Gnocchi Carbonara
Ingredients
- 6 bacon strips
chopped into small pieces
- 17.5 ounce package gnocchi
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ⅔ cup grated Romano cheese)
(pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese work too
- to tastesalt and pepper
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
minced, optional
Directions
- 1
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 bacon strips, chopped into small pieces and cook until crispy. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate to absorb any remaining grease. Drain all but 2 Tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
- 2
Cook 17.5 ounce package gnocchi in salted water according to package instructions (until the gnocchi are floating to the top.) Do not overcook. When gnocchi is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk 2 large eggs and 2 large egg yolks. While whisking, very slowly add 2 Tablespoons of the warm pasta water to the bowl of eggs (you don't want to scramble the eggs, you just want to warm them up.)
- 4
With the skillet still over medium, add gnocchi and bacon and turn to coat in the leftover bacon grease.
- 5
Turn heat down to low and slowly pour in the eggs while stirring. At this point begin adding more pasta water and continue to stir until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- 6
Add in ⅔ cup grated Romano cheese and salt and pepper, to taste and stir.
- 7
Top with 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (optional) and serve!
Gnocchi Carbonara
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Based on 6 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food that's both familiar and exciting? This Gnocchi Carbonara recipe brings together the pillowy softness of gnocchi with the rich, savory flavors of a classic carbonara, creating a weeknight meal the whole family will adore.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms traditional carbonara into something uniquely satisfying. By pairing that iconic creamy egg and cheese sauce, infused with the salty crunch of bacon, with tender gnocchi instead of pasta, you get a comforting dish that's both hearty and incredibly delicious. It's a delightful twist that feels gourmet yet is simple enough for any busy evening.
Prepare for a truly comforting experience. Each bite delivers tender, slightly chewy gnocchi enveloped in a velvety, intensely savory sauce born from eggs, grated Romano cheese, and the rendered goodness of bacon. The dish is rich without being heavy, beautifully balanced by the smoky bacon pieces scattered throughout. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, promising a deeply satisfying flavor that makes you want to go back for more.
While the core flavors are irresistible, you have options for tailoring it to your taste. The recipe specifically calls for Romano cheese, but Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese work beautifully as alternatives, offering slightly different nuanced profiles while maintaining that signature cheesy depth. Additionally, fresh minced parsley is listed as optional, allowing you to add a bright, herbaceous note if desired, or skip it for a more straightforward savory profile.
This Gnocchi Carbonara is the quintessential weeknight indulgence, perfect for those evenings when you need something comforting and flavorful without a fuss. Serve it simply as a standalone meal, letting its rich flavors shine, or alongside a crisp green salad to round out the plate.