the dish together.
- Toss the Gnocchi:
- Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the Gorgonzola cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly in the sauce.
- Adjust the Consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved gnocchi cooking water to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving 🍽️
Now that your gnocchi is perfectly coated in the creamy Gorgonzola sauce, it’s time to garnish and serve.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
- Garnish the gnocchi with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the gnocchi hot, ensuring that each bite is coated in the velvety sauce.
Recipe Variations 🥘
There are several ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
1. Add Protein 🍗
- To make the dish more substantial, you can add grilled chicken, cooked bacon, or sautéed mushrooms. The smoky or savory flavors pair well with the creamy sauce.
2. Lighten It Up 🌿
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream. You can also reduce the amount of Gorgonzola for a milder flavor.
3. Go Gluten-Free 🌾
- Use gluten-free gnocchi or make your own using gluten-free flour. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
4. Add Vegetables 🥦
- To add some vegetables, sauté spinach, arugula, or peas and mix them into the sauce before adding the gnocchi. The freshness of the vegetables contrasts nicely with the rich sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Gorgonzola Cream Sauce 🌟
- Use Quality Gorgonzola: Opt for a good-quality Gorgonzola cheese. You can choose between mild Gorgonzola Dolce or sharper Gorgonzola Piccante, depending on your taste preference.
- Don’t Overheat the Sauce: When making the cream sauce, keep the heat at medium to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming too greasy.
- Control the Salt: Gorgonzola cheese is quite salty, so be mindful of how much additional salt you add to the sauce. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Serve Fresh: Gorgonzola cream sauce thickens as it sits, so this dish is best served immediately after cooking. If needed, reheat it gently over low heat with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers. The soft, pillowy gnocchi paired with the rich, tangy Gorgonzola sauce creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a restaurant-quality meal at home!