Why You’ll Love Simple Creamy Gnocchi Recipe

It comes together in just 25 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple pantry staples and store-bought gnocchi
The creamy tomato sauce is rich, cheesy, and comforting
Broiled mozzarella topping adds an irresistible golden finish
Perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike
A great option for a meatless meal
One-skillet prep for minimal cleanup
Can be customized with add-ins like sausage, spinach, or mushrooms
Great for feeding a crowd or storing as leftovers
Easy to double or halve based on your needs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potato gnocchi (2 pounds, typically two packages)
Marinara or tomato sauce
Garlic cloves, minced
Baby mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls
Heavy cream
Reserved pasta water
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil, chopped
Olive oil or butter
Salt, to taste

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and boil for 3–4 minutes until they float to the surface. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for a few minutes.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, cooked gnocchi, and reserved pasta water. Mix until the sauce is creamy and evenly coats the gnocchi.
Top with mozzarella balls and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
Broil on high for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap marinara with vodka sauce or Alfredo for a different twist
Add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta for extra protein
Stir in baby spinach or kale for a pop of green
Use low-moisture shredded mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella balls
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil
Make it gluten-free with certified gluten-free gnocchi
Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a saltier flavor
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and tang
Add mushrooms for an earthy, savory depth
Use homemade gnocchi if you prefer a from-scratch approach

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked gnocchi, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi is ready when it floats to the top of boiling water, usually within 3–4 minutes.

Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well. Cook it straight from frozen until it floats.

What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a bit of flour, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the gnocchi in advance. Assemble and broil just before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to make a dairy-free version.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would all make excellent additions.

What kind of marinara sauce should I use?

Any quality jarred marinara or homemade tomato sauce will work well.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of mozzarella balls?

Absolutely. Use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella for the best melt.

Does this dish pair well with anything?

A simple green salad or garlic bread complements the rich, creamy gnocchi perfectly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double all the ingredients and use a larger oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

Conclusion

Simple Creamy Gnocchi is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s rich in flavor and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce and the comforting texture of gnocchi, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to adapt and impossible to resist.

Simple Creamy Gnocchi

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A quick and easy creamy gnocchi recipe made with pillowy potato gnocchi, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a rich, flavorful cream sauce.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.
Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Add cooked gnocchi to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with more Parmesan or red pepper flakes.

Notes

You can substitute vegetable broth to make this vegetarian.
Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg