Description
This Gnocchi Carbonara recipe delivers a creamy, comforting Italian classic made with pillowy gnocchi, crispy pancetta, and a luscious Parmesan-egg sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines simplicity with rich, satisfying flavors. Enjoy this versatile dish with optional additions like peas, spinach, or fresh parsley for a fresh twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500 grams gnocchi
- 150 grams pancetta, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 100 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley, a handful, chopped
- Guanciale as a substitute for pancetta
- Vegetables such as peas or spinach
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, which indicates they are done. Drain the gnocchi, reserving some of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release its aroma.
- Combine Gnocchi and Pancetta: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss the ingredients together to coat the gnocchi well. Remove the skillet from the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
- Prepare the Carbonara Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper. Pour this mixture quickly over the warm gnocchi in the skillet and toss gently but thoroughly to create a creamy sauce that clings to the gnocchi.
- Adjust Sauce and Serve: If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen it until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use guanciale as a traditional substitute for pancetta to deepen the flavor.
- Adding vegetables like peas or spinach can add freshness and color to the dish.
- Be careful to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambled eggs.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s creaminess and help it coat the gnocchi perfectly.
- Freshly ground black pepper is important for authentic carbonara flavor.
