Introduction: Can a Creamy, Cheesy Dish Be Ready in Just 25 Minutes?
Craving a quick, comforting meal that’s rich and indulgent? Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a creamy, nutmeg-infused sauce and a golden Gruyère topping, finished with fresh chives. Rated 4.0/5 from 7 reviews, this easy recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or a cozy treat. Ready to whip up a cheesy delight? Let’s dive into this simple recipe!
Overview: Why Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi Shines
Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi is loved for its rich flavors, quick preparation, and one-pan ease. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 25 minutes active prep and cooking, totaling approximately 25 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires boiling, simmering, and broiling, suitable for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: The creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and bubbly Gruyère create a decadent yet simple dish, with nutmeg and chives adding subtle sophistication. Rated 4.0/5 by 7 reviewers, it serves 4, ideal for small families or quick meals.
Perfect with a green salad, garlic bread, or a festive side like carrot-ginger soup for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi uses minimal, bold ingredients for a rich result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- One 17.5-ounce package potato gnocchi: Pillowy, starchy base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
- 1 minced garlic clove: Adds savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasons the sauce.
- Few grinds of black pepper: Adds mild heat.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Brings warm, subtle sweetness.
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère: Provides melty, nutty topping.
- Chopped chives, for garnish: Adds fresh, oniony brightness.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Gnocchi: Soft, potato-based dumplings absorb the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Forms a luxurious, velvety sauce base.
- Gruyère: Melts into a nutty, golden crust.
- Nutmeg and Chives: Elevate the dish with warmth and freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gnocchi: Use homemade gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi, or gluten-free gnocchi.
- Heavy Cream: Swap with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free, milder flavor).
- Garlic: Replace with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Gruyère: Substitute with shredded cheddar, fontina, or Parmesan.
- Nutmeg: Use a pinch of cinnamon or omit.
- Chives: Swap with scallions, parsley, or omit.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Gnocchi: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Veggie-Packed Gnocchi: Stir in ½ cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms with the gnocchi.
- Herb-Infused Gnocchi: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- Bacon Gnocchi: Stir in ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before broiling.
- Vegan Gnocchi: Use vegan gnocchi, coconut milk, and vegan cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi is a quick, one-pan process that yields a rich, comforting dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 17.5-ounce package gnocchi, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, pinch of nutmeg, ½ cup shredded Gruyère, chives.
- Mince garlic; shred Gruyère; chop chives.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
Tip: Use store-bought gnocchi for speed; prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
Step 2: Cook Gnocchi
- Boil one 17.5-ounce package potato gnocchi according to package instructions (typically 2-3 minutes until they float).
- Reserve ¼ cup cooking water; drain gnocchi.
Tip: Don’t overcook gnocchi to avoid mushiness; reserve extra water if needed for sauce.
Step 3: Make Cream Sauce
- In an ovenproof skillet, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 5-8 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked gnocchi; add reserved cooking water to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
Tip: Stir gently to coat gnocchi; sauce should be creamy but not too thick.
Step 4: Broil
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded Gruyère evenly over the gnocchi.
- Place skillet under the broiler; broil until cheese is golden and bubbly, 3-4 minutes.
Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning; position skillet 4-6 inches from broiler.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from oven; top with chopped chives.
- Serve hot, about 1 cup per serving, directly from the skillet.
Tip: Let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving to avoid burning mouths; garnish just before serving for freshness.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi
Making Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi is all about creating a rich, comforting dish. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Gnocchi: Pillowy dumplings coated in creamy sauce.
- Cream Sauce: Velvety, subtly spiced with garlic and nutmeg.
- Gruyère: Golden, melty cheese topping.
- Chives: Fresh, green garnish for brightness.
- Presentation: Rustic and inviting, served family-style from the skillet.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in the skillet or portion into bowls, garnished with extra chives or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Pair with cozy sides like a green salad or a side of carrot-ginger soup for a festive spread.
- Drizzle with olive oil or add a pinch of black pepper for extra flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi is decent for leftovers, though best fresh.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month; sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep sauce and cook gnocchi up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately and combine before broiling.
- Shred cheese and chop chives in advance; store separately.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream, 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot. Re-broil briefly to restore cheese texture if needed.
