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Creamy Date Night Gnocchi

Creamy Date Night Gnocchi

Creamy Date Night Gnocchi offers a luxurious yet effortlessly achievable meal perfect for impressing your significant other. This recipe is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality Italian experience right in your own kitchen, proving that gourmet dining doesn't require hours of prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Large skillet or sauté pan

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. Once they float, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into the waiting sauce. Do not drain the pasta water completely; a little reserved for the sauce is beneficial.
    1 pound store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  2. While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
    1 pound store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  3. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
    1 pound store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  4. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan is salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
    1 pound store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  5. Add the cooked gnocchi from the boiling water directly into the creamy sauce. Toss gently to ensure each piece of gnocchi is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved gnocchi cooking water to loosen it.
    1 pound store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
  6. Cook for another minute, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some of the sauce. Serve the Creamy Date Night Gnocchi immediately in shallow bowls.
  7. Garnish generously with chopped fresh basil and fresh parsley. Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who want to add more.
    1 pound store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi

Notes

Store leftover Creamy Date Night Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream, or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Freezing is not recommended.