Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake – a decadent, comforting dish that celebrates the simple pleasure of elegant comfort food. Sink your fork into pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a lush, creamy garlic-infused sauce, then crowned with a golden, bubbly Parmesan topping. This recipe is a masterful balance of flavors and textures, making it the ultimate indulgence for the senses.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
Prepare to be utterly enchanted by this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi, a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, and a crispy, golden Parmesan topping creates a truly irresistible dish that will delight your palate. This recipe is a masterful fusion of refined flavors and comforting textures, making it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy night in or a special occasion. With its gourmet appeal and the ability to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a culinary delight that will leave you feeling utterly indulged.
Ingredients
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a truly decadent and flavorful dish. The star of the show is the pillowy soft gnocchi, which provides the perfect base for the rich, creamy garlic sauce. The sauce is made with heavy cream, garlic, and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese, adding a luxurious and indulgent element to the dish. Finally, a layer of additional Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top, creating a delectable, golden-brown crust that completes this gourmet casserole.
- 1 lb (454g) – Potato gnocchi
- 4 tbsp (56g) – Unsalted butter
- 6 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) – Heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) – Grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of heavy cream, and dairy-free Parmesan cheese — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Lighter Sauce: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a large baking dish or sheet pan. Gather all your ingredients and prepare them for the recipe. Grate the Parmesan cheese, mince the garlic, and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once the gnocchi is cooked, drain it well and set it aside.
Step 1 — Prepare the Sauce
In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent the sauce from curdling. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 2 — Assemble the Bake
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, along with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce until the gnocchi is evenly coated.
Step 3 — Top and Bake
Transfer the creamy gnocchi mixture to the prepared baking dish or sheet pan, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
Step 4 — Finish and Serve
Bake the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and bubbly. Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. The gnocchi should be piping hot, the sauce should be luxuriously creamy, and the Parmesan topping should be delightfully crisp.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Veggie Boost: Sauté some spinach or kale and mix it into the gnocchi before baking for a pop of color and additional nutrition.
- Meat Indulgence: Top the bake with crispy bacon or prosciutto for a more indulgent twist.
- Flavor Elevators: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of truffle oil to elevate the dish with a touch of heat or earthy richness.
- Gnocchi Variations: Experiment with different gnocchi varieties, such as sweet potato or cauliflower, to add an unexpected twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Storage: Allow the bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated to your desired temperature.
Make-Ahead: This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the gnocchi and creamy sauce, transfer to the baking dish, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a delightfully indulgent dish that, while satisfying, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The rich cream sauce and generous Parmesan cheese topping contribute to the substantial amount of calories, fat, and carbohydrates per serving.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake gluten-free by using certified gluten-free gnocchi. Simply look for gnocchi made with ingredients like potato, rice flour, or corn flour instead of traditional wheat flour.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the butter and use a plant-based milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, in place of the heavy cream. For a vegan version, use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or a homemade Parmesan-style vegan cheese.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the gnocchi and creamy sauce, transfer to the baking dish, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
How can I reheat leftovers?
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your desired temperature.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the Parmesan cheese is the star of this dish, you can experiment with other types of hard, aged cheeses, such as Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano, to add different flavors and textures to the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake.
Try These Next
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi With Spinach
- Cheesy Broccoli And Rice Sheet Pan Bake
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy garlic parmesan gnocchi bake, a refined comfort dish that combines tender gnocchi with a rich, velvety sauce, topped with golden cheese and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; stir until combined.
4. Add gnocchi to the skillet and mix well to coat.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sheet Pan & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg