Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor, then this Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi is just what you need. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen. Picture this: a whole head of roasted garlic transforming into a velvety sauce that clings to perfectly cooked gnocchi. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just one pan needed, clean-up is a breeze!
• Rich & Flavorful: The roasted garlic adds an incredible depth of flavor that will impress your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting combination of gnocchi and creamy sauce.
• Quick Cooking Time: This meal comes together in under 30 minutes once the garlic is roasted, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Make-Ahead Option: Roast the garlic ahead of time to whip up this delicious dish whenever you crave it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi is simple with these wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that deliciously rich sauce we all adore.

For the Sauce

• 1 head of garlic
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot (finely diced)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Gnocchi

• 16 oz package shelf-stable gnocchi
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Topping

• 4 strips bacon (sliced into 1 pieces)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version.
• Add some greens: Toss in spinach or kale during cooking for an extra dose of veggies.
• Change up the cheese: Try using feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist on flavor.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Start by chopping off the top quarter of the garlic head to expose those sweet cloves inside. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil. Roasting takes about 50 minutes, but trust me—this step makes all the difference! The garlic will become soft and caramelized, adding that deep flavor we love.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving that flavorful fat in the pan. This step not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful base for our sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots

Add butter to the remaining bacon fat in the skillet and let it melt. Toss in your finely diced shallot, cooking until it’s gently softened and fragrant—about two minutes. This builds layers of flavor that make our sauce irresistible!

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Squeeze out those roasted garlic cloves into your skillet (it’s okay if they’re warm!). Add in chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and bring it to a rapid simmer. This allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Now comes the fun part! Add your shelf-stable gnocchi directly into that simmering sauce. Cook while stirring often until both are tender and thickened—roughly eight minutes. The gnocchi will soak up all that dreamy sauce as they cook!

Step 6: Finish Off with Cheese and Herbs

Once everything is cooked through, reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined perfectly into your creamy goodness.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Finally, top your delicious dish with those crispy bacon bits you set aside earlier. A sprinkle of extra parsley can make it look even more inviting! Enjoy every bite of this comforting Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

Creating a delicious Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi is all about technique, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh garlic, quality cream, and good parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor profile of your dish significantly.

• Adjust garlic to taste: If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, start with half the roasted cloves and add more gradually. This way, you can find the perfect balance of flavor that suits your palate.

• Monitor the sauce consistency: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. If it thickens too much before the gnocchi are cooked, add a splash more broth or cream to maintain a nice, creamy texture.

• Don’t rush the bacon: Allowing the bacon to crisp up properly not only adds great texture but also infuses your sauce with rich flavors from the rendered fat.

• Experiment with herbs: While parsley is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other herbs like basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor that complements the roasted garlic beautifully.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi

Serving your Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi in an appealing way can make your meal feel even more special. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Freshly grated parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top just before serving adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the cheesy flavor.

• Extra chopped parsley: A handful of bright green parsley not only adds color but also freshness, making every bite delightful.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: The quintessential side for any pasta dish, garlic bread’s buttery crunch pairs perfectly with the rich cream sauce, perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds a vibrant color contrast and its slight bitterness balances out the richness of the gnocchi and cream sauce.

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to this rich dish. The acidity from the dressing helps cleanse your palate between bites.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the flavors in your main dish while adding extra nutrients and textures.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not only a sumptuous meal but also a delightful dining experience! Enjoy every creamy bite of this Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here are some handy tips to store and reheat your delicious dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.
• Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification later.
• It’s best consumed within 2-3 months, but can last up to 6 months if stored properly.

Reheating

• For stovetop reheating, place the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick when reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Absolutely! While this recipe features gnocchi, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like penne or fusilli. Adjust cooking times as needed based on your chosen pasta.

What makes Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi so special?

The combination of roasted garlic creates a rich, aromatic base that elevates the creamy texture of the sauce, making it comforting and indulgent. Plus, cooking the gnocchi directly in the sauce infuses them with incredible flavor!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.

How do I ensure my cream sauce doesn’t break?

To prevent your cream sauce from breaking, make sure to simmer it gently and avoid boiling once you’ve added the cream. Stirring frequently also helps maintain a smooth consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce with Gnocchi! It’s a wonderful dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or meal prep for busy nights, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!