Quick & Hearty Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

Skillet gnocchi mac and cheese redefines ordinary pasta nights into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Soft, pillowy potato dumplings nestle perfectly in a velvety cheese embrace, promising comfort and excitement on your plate.

Rich, golden cheddar sauce weaves through each tender morsel, creating a harmonious blend of classic and innovative flavors.

Hearty yet elegant, this dish bridges traditional comfort food with modern cooking creativity.

Families and friends will gather around, drawn by the irresistible aroma and creamy texture.

The magic of this skillet sensation lies in its simplicity and unexpected deliciousness.

Why Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Is a Comfort Food Win

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a luxurious skillet dish by swapping traditional pasta with pillowy potato gnocchi, creating a more indulgent and satisfying meal that feels like a gourmet upgrade.
• Quick and Creamy Magic: Whip up a velvety cheese sauce in just minutes, blending sharp cheddar and Parmesan for a rich, tangy flavor that coats each gnocchi perfectly, delivering restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that goes from stovetop to broiler, offering a hassle-free cooking experience that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize the dish by experimenting with different cheese combinations, adding crispy bacon bits, or throwing in some roasted vegetables to make this versatile recipe your own signature crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients That Make Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese So Good

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the hearty foundation of this comforting dish. Store-bought or homemade works perfectly.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the sauce. Look for high-quality, well-aged varieties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth and helps create a golden-brown crispy top. Choose freshly grated for best results.

• Whole Milk or 2% Milk: Creates a silky, rich base for the cheese sauce. Whole milk offers a more luxurious texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps build the roux and adds richness to the sauce. Use fresh, high-quality butter.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle tangy kick and helps emulsify the cheese sauce.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasoning of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic depth to the mac and cheese.
• Paprika: Provides a warm, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful color.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright flavor and beautiful green color to the finished dish. Chop just before serving.

How to Cook Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese to Perfection

Step 1: Collect Cooking Essentials

• Kosher salt
• Potato gnocchi
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (whole or 2%)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step 2: Prepare Gnocchi Bath

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous sprinkle of salt. Bring to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Cook Gnocchi to Perfection

Drop gnocchi into boiling water. Watch for them to float to the surface – this takes 2-4 minutes for fresh gnocchi, slightly longer for frozen.

Step 4: Drain and Set Aside

Carefully drain the gnocchi and set aside while preparing the magical cheese sauce.

Step 5: Create Butter Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Step 6: Whisk in Flour

Gradually add flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture turns smooth and golden.

Step 7: Build the Creamy Foundation

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens – about 5-7 minutes.

Step 8: Craft the Cheese Sauce

Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 9: Season with Flavor

Sprinkle in black pepper and paprika to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 10: Add Parmesan Magic

Mix in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.

Step 11: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece gets a perfect coating.

Step 12: Optional Baking Prep

Transfer to an oven-safe dish if you want to add extra browning.

Step 13: Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top. If desired, place under the broiler for a few moments until lightly golden and bubbly.

Step 14: Serve and Garnish

Plate the gnocchi mac and cheese while warm. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy skillet masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Creamy Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

• Master the Roux: Whisk flour into melted butter slowly and consistently to prevent lumps, creating a smooth base for your creamy sauce.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to ensure silky, lump-free texture and prevent burning or separating.
• Gnocchi Perfection: Cook gnocchi just until they float, avoiding overcooking which can make them mushy and break apart in the sauce.
• Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust black pepper and paprika gradually, allowing each addition to enhance the cheese sauce's depth of flavor.
• Broiling Brilliance: Watch carefully under the broiler to achieve a golden, bubbling top without burning – just 1-2 minutes will create that irresistible crispy cheese crust.

Reheating Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Without Drying It Out

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover skillet gnocchi mac and cheese into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick, helping restore its creamy consistency.
• Microwave Method: Portion out desired amount into a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly.

Side Ideas for Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy gnocchi, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Match with Tangy Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy mac and cheese, providing a zesty and fresh counterpoint to the heavy dish.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of garlic-roasted asparagus or broccoli to add nutritional balance and a slight crunch that complements the soft, cheesy gnocchi texture.
• Complement with Light Beer: Choose a crisp pilsner or wheat beer that helps cut through the rich cheese sauce while maintaining a refreshing accompaniment to this comforting meal.

Tasty Variations of Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Gnocchi Mac: Transform the classic recipe by adding diced jalapeños, chopped green chiles, and replacing sharp cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Gnocchi Mac: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh oregano, and a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend to transport this comfort dish to the Mediterranean coast.
• Bacon Blue Cheese Gnocchi Mac: Crisp up some pancetta or bacon bits, mix in crumbled blue cheese, and top with toasted breadcrumbs for an indulgent, savory version that adds extra richness to the original recipe.
• Truffle Mushroom Gnocchi Mac: Sauté wild mushrooms like shiitake or porcini, drizzle with truffle oil, and use gruyère cheese to create an elegant, earthy variation that elevates the classic mac and cheese.

Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese brings comfort food to new heights, blending Italian pasta pillows with creamy American cheese sauce. Crispy pancetta and herbed breadcrumbs crown this hearty dish, promising a delightful meal that satisfies deep cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 packages (16 ounces / 454 grams) fresh or frozen potato gnocchi
• 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2.5 packed cups)
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole or 2% milk
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Flour and Seasonings:

• ⅓ cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Garnish:

• Finely chopped fresh basil or parsley leaves, for serving

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Instructions

1. Assemble all ingredients: kosher salt, potato gnocchi, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk (3.25% or 2%), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
2. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of kosher salt, bringing to a rolling boil.
3. Carefully drop potato gnocchi into the boiling water, cooking until they effortlessly float to the surface (approximately 2-4 minutes for fresh gnocchi, slightly longer for frozen).
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi to a colander, allowing excess water to drain completely.
5. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy and golden.
6. Gradually sprinkle all-purpose flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, pale roux.
7. Slowly stream whole milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming, and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Reduce heat and incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
9. Add Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of paprika, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
10. Fold in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
11. Gently introduce the drained gnocchi to the cheese sauce, ensuring each dumpling is lavishly coated.
12. If desired, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler, sprinkling remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
13. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and develops a slight crisp.
14. Remove from heat and garnish with finely chopped fresh basil or parsley, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, cheesy skillet gnocchi mac and cheese that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Gnocchi provides a delightful potato-based twist on classic mac and cheese, creating a unique texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.
• Homemade cheese sauce comes together quickly, blending sharp cheddar and Parmesan for a rich, complex flavor profile that will impress family and friends.
• Customize the dish by experimenting with different cheese combinations or adding crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and savory depth.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the final dish, adding a pop of color and fresh aromatic touch that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Quick cooking method means you can have this indulgent comfort food on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg