Name: Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 packages (16-ounce) fresh or frozen potato gnocchi; 3 cups whole or 2% milk; 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2.5 packed cups); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water; ¾ cup cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; Finely chopped fresh basil or parsley leaves, for serving

Skillet gnocchi mac and cheese brings a delightful warmth to your dinner table. Creamy cheddar sauce envelops tender potato gnocchi, creating a satisfying meal that feels like home.

This dish combines the beloved comfort of traditional mac and cheese with the unique texture of gnocchi, making it an exciting choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Quick to prepare yet bursting with flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds in no time.

It’s one recipe you won’t want to miss out on!

Why Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese is So Creamy

Unique Cooking Method: Using a skillet brings out rich flavors and creates a delightful crust that enhances the dish.
Comforting Ingredients: The combination of gnocchi, cheddar, and Parmesan delivers creamy satisfaction while offering texture variation.
Flavorful Additions: Dijon mustard adds depth with its tanginess, complemented by paprika’s subtle warmth for an elevated taste experience.
Quick Preparation Time: In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Fresh Herb Finish: Topping with basil or parsley not only brightens flavor but also adds visual appeal to your plate.

Ingredient List for Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients:

Potato Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings serve as the hearty base for this comforting dish.
Whole or 2% Milk: This creamy liquid adds richness and smoothness to the cheese sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating a velvety texture in the sauce while enhancing flavor without added salt.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A key ingredient that brings depth and a bold taste, perfect for mac and cheese lovers.

Cheese Components:

Grated Parmesan Cheese: This cheesy topping is used in part within the dish, adding nuttiness to each bite.
Dijon Mustard: It introduces a subtle tang that balances out the richness of the cheeses.

Seasonings:

Kosher Salt: Used not only in cooking but also helps enhance all flavors throughout.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds warmth and an earthy note to elevate overall taste.
Paprika: Provides color along with a hint of smokiness that's both inviting and flavorful.

Garnish & Additional Ingredient:

Finely Chopped Fresh Basil or Parsley Leaves: These herbs add freshness on top before serving, giving it visual appeal along with brightness.
All-Purpose Flour: Necessary for thickening your cheese sauce into its luscious consistency while binding everything together.

Directions to Make Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Set The Oven Temperature

Adjust your oven to reach 400°F and place the rack in the upper section.

Step 2: Boil The Gnocchi

Fill a large pot with water, adding salt generously. Bring it to a rolling boil.

Add gnocchi and let them cook for about 3 minutes until they are tender but firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Sauce

Grab a cast iron skillet (10 or 12 inches) and melt butter over medium heat.

Incorporate flour into the melted butter, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until you can smell its nuttiness.

Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously until smoothness is achieved.

Cook this mixture further, using a wooden spoon to stir consistently, letting it thicken for roughly another two minutes.

Step 4: Mix In Cheddar And Seasonings

Take away the skillet from heat once thickened; gently blend cheddar cheese into this creamy sauce until fully melted.

Mix in these seasonings:

Mustard
Black pepper
Salt
Paprika
Half of Parmesan cheese

Fold cooked gnocchi delicately into your cheesy concoction before topping with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Transfer your skillet carefully into the preheated oven; allow it to bake for around ten to twelve minutes or till you see bubbling action. Switch on broiler mode for an additional two to four minutes so that top turns golden-brown!

Step 6: Serve

Allow the dish to sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors settle. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Best Serving Ideas for Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Serve Hot: Enjoy this dish fresh from the skillet for maximum creaminess.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add finely chopped basil or parsley on top to enhance flavor and presentation.
Pair with a Side Salad: Balance richness by serving alongside a light, crisp salad for contrast.
Use Extra Cheese Topping: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese before serving to elevate cheesy goodness even more.
Offer Crusty Bread Slices: Provide crusty bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce, adding another layer of texture.

Storage Suggestions for Skillet Mac and Cheese

Refrigerate: Always refrigerate leftovers promptly within two hours of cooking to maintain safety and quality.
Freezing Option: You can freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to three months, making meal prep easy.
Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly on low heat or use a microwave. Add a splash of milk if it's too thick after storage.

Creative Variations for Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Add Spinach: Incorporate fresh or frozen spinach for a nutritious boost and vibrant color.
Experiment With Cheese: Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to customize flavor profiles.
Include Protein: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to enhance heartiness and add depth to the dish.
Spice It Up: Use jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick that livens up your mac and cheese experience.
Top With Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking for added crunch and texture contrast.

Final Thoughts on Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Skillet gnocchi mac and cheese brings warmth to your kitchen with its simple preparation. This dish combines the softness of gnocchi with a creamy cheddar sauce, enhanced by hints of Dijon mustard and paprika for an exciting twist.

The crispy Parmesan topping provides texture that complements each bite perfectly. Sharing this meal creates moments filled with joy around the table, especially when garnished with fresh herbs for that added flair.

I’d love to hear about your experiences or any personal touches you made, your feedback enriches our cooking community! Let’s keep the conversation going; like, share, and comment below!

Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Skillet gnocchi mac and cheese combines pillowy gnocchi with a creamy, cheesy sauce in a single skillet. This dish is a comforting twist on classic mac and cheese.

Instructions

Gather all ingredients: kosher salt, potato gnocchi, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, milk (whole or 2%), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, black pepper, paprika, grated Parmesan cheese (divided), and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Boil a large pot of water and add a generous amount of salt to it.
Cook the potato gnocchi in boiling water until they float to the surface; this typically takes about 2-4 minutes if using fresh gnocchi or slightly longer for frozen ones.
Drain the cooked gnocchi and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbly but not browned.
Whisk in all-purpose flour gradually to create a roux; stir continuously for about one minute until smooth and golden.
Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps; continue stirring until mixture thickens noticeably, this may take around 5-7 minutes.
Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the thickened sauce along with Dijon mustard; mix well until completely melted and combined smoothly with no clumps remaining.
Season your creamy sauce with freshly ground black pepper and paprika according to taste preferences before removing from heat.
Stir half of the grated Parmesan into your cheesy mixture ensuring an even distribution throughout.
Fold in cooked potato gnocchi gently so that each piece is coated evenly by that rich sauce.
Transfer everything into an oven-safe dish if desired for baking later on top at higher temperatures when serving hot
Top generously with remaining grated Parmesan before placing under broiler briefly just enough time needed till bubbling occurs lightly browning its surface nicely without burning
Serve warm garnished with finely chopped fresh basil or parsley leaves enhancing both flavor profile visually appealing presentation!