Gnocchi with Bacon & Peas Cream Sauce
Tender potato gnocchi tossed in a silky cream sauce with crispy bacon and sweet peas creates a quick, comforting dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in about 30 minutes.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion red or yellow
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 strips bacon
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 pound gnocchi
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions.
- When they float to the surface, cook for an additional 30–60 seconds more, then remove with a slotted spoon.Tip: Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. You may need it to loosen the sauce later.
Cook the Bacon
- While the gnocchi cook, place the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook until crisp and golden brown.
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.Tip: Crisp bacon adds texture. If it’s soft, it will disappear into the sauce.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the onion or shallot (if using in your original recipe) to the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.Tip: Do not brown the garlic. Lower the heat if necessary to prevent bitterness.
Build the Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.Tip: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, not a boil. High heat can cause the cream to reduce too quickly or separate.
Add Peas & Bacon
- Stir in the peas and cooked bacon. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the peas are heated through.Tip: If using frozen peas, there’s no need to thaw them first.
Combine with Gnocchi
- Add the drained gnocchi to the sauce and gently toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until silky and smooth.Tip: The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi.
Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add grated cheese or fresh herbs if included in your original recipe includes them. Serve immediately.Tip: Cream sauces thicken as they sit, so this dish is best served right away.