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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of kosher salt, bringing to a rolling boil.
- 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).
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi to a colander, allowing excess water to drain completely.
- In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy and golden.
- Gradually sprinkle all-purpose flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, pale roux.
- 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.
- Reduce heat and incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Add Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of paprika, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Fold in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Gently introduce the drained gnocchi to the cheese sauce, ensuring each dumpling is lavishly coated.
- If desired, transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler, sprinkling remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and develops a slight crisp.
- 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