Baked Gnocchi Alfredo
Step aside, mac and cheese! One bite of this baked gnocchi Alfredo, and it’s sure to become your family’s new favorite comfort food. A hearty pasta dish can satisfy hunger and warm the soul, and this cheesy casserole is no exception. It’s a perfect addition to any Italian-inspired dinner menu and bakes from start to finish in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight meals. Pair it with a colorful winter salad for a hearty vegetarian option, or mix in a cup of cooked chicken or crumbled bacon for added flavor. You can’t go wrong! Bonus: The leftovers (if there are any) are just as tasty!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp. butter, plus more for the baking dish
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 8 oz. grated fontina (or monterey jack) cheese, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 16-oz. packages shelf stable gnocchi
- Basil leaves and chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the milk and heavy cream. Cover and microwave until very warm, 2 to 3 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour. Whisk together and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it is bubbling and lightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the milk mixture and whisk until smooth, scraping the bottom and corners of the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a low boil and thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
- Reserve ½ cup of the fontina and ¼ cup of the parmesan for the top of the casserole. Add the remaining fontina and parmesan to the milk mixture and whisk until smooth and melted. Whisk in the salt and pepper.
- Remove the gnocchi from the packages and break into individual pieces, if necessary. Gently fold into the sauce.
- Butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Transfer the gnocchi mixture to the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses. Bake until bubbly around the edges, 30 to 35 minutes. Heat the broiler to high heat and broil for 2 minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest 10 minutes. Top with basil and chives, and serve.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!