Creamy Cacio e Pepe Baked Gnocchi Recipe: Cozy Comfort Magic

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy cacio e pepe baked gnocchi that promises pure delight.

Cheesy pillows of potato goodness nestle beneath a crisp golden crust.

Parmesan and pecorino romano dance together, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Black pepper adds a subtle kick that tingles your taste buds.

Roman inspiration transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal you’ll want to savor.

Soft gnocchi absorb the rich, velvety sauce, making each bite irresistibly smooth.

Whip up this dish and watch everyone around the table fall in love with its incredible charm.

Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi Highlights

• Whip Up a Comforting Crowd-Pleaser: This gnocchi dish brings together simple ingredients for maximum flavor and minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses or add vegetables to make this recipe your own personal culinary creation, perfect for adapting to what's in your kitchen.
• Quick and Satisfying Weeknight Meal: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps mean you can have a delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy, and packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.

Ingredients Needed For Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly topping.

• Butter: Provides a rich and smooth foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps to thicken and stabilize the sauce.
• Milk, Cream: Create a silky and luxurious sauce base.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the sauce.

• Black Pepper, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish with classic seasoning.

Directions For Perfect Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 200°C/390°F, preparing it for a delicious baked gnocchi adventure.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In a large, oven-proof pan, melt butter and add minced garlic with freshly cracked black pepper.

Let the ingredients dance together for about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build The Creamy Sauce

• Flour
• Milk
• Cream

Sprinkle flour into the pan and cook for 30 seconds.

Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Enhance The Sauce

Add seasonings and grated Parmesan cheese, then remove the pan from heat.

The sauce will be rich and velvety.

Step 5: Cook The Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the gnocchi and wait until they float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Combine Gnocchi And Sauce

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi from the water directly into the pan with the creamy sauce.

Gently stir to ensure every pillow of gnocchi is generously coated.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the saucy gnocchi.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbling top that promises deliciousness.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Serve hot and savor every cheesy, creamy bite.

Useful Tips For Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi

• Use a large pot with plenty of salted water to ensure each gnocchi cooks evenly and doesn't stick together.
• Grate fresh Parmesan and mozzarella directly before adding to maximize flavor and meltability for a more luxurious texture.
• Whisk sauce constantly while simmering to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy base that coats gnocchi beautifully.
• Watch the dish closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to ensure golden brown top without scorching the cheese.
• Let the baked gnocchi rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven to allow sauce to set and prevent burning your mouth.

Flavor Twists For Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
• Spicy Pepper Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra heat boost that transforms the classic recipe.
• Light and Lean Version: Use low-fat milk, Greek yogurt instead of cream, and reduce cheese quantity for a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Pairings For Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi

• Rustic Italian Feast: Pair this gnocchi with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add crispy pancetta or grilled chicken on top to transform the meal into a more substantial dinner that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Wine Companion: Serve alongside a chilled glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the cheesy, peppery flavors of the gnocchi.
• Bread Sidekick: Include crusty Italian bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the comforting meal experience.

Storing Cacio E Pepe Gnocchi Properly

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Transfer cooled gnocchi to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Place gnocchi in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What is gnocchi?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy Italian dumplings typically made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a tender texture and serve as a delicious alternative to pasta.

• Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure you select fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for best results.

• Is this dish spicy?

This recipe uses black pepper which provides a mild, warm heat. The pepper adds flavor without making the dish truly spicy, so it’s suitable for most palates.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can easily make this vegetarian by using plant-based butter and cheese alternatives. The core recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.

Cacio E Pepe Baked Gnocchi Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian classic Cacio e Pepe Baked Gnocchi delivers creamy black pepper comfort straight from Roman kitchens. Cheesy potato pillows melt with pecorino romano, creating a luxurious one-pan dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) gnocchi
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cream
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) freshly ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) Italian herbs
• Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) flour

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a scorching 200°C/390°F, preparing for a luxurious gnocchi transformation.
2. In a spacious oven-proof skillet, gently melt butter, then introduce minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper, allowing their aromas to intertwine for 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to create a golden roux that will thicken the sauce.
4. Pour milk and cream into the pan, whisking vigorously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky smooth base.
5. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, stirring periodically until it reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency that clings to the back of a spoon.
6. Fold in seasonings and grated Parmesan, creating a rich, fragrant sauce that will elevate the gnocchi.
7. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and gently introduce the gnocchi, watching for their telltale sign of readiness – floating to the surface.
8. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pillowy gnocchi directly into the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated.
9. Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella across the surface, creating a blanket of melting cheese.
10. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
11. Carefully remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle, then serve this decadent dish immediately.

Notes

• Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by cooking them briefly in boiling water, just until they float to the surface.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the classic cacio e pepe profile.
• Select high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to ensure a rich, creamy texture and authentic Italian taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg