** Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming humble gnocchi into something truly special, let me introduce you to **. This is the comfort food you’d make if you won the lottery, where plush potato pillows mingle with a rich red sauce, swoops of herbed ricotta, and the irresistible crunch of golden crispies. Every bite conjures up the kind of effortless luxury that makes you close your eyes and smile—ideal for cozy nights, romantic dinners, or showing off to friends who insist pasta can’t possibly be decadent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the impressive name fool you! Every ingredient here is simple, but each one plays a starring role—bringing vibrance, warmth, creaminess, and crunch to your Millionaire Gnocchi. Trust me, they work together to create something magical.
- Potato Gnocchi: Store-bought is perfect for speed, but feel free to use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious; this is the soul of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Infuses the sauce and crispies with a sunny, Mediterranean flavor—choose a nice one, you’ll taste the difference!
- Garlic: Sautéed briefly, it brings a savory punch that forms the backbone of the red sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The star of your red sauce—they simmer into a luscious, velvety base that hugs every gnocchi.
- Dried Oregano: Adds Italian herbiness that sings through the richness of the tomato.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For just a hint of gentle heat—skip or double as your tastebuds demand.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Bring out and balance all the flavors—you know you’d miss them if they weren’t here.
- Fresh Basil (or Dried): A final flourish of green, adding aroma and fresh flavor.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: This creamy dream is the pillow for your gnocchi to rest on—go for good-quality ricotta if you can.
- Fresh Parsley: Mixed into the ricotta with lemon zest for brightness and color.
- Lemon Zest: A little goes a long way; it lifts the whole dish and pairs with the herbs beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch blends into the ricotta mix for layered garlic flavor, without overpowering freshness.
- Salt & Pepper (Ricotta): Tailor the ricotta’s seasoning so it truly pops atop your gnocchi.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to those “golden crispies”—light, extra crunchy, and prone to stealing the show.
- Butter or Olive Oil: For toasting your breadcrumbs to perfection and adding richness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Umami and depth, added right into the crispies for ultra-savory crunch.
How to Make **
Step 1: Make the Red Sauce
Ready your skillet! Heat olive oil over medium, then add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for a half-minute to unlock its best flavor. In go your crushed tomatoes, oregano, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir it up, simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick and glossy, then finish with that sprinkle of fresh basil. Your kitchen will smell absolutely glorious.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Slide in your gnocchi—they’ll sink, then bob to the surface as soon as they’re ready (usually just 2–3 minutes). Don’t overdo it; we want them light and bouncy. Drain them gently so their delicate texture shines in your Millionaire Gnocchi with **.
Step 3: Prepare the Herbed Ricotta
In a bowl, stir together the creamy whole milk ricotta, chopped parsley, bright lemon zest, garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep blending until everything is thoroughly mixed and the ricotta looks fluffy and cloud-like. Pop in the fridge until you’re ready for topping—it gets even better as it chills.
Step 4: Make the Golden Crispies
This is the crowning glory! Toast panko breadcrumbs in a little olive oil or butter over medium heat, stirring often so they don’t burn. As soon as they’re golden and nutty, take off the heat. Immediately toss with grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt. These golden crispies take your Millionaire Gnocchi with ** from “yum” to “WOW.”
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
It’s showtime! Toss the warm, cooked gnocchi with your homemade red sauce, being gentle so they stay pillowy. Spoon into serving bowls, nestle on generous dollops of herbed ricotta, then shower with your golden crispies. For the full luxury factor, finish with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil. This is ** at its finest—get ready to dig in!
How to Serve **
Garnishes
Fresh chopped herbs (think basil or parsley) bring color and fragrance, while a light drizzle of your favorite extra virgin olive oil adds gloss and flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy when serving Millionaire Gnocchi with **, a little extra grated Parmesan and a few turns of black pepper at the table never go astray!
Side Dishes
This rich, vibrant dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette—something to perk up your palate between bites. Crusty bread or garlic knots are practically required for mopping up every trace of that red sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccolini or zucchini, also fit right in.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve Millionaire Gnocchi with ** in shallow bowls, with the herbed ricotta piped into rosettes and crispies sprinkled artfully. Want a twist? Arrange in a gratin dish, add extra Parmesan on top, and broil briefly for a bubbling, golden finish. Or serve as small plates for a tasting menu—just garnish with microgreens and let your guests swoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Millionaire Gnocchi with ** in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, keep the herbed ricotta and golden crispies separate. This way, your toppings stay fresh and the crispies keep their crunch when you reheat later.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, only freeze the gnocchi and sauce—herbed ricotta doesn’t defrost well, and crispies will lose their magic. Let everything cool first, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months for quick gourmet comfort food on busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the gnocchi and sauce into a microwave-safe dish or a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until hot. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Top with chilled herbed ricotta and a fresh batch of crispies right before serving, restoring that signature contrast of creamy and crunchy in your **.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free gnocchi?
Absolutely! There are plenty of gluten-free gnocchi options at supermarkets, or you can try making your own. Everything else in this Millionaire Gnocchi with ** recipe is naturally gluten-free—just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the crispies.
What’s the best way to brown gnocchi for extra texture?
If you love a crisp bite, after boiling and draining your gnocchi, quickly sauté them in a hot skillet with a little butter or oil until golden on the outside. This simple step adds an another layer of flavor and makes your ** even more decadent.
Can I make the herbed ricotta ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the herbed ricotta up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully and make your final assembly lightning-fast.
What can I substitute for ricotta?
If ricotta isn’t on hand, try whipped cream cheese, mascarpone, or even a thick Greek yogurt. Each brings its own personality to your Millionaire Gnocchi with **—just make sure to season well and add those herbs and lemon zest for brightness.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Make extra sauce, gnocchi, and toppings, but cook batches of gnocchi separately so they don’t stick. Serve buffet-style so everyone can build their own bowl of Millionaire Gnocchi with ** magic.
Final Thoughts
If there were ever a dish guaranteed to make you feel a little bit fancy on a weeknight—or impress the socks off your dinner guests—it’s this Millionaire Gnocchi with **. I can’t wait for you to try it, savor every bite, and add it to your collection of go-to comfort favorites!
Print
** Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a luxurious dining experience with this Millionaire Gnocchi recipe featuring a rich red sauce, flavorful herbed ricotta, and crispy golden toppings.
Ingredients
Gnocchi and Sauce:
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Herbed Ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Golden Crispies:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the red sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Stir in fresh basil and set aside.
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the herbed ricotta: In a small bowl, mix ricotta with parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the golden crispies: In a small pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and stir until golden and toasty, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the dish: Toss the cooked gnocchi gently with the red sauce. Spoon into serving bowls. Add dollops of herbed ricotta on top, then sprinkle generously with golden crispies.
Notes
- For an extra-rich finish, brown the gnocchi in butter after boiling for a crisp edge before tossing with sauce.
- You can use store-bought marinara in a pinch.
- This dish balances creamy, crispy, and savory elements for a truly ‘millionaire’ feel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
