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Creamy Date Night Gnocchi

Creamy Date Night Gnocchi

Creamy Date Night Gnocchi transforms an ordinary evening into a romantic culinary adventure with minimal effort. This quick and easy Italian dinner delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for couples seeking indulgence without stress.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • mixing spoon or spatula
  • cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (typically 2-3 minutes or until they float). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter. Add garlic and shallot, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Pour in white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce. Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add Parmesan, stirring until melted. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Add gnocchi to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Cook 1–2 more minutes to absorb flavor. Garnish with basil and optional sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 15gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1120IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Don’t skip letting the cheese come to room temperature before adding—this ensures a silky sauce. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep leftovers creamy.

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