If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s equal parts indulgent and comforting, Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi is about to become your new obsession. This dish transforms pillowy potato gnocchi into pure magic with a dreamy sauce made from slow-roasted garlic, fresh cream, and nutty Parmesan. Every bite is supremely soft and packed with layers of cozy, mellow garlic flavor, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a weeknight. Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi is that restaurant-worthy bowl of comfort you’ll crave again and again!

Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi so special is how a handful of familiar ingredients join forces to create something extraordinary. Each one is essential, bringing its own flavor, richness, or texture to the mix. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a tip for each, so you get the best results every time):

Garlic bulbs: Roasting turns these aromatic cloves sweet and mellow, giving the sauce that irresistible depth of flavor.
Olive oil: A good drizzle helps the garlic caramelize in the oven, infusing it with richness.
Potato gnocchi: Choose fresh or packaged gnocchi—both work perfectly, delivering that signature pillowy texture.
Butter: Adds a creamy base and helps soften the shallots for a sauce with dimension.
Flour: Just a little turns your sauce silky by thickening it as it cooks.
Shallot (super finely minced): Shallot gives a subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the star (garlic!).
Broth (chicken or vegetable): Adds body and depth to the sauce—you pick based on your flavor preference or stick to veggie for a meatless meal.
Black pepper (freshly cracked): Freshly ground pepper wakes up all the flavors—feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce lush and decadent without being heavy.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Nothing beats real Parmesan for that nutty, salty finish—freshly grated melts best!
Gnocchi water: Reserving some pasta water helps bring your sauce to the perfect consistency and binds everything together.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Take your garlic bulbs and carefully slice off the tops, just enough to expose the tender cloves. Place each bulb on a square of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, then wrap them tight. Roast for 30–40 minutes until your kitchen smells glorious and the cloves are soft and caramelized. Let them cool—this is the secret step that defines the creamy roasted garlic gnocchi flavor!

Step 2: Prepare to Cook the Gnocchi

Salt and fill a large pot with water, bringing it to a boil. But hold off on cooking the gnocchi for now—they cook super quickly, so we’re timing everything for perfect results.

Step 3: Start the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add your super-finely minced shallot. Let it sweat gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring often. You want the shallot soft and fragrant but not brown—this brings subtle sweetness to your Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi sauce.

Step 4: Build the Roux and Add Broth

Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the butter and shallots, cooking for another 3 minutes. This short step toasts the flour, eliminating any raw taste and thickens the sauce beautifully. Next, gradually pour in the broth—keep whisking! Your sauce should start to become glossy and smooth.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce is coming together, drop the gnocchi into your boiling water. Watch carefully! As soon as they float (just 2–3 minutes—sometimes less!) scoop them out with a slotted spoon and reserve 1/4 cup of that starchy cooking water for the sauce.

Step 6: Add Roasted Garlic and Pepper

Now for the star of the show: Take your roasted bulbs and squeeze directly into the sauce, or pop out each clove with a fork. Add fresh cracked black pepper. Let this simmer for 3–5 minutes so the roasted garlic melts into the sauce and transforms the whole pot.

Step 7: Cream, Cheese, and Gnocchi Time!

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, letting everything bubble gently. Next, add the hot cooked gnocchi straight into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little reserved gnocchi water until it clings just right. Toss well and serve your Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi immediately while it’s gloriously hot and silky.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a scatter of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. A simple twist of black pepper takes the flavor up another notch, and if you really want to impress, a drizzle of fruity olive oil just before serving looks and tastes incredible on Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi.

Side Dishes

This dish is lovely on its own, but a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the gnocchi. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple medley of sautéed greens can also balance out the plate and let the flavors of the Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi truly shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting this dish in shallow bowls gives it a cozy, inviting vibe—ideal for a dinner party or date night at home. You can also bake the finished Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi in a gratin dish with extra Parmesan on top until bubbly and golden. Try serving individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins for an upscale touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making the next-day leftovers surprisingly delicious (if you’re lucky enough to have any!).

Freezing

Freeze the sauce and cooked gnocchi separately for best texture. Place in airtight freezer containers for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and combine when reheating for the creamiest results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch (cover loosely and use short intervals), but the stovetop keeps that silky texture just right.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and make sure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly. The flavor is still absolutely luscious and satisfying.

What’s the best way to roast garlic?

Slice the tops off the bulbs, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400 degrees until soft and golden. This prep can be done days ahead and keeps well in the fridge!

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes! Both fresh and packaged shelf-stable gnocchi work beautifully. The sauce is the real showstopper in Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi, so use your favorite gnocchi for convenience.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Be sure to whisk constantly when adding the flour and then the broth. If the sauce gets too thick, reserved gnocchi water will help create a beautifully silky, clinging consistency.

Can I add vegetables or protein?

Absolutely—try tossing in wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked chicken for a heartier meal. Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi is super versatile and takes well to all sorts of additions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dish that brings cozy vibes and big flavor with very little fuss, Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi is calling your name. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes the star of your dinner table—you’ll find yourself coming back to this creamy, dreamy comfort food every chance you get!

Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi dish. The creamy sauce infused with roasted garlic is a perfect complement to the pillowy potato gnocchi, creating a satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Instructions

Roasted Garlic
Preheat oven to 400°. Cut the tops off the garlic just enough to expose the cloves. Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over each bulb and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi
Fill a pot with salted water large enough to boil the gnocchi. Bring to a boil, but don’t drop the gnocchi just yet; they only take a few minutes to cook.

In a pan over medium to low heat, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced shallots and cook down for 3-5 minutes until soft, fragrant, but not brown.

Add in flour and mix to combine. Cook for another 3 minutes. Add in the broth and mix thoroughly incorporating the cooked flour into the broth.

Drop the gnocchi in the boiling water and cook until they float. Depending on the brand and if they are fresh or not, this may take 2-3 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the water.

Add in the roasted garlic, either by squeezing the cooled-down bulb over the pan or by extracting out every clove (the first is easier). Add the black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the broth has thickened.

Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook for 1 minute before dropping the gnocchi in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved gnocchi water. Toss to coat gnocchi and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Oven
Cuisine: Italian