Creamy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a rich, velvety sauce. Roasted vegetables, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese elevate this simple yet indulgent meal, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. With a balance of creaminess, freshness, and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – The sauce is made with heavy cream and Parmesan for a luxurious texture.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Balanced flavors – Fresh vegetables and herbs complement the richness of the sauce.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- One-pan convenience – A simple, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Gnocchi:
- Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Salt
For the Sauce:
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Small onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- Zucchini, diced
- Tomatoes, diced
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Dried oregano
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Fresh basil, chopped
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 2 minutes.
- Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Make it Creamy:
- Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine & Serve:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in fresh basil and remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 540 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Extra veggies: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added texture.
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil for extra heat.
- Baked version: Transfer the cooked gnocchi to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi will add a softer, more delicate texture. Just be careful not to overcook them.
What’s the best type of Parmesan to use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture, as pre-packaged varieties may not melt as smoothly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 2 days. Cook the gnocchi fresh and toss it in the sauce before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Classic potato gnocchi works well, but ricotta gnocchi or whole wheat gnocchi can also be used for a variation.
Can I bake this dish?
Yes! After tossing the gnocchi in the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 5 minutes.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer for an extra minute until it thickens naturally.
Can I serve this with something else?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio.
How do I keep the gnocchi from sticking?
Tossing the gnocchi with olive oil after draining prevents them from clumping together.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil for more heat.
Conclusion
Creamy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a rich and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. With its velvety sauce, fresh vegetables, and tender gnocchi, this meal is perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner. Whether you serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of creamy, cheesy indulgence!
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Creamy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, pillowy gnocchi tossed in a creamy sauce with roasted vegetables, herbs, and melted cheese for a comforting Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1/2 cup diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the top (about 2 minutes). Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Make it Creamy:
- Lower heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine & Serve:
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in fresh basil.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- To make it extra cheesy, top with mozzarella and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
