Name: Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan for Cozy Family Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Potato Gnocchi (homemade or store-bought); 6 ounces Bacon (substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option); 2 Eggs (fresh eggs yield the best results); 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste); 2 cloves Garlic (fresh garlic is ideal); 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (or basil/chives); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or butter for a richer flavor)

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Introduction

Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan is a comforting and quick pasta dish perfect for cozy family nights. Tender potato gnocchi coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with crispy bacon makes every bite irresistible.

This image shows a close-up of a bowl of gnocchi on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The gnocchi are soft and creamy yellow, with a subtle shine from a light sauce covering them. Crispy browned bacon pieces are scattered on top and between the gnocchi, adding a rich reddish-brown color and a crunchy texture. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the dish, offering small bursts of color and freshness. Thin shavings of white cheese are melting over the gnocchi and bacon, blending into the sauce while also adding texture. The plating is simple but rich, with layers of creamy gnocchi, crunchy bacon, green herbs, and grated cheese all mixed together seamlessly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound Potato Gnocchi (homemade or store-bought)
6 ounces Bacon (or pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option)
2 Eggs (fresh eggs yield the best results)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste)
2 cloves Garlic (fresh is ideal)
2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (or basil/chives for garnish)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or butter for a richer flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the potato gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
Step 4: Toss the drained gnocchi into the skillet with the crispy bacon and garlic. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot gnocchi, stirring quickly to form a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish your Gnocchi Carbonara with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Use turkey bacon for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Butter can replace olive oil for a richer taste.
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano adds a wonderful sharpness to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from scrambling.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a plate of gnocchi with three main visible layers: the base layer is soft, plump gnocchi in a light golden cream sauce, the middle layer includes crispy, dark brown bacon pieces scattered evenly over the gnocchi, and the top layer is finely grated white cheese sprinkled generously along with small green herb bits and black pepper specks, all served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

How do I prevent the egg in the sauce from scrambling?

Make sure to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture and stir quickly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.