Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce is a dreamy plate full of pillowy soft gnocchi smothered in a rich, silky sauce that feels like a hug in every bite. The creaminess with hints of cheese and maybe a touch of garlic makes this dish feel like a fancy treat without all the fuss.
I love making this when I want something comforting but still a little special. The gnocchi soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly, and I often add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top to brighten it up. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually really simple to whip up, which I always appreciate on busy nights.
My favorite way to enjoy this is with a side of steamed veggies or a crisp salad to balance out the richness. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up just right and leaves you wishing you’d made a double batch. Whenever I serve this to friends or family, it’s always a hit—they love how smooth and cozy the sauce is paired with the soft gnocchi.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potato Gnocchi: The soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi is central to this dish. Fresh gnocchi works best, but frozen is a handy substitute and still tastes great.
Pancetta or Bacon: Adds a salty, crispy bite. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar smoky flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully for creaminess, and Parmesan adds that nutty punch. You can swap mozzarella with fontina or provolone if you want a twist.
Tomato Puree: It gives a gentle tang and beautiful color. Crushed tomatoes work as well. If you don’t want tomato, you can use roasted red pepper puree instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and a mild earthiness. You could use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives, just cook them a bit longer.
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy and Balanced Without It Getting Too Heavy?
Getting the sauce rich but not overwhelming is all about layering flavors and careful simmering:
- Start by rendering pancetta or bacon slowly to build that deep, savory base.
- Sauté onions until translucent to bring in natural sweetness.
- Add tomato puree and paprika, cooking briefly to develop a gentle smoky tang.
- Slowly stir in cream and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer rather than a boil to keep it smooth.
- Add cheeses gradually and stir constantly, allowing them to melt gently. Avoid high heat, which can make the sauce grainy.
- Finally, toss in fresh spinach just before serving so it wilts slightly without losing its bright color.
These steps keep the sauce velvety and flavorful, not too thick or heavy. Taking your time and watching the heat really makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use it to boil the gnocchi so they cook evenly and quickly.
- Skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking the pancetta and making the sauce in one place.
- Slotted spoon – helps lift the cooked gnocchi out of the boiling water without breaking them.
- Whisk or spoon – for stirring the sauce so it stays smooth and creamy.
- Grater – to grate fresh Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pancetta for sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken if you want a different protein.
- Use mozzarella and Parmesan, but try provolone or fontina for a meltier, different cheese flavor.
- Stir in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to add a sweet, tangy boost.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat if you like spicy food.
Millionaire Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gnocchi and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
- 4 oz (110g) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- ¾ cup (75g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup (120ml) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- ½ tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Most of the time is spent cooking the gnocchi and making the creamy sauce. It’s a quick yet satisfying meal that comes together easily on any weeknight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Once they float, drain them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Crisp the Pancetta:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until it turns crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta from the pan, leaving the flavorful fat behind.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook it until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you smell its wonderful aroma.
4. Build the Sauce:
Pour in the tomato puree and sprinkle in the paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes to bring out the flavors. Then add the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Turn the heat down low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
6. Finish with Spinach and Gnocchi:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, around 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked gnocchi and crispy pancetta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Warm it through for a minute or two.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your millionaire gnocchi and sprinkle on extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately, enjoying every silky, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly! Just cook it straight from frozen according to the package instructions. It might take a minute or two longer to float, but the creamy sauce will coat it just as well.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Simply skip the pancetta or bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative. The smoky and savory flavors will still shine through in the creamy sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky texture.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can cook the gnocchi and make the sauce separately in advance, then combine and warm everything right before serving. Just keep them refrigerated and assemble within 24 hours for the best results.