Gnocchi Carbonara Recipe
This Gnocchi Carbonara is a delightful twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, combining pillowy potato gnocchi with crispy bacon, a creamy egg and Parmesan sauce, and fresh garlic. It’s quick to prepare, comforting, and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or special occasion.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Gnocchi
- 1 pound Potato Gnocchi (homemade or store-bought)
Carbonara Sauce & Toppings
- 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)
- Cook Gnocchi: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi well and set aside.
- Prepare Bacon and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and fry until crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Mix Egg and Cheese: In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Gnocchi with Bacon: Toss the drained gnocchi into the skillet with the crispy bacon and garlic. Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent scrambling the eggs in the next step.
- Create the Sauce: Pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot gnocchi in the skillet. Stir quickly and continuously to coat the gnocchi and create a creamy, silky sauce that thickens with the residual heat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and add additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the gnocchi at its creamiest and warmest.
Notes
- Using fresh eggs and quality Parmesan cheese greatly enhances the flavor and texture of the carbonara sauce.
- If pancetta is available, it can substitute bacon for a more authentic carbonara taste.
- Do not reheat leftovers as the sauce may separate; instead, enjoy fresh.
- For a richer flavor, substitute olive oil with butter when frying bacon.
- Be sure to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Keywords: Gnocchi, Carbonara, Italian Pasta, Potato Gnocchi, Bacon, Parmesan, Creamy Sauce