Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan
A Comforting Taste of Italy
Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan is a dish that always brings me back to my cozy kitchen, where the aroma of sizzling bacon mingles with the richness of Parmesan and the comforting texture of potato gnocchi. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional Carbonara, making it a perfect pick for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and best of all, it’s incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish never fails to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan in your kitchen. For starters, this dish combines the heartiness of gnocchi with the crispiness of bacon, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners when you crave something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the kids will love it!
“Absolutely delicious! This dish was a hit with my whole family. The creamy texture combined with crispy bacon is just perfect!” — Emily R.
How This Recipe Comes Together
This Gnocchi Carbonara recipe is straightforward and involves just a few simple steps. You’ll start by boiling the gnocchi until they float, symbolizing they’re ready. While that’s happening, you’ll sauté the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. The magic happens when you combine everything with a creamy egg and Parmesan sauce that clings beautifully to the gnocchi. It’s a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that’s ready on your table in no time!
What You’ll Need
To get started on your Gnocchi Carbonara, gather these ingredients:
- 500 g potato gnocchi
- 150 g bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Feel free to experiment with substitutions, like using pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic flavor or swapping out the parsley for basil or arugula to add a different twist!
Directions to Follow
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Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the bacon: While the gnocchi cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
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Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well-combined.
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Combine the ingredients: Once the gnocchi is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the bacon and garlic, tossing to coat. Remove from heat.
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Create the creamy sauce: Quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot gnocchi, stirring constantly to form a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To enhance your Gnocchi Carbonara experience, serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A glass of white wine, like a crisp Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully, complementing the creamy pasta beautifully. For dinner parties, you can make individual servings in elegant bowls, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing your leftovers properly will ensure you enjoy every last bite. Place any uneaten Gnocchi Carbonara in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When it comes to reheating, sprinkle a little water or broth before microwaving to retain some moisture, as the sauce can thicken upon cooling.
If you need to freeze this dish, be aware that the creamy sauce may not maintain its original texture. Nonetheless, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are a few insider tips to elevate your Gnocchi Carbonara game:
- Pasta water: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Avoid scrambling the eggs: Removing the skillet from direct heat before adding the egg mixture helps prevent scrambling. Keep stirring to achieve a creamy consistency.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this dish! Here are some options to switch things up:
- Vegetarian version: Substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Add greens: Toss in some baby spinach or wilted kale for added nutrition.
- Spicy kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
Your Questions Answered
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What is the prep time for Gnocchi Carbonara?
It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, so you can have this dish ready in under half an hour! -
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly fine. Just boil them straight from the freezer as per package instructions. -
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free gnocchi options available in stores. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Indulge in this comforting Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan that promises to be a family favorite meal. It’s easy, savory, and utterly delightful—what’s not to love?
Gnocchi Carbonara
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- While the gnocchi cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well-combined.
- Once the gnocchi is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the bacon and garlic, tossing to coat. Remove from heat.
- Quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot gnocchi, stirring constantly to form a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
