15-Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi

A fast, comforting dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy

When you need dinner fast, comforting, and guaranteed to please, this 15-minute creamy alfredo gnocchi is the answer. Pillowy potato gnocchi tossed in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce come together in one pan with minimal effort — no boiling water, no complicated steps, and no long prep time.

This recipe is pure weeknight magic. It delivers everything you love about classic fettuccine alfredo, but swaps pasta for soft, tender gnocchi that soak up the sauce beautifully. The result is a dish that feels indulgent and cozy, yet comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Perfect for busy evenings, lazy weekends, or when you just want something warm and satisfying without spending an hour in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi Recipe

This dish earns a permanent spot in your rotation because it’s:

• Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
• One-pan friendly for easy cleanup
• Rich, creamy, and cheesy without being heavy
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Easy to customize with protein or veggies

Using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi means there’s no waiting for water to boil. Everything cooks directly in the sauce, creating maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

• Potato gnocchi – Soft, pillowy base that cooks quickly
• Butter – Adds richness and depth
• Garlic – Essential for classic alfredo flavor
• Heavy cream – Creates a silky, luxurious sauce
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for smooth melting
• Salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning that lets the cheese shine
• Parsley – Optional, for freshness and color

These ingredients come together into a sauce that’s creamy, glossy, and perfectly balanced — no flour or roux required.

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Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Cream
   Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring to a soft simmer.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
   Add gnocchi directly to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until gnocchi are tender.
4. Add Cheese
   Reduce heat to low and stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth.
5. Season
   Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
6. Serve
   Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Pro Tips for the Best Alfredo Gnocchi

• Use freshly grated parmesan — pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly
• Don’t boil the sauce — keep heat gentle to prevent separation
• Stir gently to keep gnocchi intact
• Serve right away — alfredo sauce thickens as it sits

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Easy Variations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable:

• Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi – Add cooked chicken breast
• Spinach Alfredo Gnocchi – Stir in fresh spinach until wilted
• Mushroom Alfredo Gnocchi – Sauté mushrooms with the garlic
• Shrimp Alfredo Gnocchi – Add cooked shrimp at the end
• Lemon Alfredo Gnocchi – Finish with lemon zest for brightness

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy gnocchi with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water

It’s rich enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with fresh sides.

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Why Gnocchi Works So Well with Alfredo

Gnocchi’s soft, potato-based texture makes it perfect for creamy sauces. Unlike long pasta, gnocchi traps sauce in every bite, creating a more indulgent experience with less effort and cooking time.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk
• Avoid microwaving on high, which can break the sauce

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Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food without the wait, this 15-minute creamy alfredo gnocchi delivers big flavor in record time. It’s rich, cozy, and endlessly customizable — exactly the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again on busy nights.