Name: Gnocchi Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Potato Gnocchi (homemade or store-bought); 6 ounces Bacon (substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option); 2 Eggs (fresh eggs yield the best results); 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste); 2 cloves Garlic (fresh garlic is ideal); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or butter for a richer flavor); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (or basil/chives)

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Introduction

Gnocchi Carbonara is a comforting twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, using soft potato gnocchi instead of traditional spaghetti. This creamy, savory recipe combines crispy bacon, fresh eggs, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare any night of the week.

The image shows a close-up of gnocchi pasta, about three layers high, each gnocchi piece pale yellow with ridges and a soft, slightly shiny texture. Scattered on top and between the gnocchi are small, crispy brown bacon pieces adding a rough texture contrast. The dish is sprinkled with fine white grated cheese and tiny bits of green herbs on top, along with small black pepper flakes giving a speckled look over the whole dish. The food sits in a shallow white bowl on a white marbled surface, with some melted butter pooling slightly around the gnocchi. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound Potato Gnocchi (homemade or store-bought)
6 ounces Bacon (substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option)
2 Eggs (fresh eggs yield the best results)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste)
2 cloves Garlic (fresh garlic is ideal)
2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (or basil/chives)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or butter for a richer flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
Step 4: Toss the drained gnocchi into the skillet with the crispy bacon and garlic. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot gnocchi, stirring quickly to form a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish your Gnocchi Carbonara with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic carbonara flavor.
Whisk the eggs and cheese mixture thoroughly to ensure a smooth sauce.
For a richer sauce, substitute olive oil with butter when frying the bacon.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Fresh herbs like basil or chives can be swapped for parsley to vary the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with golden gnocchi that have a soft, pillowy texture and small ridges on each piece, scattered with crispy dark brown bacon bits that add crunch. The gnocchi are coated with a shiny buttery sauce with small pools at the bottom. The dish is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and black pepper specks, along with small green herb leaves for color. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, showing a close, warm, soft focus view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, dried gnocchi works well. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they may differ from fresh gnocchi.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?

Remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture, then stir quickly to combine. This gentle heat will cook the eggs slowly, creating a creamy sauce rather than scrambling them.