Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together soft, pillowy gnocchi and a rich, silky sauce that feels like a little taste of luxury. The gnocchi are perfectly tender, making each bite melt in your mouth, while the creamy sauce adds just the right amount of indulgence without being too heavy.
I love making this recipe when I want something a bit special but still comforting. The sauce usually has a lovely mix of cheese and cream, sometimes with a hint of garlic or herbs, which makes it feel really satisfying. What’s great is that it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, so I often make it when I want to treat myself without spending too much time in the kitchen.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Millionaire Gnocchi is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little cracked black pepper on top. It’s also fantastic paired with a green salad or some roasted veggies to keep things fresh and balanced. Whenever I serve this for friends, it always gets compliments, and sometimes I even catch myself sneaking extra bites when no one’s looking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi gives you that soft, pillowy texture that makes this dish special. You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you enjoy cooking from scratch. Sweet potato gnocchi works too if you want a twist.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty notes that contrast the creamy sauce. If you prefer, substitute with pancetta or even smoked turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These bring a slight tang and sweetness. If you don’t have them, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can add a similar richness.
Parmesan Cheese: A must for the creamy sauce’s depth. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives if you want a sharper flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is key for the sauce’s smooth, indulgent texture. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or a mix of milk with a bit of cream.
How Do You Make the Creamy Sauce Perfectly Smooth and Delicious?
The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, so getting it just right is important:
- Start by gently sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor without burning.
- Cook bacon first and keep a bit of the bacon fat—it adds a smoky richness to the sauce.
- Simmer the cream slowly to thicken it – avoid boiling hard to keep it smooth.
- Mix in Parmesan gradually, stirring well to melt it completely—this gives the sauce creaminess and depth.
- If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with pasta water or milk to keep it coating the gnocchi nicely.
- Toss gnocchi gently in the sauce so every piece is well coated without breaking them.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I like it because it boils the gnocchi quickly and efficiently.
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking bacon and making the sauce in one pan.
- Slotted spoon – helps you lift the gnocchi out of boiling water without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the ingredients balanced and just right.
- Stirring spoon or spatula – for mixing the sauce and gently coating the gnocchi.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked pancetta or turkey bacon for a different smoky flavor.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to vary the sweetness and tang.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and earthiness.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different aroma.
Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a slight heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (if needed for cooking gnocchi)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes total. Around 5 minutes for prep, 2-3 minutes to boil the gnocchi, and about 15-20 minutes to cook the bacon and make the creamy sauce. It’s a quick but impressive dish you can enjoy any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions or until they float to the surface, usually 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon bits and set them on a paper towel to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the Flavor:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute to let their flavors come together.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken a little, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce:
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Plate the gnocchi with creamy sauce. Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits and chopped parsley on top. Finish with extra grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper for the perfect touch.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Millionaire Gnocchi!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw frozen gnocchi before cooking them, either by leaving them in the fridge overnight or by placing them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Then cook as usual until they float.
Can I Make Millionaire Gnocchi Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the gnocchi in advance, store them separately in airtight containers, and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the gnocchi by briefly boiling or pan-frying, and gently warm the sauce on the stove before combining.
What Are Good Substitutes for Bacon?
Pancetta or smoked turkey bacon makes great alternatives if you want a different smoky flavor or something lighter. For a vegetarian option, try crispy mushrooms or smoked paprika alone for a subtle smoky taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.