Name: Gnocchi Carbonara
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb potato gnocchi; 2 eggs; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup diced bacon or pancetta; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp extra parmesan; 1 tbsp chopped chives; 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper; 1 tsp lemon zest

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Looking for a comforting dish that’s ready in minutes? This gnocchi carbonara is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. It brings together soft potato gnocchi, crispy bacon, and a silky parmesan-egg sauce. And the best part? You don’t need to be a chef to make it. Just simple steps, easy ingredients, and one pan of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love Gnocchi Carbonara

Ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for busy nights
Creamy and cheesy without using too much cream
Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients
One pan, easy clean-up
Kid-friendly and comforting
Can be made with store-bought gnocchi

Ingredients of Gnocchi Carbonara

Ingredients laid out for gnocchi carbonara recipe

Main Ingredients

Potato gnocchi
Eggs
Parmesan cheese
Bacon or pancetta
Garlic
Heavy cream
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley

Optional Garnishes

Extra parmesan
Chopped chives
Cracked pepper
Lemon zest

Equipment

Non-stick frying pan
Saucepan (for boiling gnocchi)
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Utensils

Wooden spoon
Slotted spoon
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Variations with Gnocchi Carbonara

Want to mix things up? Try these easy twists:

Vegetarian version: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
Cheesy upgrade: Use pecorino romano instead of parmesan.
No cream option: Skip the cream for a more classic carbonara style.
Greens boost: Stir in baby spinach or peas for extra color and nutrients.

How to Make Gnocchi Carbonara

Step 1 – Cook the Bacon

First, place a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon or pancetta. Let it cook until it’s golden and crispy. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Once crispy, turn off the heat and leave the bacon in the pan.

Step 2 – Boil the Gnocchi

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi. Cook them just until they float to the surface—this means they’re done. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and set aside. Save a little of the cooking water in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 3 – Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs. Add grated parmesan cheese and a good pinch of black pepper. Pour in a splash of cream and whisk everything until smooth. This mixture will turn into the sauce once it hits the warm gnocchi.

Egg and parmesan mixture for carbonara sauce

Step 4 – Mix Everything Together

Place the cooked gnocchi into the pan with the bacon (heat off). Slowly pour in the egg mixture while stirring gently. The heat from the gnocchi and pan will cook the eggs just enough to make a creamy sauce—no scrambling. If it gets too thick, add a spoonful of the reserved gnocchi water. Finish with chopped parsley and more parmesan if you like.

Gnocchi mixed with carbonara sauce and bacon

Tips and Tricks for Gnocchi Carbonara

Don’t overcook the gnocchi—once they float, they’re ready.
Turn off the heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture.
Keep a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve Gnocchi Carbonara

Serve your gnocchi carbonara hot, straight from the pan or in a shallow bowl. Top with extra parmesan, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a few parsley leaves. Pair it with a green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make ahead: You can prep the sauce and chop the bacon in advance, but cook everything just before serving for the best texture.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works great for this recipe. Just cook as directed on the package.

Is it safe to eat raw eggs in the sauce?
The eggs cook gently from the heat of the pan and gnocchi, so they’re not raw. Just be sure the pan isn’t too cold.

Can I skip the cream?
Absolutely. For a more traditional carbonara, leave out the cream and use just eggs and parmesan.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger pan so the gnocchi can mix evenly with the sauce.

Conclusion

In summary, gnocchi carbonara is the kind of dish that looks fancy but is super easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a creamy, cozy, and comforting meal in no time. Give it a try tonight—and don’t forget to top it with extra parmesan.

If you loved this creamy gnocchi carbonara, you’ll definitely want to try more comforting meals that are just as easy and delicious. This stove top stuffing meatloaf is a no-fail family favorite, packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Looking for a lighter protein option? These juicy turkey cutlet recipes are quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. And if you’re in the mood for cheesy pasta, don’t miss this rich and satisfying Philly cheesesteak pasta—a fun twist on a classic sandwich!

Gnocchi carbonara is a delicious twist on two beloved Italian staples: gnocchi, the soft and pillowy dumplings made from potatoes, and carbonara, the creamy Roman pasta dish traditionally made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. This fusion recipe brings the best of both worlds together in one comforting bowl. If you’re curious about the rich culinary heritage behind meals like this, explore the history of Italian cuisine to see how simple ingredients have shaped generations of iconic dishes.