This creamy, pillowy gnocchi carbonara is an easy fancy meal you can make at home. It's done in about 30 minutes, and has deep buttery, meaty flavors. It's a simple gnocchi version of the tried and true lemon carbonara.
¼cupchopped pancetta, salami, or ham(if using ham, add a teaspoon to cook)
1wholeegg
⅛teaspoongrated parmesan cheese
1-2teaspoonslemon juice
1cupfrozen broccoli or green beans(optional)
Instructions
Boil 16 oz (1 lb) gnocchi according to package directions.
While gnocchi is cooking, heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add ¼ cup chopped meat (pancetta, chopped hard salami, ham) to hot cast iron skillet. Cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. (if using chopped ham, add 1 teaspoon oil to pan).
While meat and gnocchi are cooking, mix sauce. Crack an egg into a small mixing bowl, grate ⅛ cup parmesan cheese into bowl, add about 1 Tablespoon hot gnocchi water, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice to egg. Whisk until all incorporated. Set aside.Adding gnocchi water will help temper the sauce so it's less likely to turn into scrambled eggs in the pan.
When gnocchi has been floating for 30 seconds, drain water. Save 1 cup of remaining gnocchi water, and set aside. Add cooked gnocchi to meat in the cast iron skillet. Spread gnocchi out into a single layer on pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until gnocchi is browned on at least one side.
Once one side is crispy and browned, remove from heat then add egg mixture. Mix gnocchi and egg mixture until well incorporated. Add gnocchi water ¼ cup at a time to thin out the sauce. Return to low heat, simmer until sauce is desired thickness.Adding reserved pasta water thins out the sauce just enough, and will help it stick to the gnocchi and meat. It's key to a nice, silky sauce.
Serve immediately, garnish with parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Video
Notes
If using chopped ham, add 1 teaspoon oil to pan
Save lemon to add more to finished gnocchi, if desired.
REMOVE from heat before adding egg mixture, unless you want scrambled egg carbonara.
Taste gnocchi, if it's too rich, add in some frozen vegetables and mix all together. This will spread the sauce over more and it won't be as rich in flavor.