Gnocchi Carbonara
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.
Servings 2 people
Equipment
- Medium sized pot
- small mixing bowl
- whisk
- Grater
- cutting board
- knife
- Cast iron skillet
- Measuring cups, spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb package Gnocchi
- ¼ cup chopped pancetta, salami, or ham (if using ham, add a teaspoon to cook)
- 1 whole egg
- ⅛ teaspoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup frozen 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 c 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 c parmesan cheese into bowl, and add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to egg. Whisk until all incorporated. Set aside.
- 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 pasta water ¼ cup at a time to thin out the sauce. Return to low heat, simmer until sauce is desired thickness.
- 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.