Name: Creamy Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 g potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen); 150 g bacon, diced (or pancetta/turkey bacon); 2 large eggs (fresh); 60 g grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano); 2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder); 1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon & Parmesan Bliss is a rich and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender gnocchi with crispy bacon and a luscious Parmesan-egg sauce, it’s a delightful twist on the classic carbonara.

This image shows a close-up of a plate of gnocchi with bacon pieces and herbs. The dish has one main layer of golden yellow gnocchi shaped like small ovals with textured ridges on top. Scattered on top and mixed in are crispy bacon bits with dark brown and reddish colors, adding contrast. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly throughout the dish. A light sprinkling of grated white cheese covers the entire surface, adding a fine textured top layer. The food is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled-textured surface. The image is captured with warm lighting, showing all the details clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 g potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
150 g bacon, diced (or pancetta/turkey bacon)
2 large eggs (ensure they’re fresh)
60 g grated Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano as an alternative)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or about 1 tsp dried parsley)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil (any cooking oil can be used)

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a vigorous boil over high heat. Add the potato gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden-brown and crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: While the bacon is cooking, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl until creamy. Set aside.
Step 4: Toss the drained gnocchi into the skillet with the bacon, ensuring they are coated well. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot gnocchi, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy but not scrambled. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Remove from the stove, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish, and serve immediately. Optionally, add extra grated Parmesan on top.

Tips & Variations

Use pancetta instead of bacon for a more traditional carbonara flavor.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.
For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream just before serving, although the original recipe doesn’t include it.
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Be sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.

Storage

Store leftover gnocchi carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with plump, pale yellow gnocchi pieces that have a smooth, slightly shiny texture. Scattered throughout and on top are small crispy dark brown bacon bits adding a crunchy layer. The dish is topped with a generous sprinkling of finely grated white cheese and small pieces of fresh green herbs, creating a fresh contrast. The gnocchi show tiny flecks of black pepper and the overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of soft, creamy, and crispy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just cook it directly from frozen according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling when making the sauce?

Remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture, then stir continuously. The residual heat will cook the sauce gently and create a creamy texture without scrambling.