15-Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi: The Ultimate Fast Comfort Food

When you need dinner on the table fast but still crave something rich, cozy, and satisfying, 15-Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi is the answer. Soft, pillowy gnocchi coated in a luxurious garlic Alfredo sauce come together in one pan in less time than it takes to boil traditional pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is shockingly easy — perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute meals, or comfort food cravings.

Gnocchi cook quickly, absorb sauce beautifully, and deliver a restaurant-quality texture with minimal effort. Paired with a classic Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, garlic, and parmesan, this dish becomes a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why Gnocchi Is Perfect for Quick Alfredo Dishes

Unlike dried pasta, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi cook in just a few minutes. Their soft, slightly chewy texture soaks up creamy sauces better than most pasta shapes, making them ideal for fast, sauce-forward meals.

Because the gnocchi cook directly in the sauce, the starch they release helps naturally thicken the Alfredo, eliminating the need for flour or cornstarch. This means fewer steps, fewer dishes, and richer flavor.

Ingredients for 15-Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 16 ounces shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions: How to Make Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi in 15 Minutes

1. Melt the Butter
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the Cream
   Pour in heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
   Add gnocchi directly to the simmering cream. Stir gently and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until gnocchi are tender and floating.
4. Finish the Sauce
   Reduce heat to low. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
5. Serve Immediately
   Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and extra parmesan, and serve hot.

15-Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi

A quick and comforting gnocchi dish tossed in a rich garlic Alfredo sauce, ready in just 15 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 510

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 16 oz gnocchi

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic briefly.
2. Add cream, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer.
3. Add gnocchi and cook until tender.
4. Stir in parmesan until sauce thickens.
5. Serve immediately with parsley and extra cheese.

Notes

Serve immediately for best texture.

Tips for Perfect Alfredo Gnocchi

• Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth sauce
• Keep heat low once cheese is added
• Sauce thickens quickly — serve right away
• Add a splash of cream if sauce becomes too thick

Easy Variations

• Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi: Add cooked chicken
• Spinach Alfredo: Stir in fresh spinach at the end
• Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi: Add sautéed shrimp
• Lemon Alfredo: Add lemon zest for brightness

What to Serve with Alfredo Gnocchi

This dish pairs well with:

• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread

It’s rich on its own, so lighter sides work best.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
• Reheat: Gently on the stovetop with added cream
• Not freezer-friendly due to cream sauce

Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Winner

Fast, creamy, and endlessly customizable, 15-Minute Creamy Alfredo Gnocchi delivers big comfort with minimal effort. It’s proof that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated — just smart ingredients and simple technique.