- Tip: Add fresh chives after reheating for vibrancy; avoid freezing if possible to maintain sauce consistency.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Gnocchi: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Vegan Gnocchi: Use vegan gnocchi, coconut cream, and vegan cheese.
- Mushroom Gnocchi: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms and add to the sauce.
- Pesto Gnocchi: Swirl in 1 tablespoon pesto with the cream.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal (varies with portion size and cream).
- Protein: Moderate, from gnocchi and cheese.
- Fat: High, from cream and cheese.
- Carbs: Moderate, from gnocchi.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Creamy, Cheesy Bliss!
Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi is the ultimate quick and indulgent meal, blending tender gnocchi with a creamy, nutmeg-kissed sauce and a golden Gruyère topping. Rated 4.0/5 by 7 reviewers, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy nights in, or a quick treat. So, heat up your skillet, broil this cheesy delight, and enjoy a comforting dish. We’d love to hear how your gnocchi turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi
Description
Craving a quick, comforting meal that’s rich and indulgent? Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a creamy, nutmeg-infused sauce and a golden Gruyère topping, finished with fresh chives
Ingredients
Cheesy Skillet Gnocchi uses minimal, bold ingredients for a rich result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- One 17.5-ounce package potato gnocchi: Pillowy, starchy base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
- 1 minced garlic clove: Adds savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasons the sauce.
- Few grinds of black pepper: Adds mild heat.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Brings warm, subtle sweetness.
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère: Provides melty, nutty topping.
- Chopped chives, for garnish: Adds fresh, oniony brightness.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Gnocchi: Soft, potato-based dumplings absorb the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Forms a luxurious, velvety sauce base.
- Gruyère: Melts into a nutty, golden crust.
- Nutmeg and Chives: Elevate the dish with warmth and freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gnocchi: Use homemade gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi, or gluten-free gnocchi.
- Heavy Cream: Swap with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free, milder flavor).
- Garlic: Replace with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Gruyère: Substitute with shredded cheddar, fontina, or Parmesan.
- Nutmeg: Use a pinch of cinnamon or omit.
- Chives: Swap with scallions, parsley, or omit.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Gnocchi: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Veggie-Packed Gnocchi: Stir in ½ cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms with the gnocchi.
- Herb-Infused Gnocchi: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- Bacon Gnocchi: Stir in ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before broiling.
- Vegan Gnocchi: Use vegan gnocchi, coconut milk, and vegan cheese.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 17.5-ounce package gnocchi, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, pinch of nutmeg, ½ cup shredded Gruyère, chives.
- Mince garlic; shred Gruyère; chop chives.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
Tip: Use store-bought gnocchi for speed; prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
Step 2: Cook Gnocchi
- Boil one 17.5-ounce package potato gnocchi according to package instructions (typically 2-3 minutes until they float).
- Reserve ¼ cup cooking water; drain gnocchi.
Tip: Don’t overcook gnocchi to avoid mushiness; reserve extra water if needed for sauce.
Step 3: Make Cream Sauce
- In an ovenproof skillet, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 5-8 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked gnocchi; add reserved cooking water to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
Tip: Stir gently to coat gnocchi; sauce should be creamy but not too thick.
Step 4: Broil
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded Gruyère evenly over the gnocchi.
- Place skillet under the broiler; broil until cheese is golden and bubbly, 3-4 minutes.
Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning; position skillet 4-6 inches from broiler.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from oven; top with chopped chives.
- Serve hot, about 1 cup per serving, directly from the skillet.
Tip: Let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving to avoid burning mouths; garnish just before serving for freshness.
FAQs
1. Why is my sauce too thick?
Insufficient cooking water or over-simmering can cause this; add reserved water gradually while stirring.
2. Can I use fresh gnocchi?
Yes, cook per package instructions; fresh gnocchi may cook faster (1-2 minutes).
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi to make it gluten-free.
4. Why didn’t my cheese brown?
Skillet may be too far from broiler; position 4-6 inches away and broil longer if needed.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep sauce and gnocchi ahead; broil fresh for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Gnocchi provides carbs for energy; cheese adds protein and calcium; high in fat, pair with a salad for balance.