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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a scorching 200°C/390°F, preparing for a luxurious gnocchi transformation.
- 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.
- Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to create a golden roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Pour milk and cream into the pan, whisking vigorously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky smooth base.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, stirring periodically until it reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency that clings to the back of a spoon.
- Fold in seasonings and grated Parmesan, creating a rich, fragrant sauce that will elevate the gnocchi.
- 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.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pillowy gnocchi directly into the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated.
- Generously sprinkle grated mozzarella across the surface, creating a blanket of melting cheese.
- Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- 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