Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s bursting with flavor, then this Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi is just what you need. I absolutely love this dish because it combines the creamy richness of garlic sauce with tender gnocchi, creating a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you’re hosting family and friends, this recipe never fails to impress.

What makes this dish extra special is the way you can enjoy the deep, sweet flavor of roasted garlic without any fuss. It’s an easy one-pan meal that allows the gnocchi to soak up all that delicious sauce while you take care of other things—like setting the table or sipping a little wine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The roasted garlic provides an incredible depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Comfort Food: This dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and the company around you!
• Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will make your kitchen smell amazing! Here’s everything you need to whip up this delightful Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi:

For the Sauce

• 1 head of garlic
• 4 strips bacon (sliced into 1 pieces)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot (finely diced)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 16 oz package shelf-stable gnocchi
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey bacon or omit bacon altogether for a vegetarian option.
• Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or kale just before serving for added color and nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Try adding goat cheese or mozzarella instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your dish.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Take that head of garlic and chop off the top quarter to expose those delicious cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before wrapping it in aluminum foil. Roasting it for about 50 minutes not only softens the garlic but also brings out its natural sweetness, making it truly irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

While your garlic is roasting, grab a large skillet and cook those bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. Once done, set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Leaving that delicious bacon fat in the pan will add incredible flavor to your sauce!

Step 3: Sauté Shallots

Add butter to the remaining bacon fat in your skillet and let it melt. Toss in that finely diced shallot and sauté for about two minutes until it’s fragrant and softened. This step enhances the overall flavor of your sauce, creating a lovely base.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Now it’s time to squeeze out that roasted garlic into your skillet! Add in chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until combined, then bring it to a rapid simmer. This bubbling stage helps meld all those flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Carefully add the gnocchi into your simmering sauce. Keep everything at a gentle simmer while stirring often; this lets those little dumplings absorb all that garlicky goodness as they cook—about eight minutes should do!

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Parsley

Once your gnocchi are cooked through and have thickened up nicely in that creamy sauce, reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese until melted. The combination creates an incredibly rich finish.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Top off your dish with those crispy bacon bits you’ve set aside earlier. Serve hot and watch everyone savor each bite of this indulgent Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi! Enjoy every moment around your table—it’s truly delightful!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

This recipe is deliciously simple, but a few extra tips can help you make it even better!

• Use fresh garlic – While roasted garlic from a jar might be convenient, nothing beats the flavor of freshly roasted garlic. It adds a depth of flavor that elevates your sauce.
• Don’t rush the roasting – Allowing the garlic to roast until it’s golden and soft ensures that you unlock all its sweet, caramelized flavors. This step is crucial for achieving that rich creaminess in your sauce.
• Stir often – As the gnocchi cooks in the sauce, stirring frequently prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and helps ensure an even cooking process. This will result in perfectly coated gnocchi.
• Adjust the thickness – If you find your sauce too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency. A well-balanced sauce is key to enjoying every bite!
• Customize your herbs – Feel free to switch up the fresh parsley for other herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can really transform your dish!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

Presenting this dish beautifully can turn an everyday meal into something special. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh basil or thyme – Adding a sprinkle of these aromatic herbs not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also introduces additional layers of flavor.
• Extra grated parmesan – A light dusting of grated parmesan on top just before serving adds an inviting look and a delightful cheese finish.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad – A refreshing salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a bright contrast to the creamy gnocchi dish.
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread complements the main dish by adding a crunchy texture and additional garlic goodness.
• Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus – Lightly steamed vegetables add color and nutrients, creating a balanced plate that pairs well with rich sauces.

With these serving suggestions and tips under your belt, you’re ready to share this delightful Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi with family and friends—or keep it all to yourself! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week without any fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, check for freshness before reheating.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For frozen gnocchi, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or add directly to a skillet with a splash of chicken broth and heat on low until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions about this delightful recipe? Here are some answers!

Can I substitute the heavy cream in the Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi?

Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickness. Just note that it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi vegan?

To make this dish vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and omit the bacon or substitute it with crispy tempeh or mushrooms for a similar texture.

What type of gnocchi is best for this recipe?

Shelf-stable gnocchi works beautifully for this Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi. You can also use fresh gnocchi if you prefer a lighter texture; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to the Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi?

Definitely! Spinach, kale, or even roasted bell peppers would be fantastic additions. Just sauté them briefly before adding in the gnocchi to ensure they’re cooked properly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi as comforting and delightful as I do! The rich flavors combined with tender gnocchi create an indulgent experience that’s truly special. Enjoy making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones around the dinner table. Happy cooking!