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.