Prepare to indulge in the most decadent, ultra-creamy pasta dish you’ve ever made at home. This Millionaire Gnocchi recipe is pure comfort in a skillet, featuring pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce loaded with crispy pancetta, three types of cheese, and savory garlic. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to whip up on a weeknight. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s worth a million bucks.
Why This Millionaire Gnocchi Recipe is Pure Gold
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. The magic lies in the sauce—a luxurious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and sharp cheeses that clings to every single piece of gnocchi. We pan-sear the gnocchi first to give it a delightfully crisp exterior that contrasts perfectly with its soft, tender inside. It’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
What Makes Gnocchi “Millionaire” Style?
The “millionaire” title comes from the richness of the ingredients. We’re not holding back on the good stuff! This style of cooking uses premium, decadent components to create a flavor profile that feels incredibly luxurious. Think of a classic dish, then elevate it with things like cream cheese, high-quality cured meats like pancetta, and a blend of delicious cheeses. It’s all about maximum flavor and pure indulgence.
The Essential Ingredients for Decadence
Crafting this masterpiece starts with a few key ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the signature rich flavor of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potato Gnocchi: Use a 1-pound package of shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi. No need to boil it first; we’re pan-searing it for the perfect texture.
- Pancetta: This adds a salty, savory depth that bacon can’t quite match. Dice it up to render it perfectly crispy.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a non-negotiable for building the aromatic base of our sauce.
- Cream Cheese: The secret weapon for an ultra-creamy, tangy sauce that never fails.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the velvety smooth consistency the dish is known for.
- Chicken Broth: A splash of broth helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Cheese Trio: We use a blend of sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for a complex, nutty, and sharp flavor. Freshly grated is always best!
- Seasoning: A simple mix of black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes balances the richness.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Millionaire Gnocchi
Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable meal. We’ll build the flavors layer by layer in a single large, oven-safe skillet.
- Crisp the Pancetta: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until it’s brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sear the Gnocchi: Add the uncooked gnocchi to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi are golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove the gnocchi and set aside.
- Build the Sauce Base: Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Melt the Cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar and Gruyère, a handful at a time, until completely melted. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine and Bake: Return the seared gnocchi and half of the crispy pancetta to the skillet. Stir gently to coat all the gnocchi in the sauce. Top with the remaining pancetta and any extra cheese if desired. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
For a different take on a cheesy, comforting classic, you might also love this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce
A perfect cream sauce is smooth, not grainy. The key is to keep the heat low when adding the cheeses. Adding them gradually and stirring constantly allows them to melt gently and fully incorporate. Using freshly grated cheese from a block also makes a huge difference, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Millionaire Gnocchi is spectacular as is, it’s also a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or seared shrimp for an even more substantial meal. If you love stuffed pasta, consider trying these Taco Stuffed Shells for your next dinner.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of Calabrian chili paste along with the garlic. It pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end or stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. It’s an easy way to add nutrients without compromising on taste.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pancetta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, sear the gnocchi, combine it with the reheated sauce, and broil as directed for the best texture.
Absolutely! While standard potato gnocchi is classic, you could also use ricotta gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option. The pan-searing method works well for most types.
The fat from the pancetta and cheese can sometimes separate if the heat is too high. To prevent this, render the pancetta over medium heat and be sure to cook the sauce on low, especially when melting the cheeses.
This recipe has a very mild warmth from the black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily omit the red pepper flakes for zero heat, or add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
If you don’t have pancetta, thick-cut bacon is the best substitute. You could also use prosciutto for a different flavor or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
Your New Favorite Indulgent Dinner
Millionaire Gnocchi: The Ultimate Rich & Creamy Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add the uncooked gnocchi to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth.
- Gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar and Gruyère until melted. Stir in the Parmesan, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the gnocchi and half the pancetta to the skillet, stirring to coat. Top with remaining pancetta. Broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the gnocchi. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure they get a nice golden-brown crust.
Share Your Creation!
This Millionaire Gnocchi recipe is a true showstopper, perfect for a special occasion or when you’re simply craving the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, savory, and guaranteed to be a hit. If you make this dish, we’d love to see it! Share your photos on Pinterest and let us know how it turned out. For another comforting baked dish, check out our Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake.
