Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of classic Italian cuisine with a modern, health-conscious twist - our Cauliflower Gnocchi with Bacon and Quick Alfredo Sauce is about to become your new obsession! This recipe transforms the humble cauliflower into a luxurious, crispy gnocchi that's smothered in a decadent, creamy sauce and topped with irresistible crispy bacon. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the guilt, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cauliflower gnocchi
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: chop the bacon into small pieces, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese if not already done.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crisp and golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Reduce heat to low and let the cream slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the frozen cauliflower gnocchi directly to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the gnocchi and sauce, giving a final gentle stir to combine all ingredients.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, pat the frozen gnocchi dry before cooking to help achieve a golden exterior.
- Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor in your Alfredo sauce.
- Watch the garlic carefully when sautéing - it can burn quickly and turn bitter.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little pasta water or additional cream.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Ensure your skillet is at medium heat to prevent burning the bacon and garlic.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the gnocchi at its crispiest and the sauce at its creamiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
