Cozy Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Fans

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable skillet gnocchi mac and cheese that combines pillowy potato dumplings with creamy, melted cheese.

Soft, tender gnocchi nestles perfectly into a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure indulgence.

Each bite delivers a luxurious blend of classic mac and cheese flavors with an Italian-inspired twist.

The one-pan wonder makes weeknight dinners a breeze, eliminating multiple dishes and extra cleanup.

Crispy golden edges add a delightful crunch to the creamy interior, creating a textural symphony that will make mouths water.

Sharp cheddar and smooth mozzarella melt together, creating a decadent cheese sauce that clings to every gnocchi morsel.

Let’s find out this irresistible dish that transforms a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 558 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient List for Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

• Potato Gnocchi: Pillowy soft potato dumplings that create a hearty, comforting base with a delightful chewy texture; choose fresh or frozen for convenience and consistent results.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Bold, tangy cheeses that deliver rich, complex flavor and creamy meltability; select high-quality, freshly grated cheese for maximum taste and smooth sauce.
• Whole Milk or 2% Milk: Provides luxurious richness and helps create a velvety smooth cheese sauce; opt for fresh, high-fat content milk for best results.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds depth and silky texture to the sauce while allowing precise salt control; use European-style butter for enhanced flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a roux that thickens the sauce and provides a smooth, glossy consistency.
• Black Pepper, Paprika: Warm, aromatic spices that add depth and subtle heat to the dish; freshly ground pepper offers more intense flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a tangy, sharp note that enhances cheese flavor and adds complexity.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and elevates all other flavors; adjust to taste.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright, fresh herb garnish that adds color and a burst of herbal freshness to finish the dish.

Kitchen Essentials for Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

• Large pot: Essential for boiling gnocchi with plenty of water and salt.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce over medium heat.
• Whisk: Critical for blending roux and preventing lumps in sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked gnocchi quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding gnocchi into cheese sauce.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred cheddar and Parmesan cheese freshly.
• Oven-safe dish (optional): Useful for final broiling and serving.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Gnocchi Mac

• Pasta Water Prep

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in a generous amount of salt to create a flavorful bath for your gnocchi. The salty water will help boost the overall taste of your dish.

• Gnocchi Dance

Carefully drop the soft potato pillows into the boiling water. Watch them float to the surface like little clouds – this means they’re perfectly cooked. This usually takes just a few minutes, so keep a close eye on them.

• Butter Magic

In a separate pan, melt butter until it becomes wonderfully bubbly. The golden liquid will be the foundation of your creamy sauce, creating a rich base that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

• Sauce Symphony

Whisk in flour to create a silky smooth mixture. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent any pesky lumps from forming. The sauce will start to thicken and become luxuriously creamy.

• Cheese Explosion

Sprinkle in sharp cheddar and let it melt into pure deliciousness. Add a touch of Dijon mustard for a subtle kick that takes the flavor to the next level. Season with black pepper and a dash of paprika for extra warmth.

• Gnocchi Embrace

Gently fold the cooked gnocchi into the cheesy sauce, ensuring each little potato pillow gets a perfect coating. The combination will create a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.

• Final Flourish

Dust the top with Parmesan cheese and pop under the broiler for a few moments. Watch for a golden, bubbly top that promises crispy deliciousness. Sprinkle with fresh herbs to add a bright, fresh finish.

Tips to Make the Sauce Extra Cheesy and Smooth

• Elevate Your Comfort Meal
• Replace sharp cheddar with gruyère, fontina, or gouda for unique flavor profiles that transform the classic mac and cheese experience.
• Crisp up some pancetta, bacon bits, or cooked chicken and sprinkle on top for extra protein and delightful crunch that takes the dish to another level.
• Mix in roasted vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to add nutrition and depth without compromising the creamy texture.
• Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or herbs like thyme and rosemary to create exciting flavor variations that keep the dish interesting.
• Prepare the gnocchi mac and cheese in advance, store in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the oven to maintain its creamy consistency and rich taste.

Ideas for Serving Gnocchi Mac with a Twist

• Cozy Family Night Delight: Serve this skillet gnocchi mac and cheese as a comforting main dish for a relaxed family dinner, perfect for those chilly evenings when everyone craves something warm and cheesy.
• Gourmet Appetizer Twist: Transform the dish into bite-sized portions by using smaller skillet servings or individual ramekins, creating an elegant starter for dinner parties or gatherings with friends.
• Fresh Herb Paradise: Elevate the flavor and presentation by generously sprinkling extra fresh basil or parsley on top, adding a bright, aromatic touch that cuts through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the meal's nutritional value by mixing in crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken chunks, or sautéed shrimp to create a more substantial and protein-packed dinner option that satisfies hearty appetites.

How to Store This Skillet Dish the Right Way

• Weekend Prep Power: Cook gnocchi mac and cheese in advance during weekend batch cooking sessions. Portion into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout busy workweeks.
• Refrigerator Refresh Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat in microwave or skillet, adding small splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent sauce from becoming dry or grainy.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through and cheese bubbles beautifully.
• Portion Control Magic: Use smaller ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to create individual servings. These single-serve versions make meal planning easier and help manage precise nutritional portions for different dietary needs.

Creamy Skillet Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy skillet gnocchi mac and cheese delivers comfort in one delightful pan. Rich cheese sauce and pillowy potato dumplings create a hearty meal home cooks can quickly prepare and savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 packages (16 oz / 454 g) potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• 8 oz (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2.5 packed cups)
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole or 2% milk
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (75 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ⅓ tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
• Fresh basil or parsley leaves, finely chopped (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep Gnocchi: Bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook gnocchi until they float effortlessly, about 2-4 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
2. Create Roux: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth, pale base, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Build Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking vigorously until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat and blend in sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and glossy.
4. Season and Enhance: Incorporate Dijon mustard, black pepper, and paprika, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly. Fold in half the Parmesan cheese to deepen the sauce’s complexity.
5. Combine and Finish: Gently fold gnocchi into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each dumpling is luxuriously coated. Optional: Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and present immediately while the dish is piping hot and irresistibly creamy.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose potato gnocchi with smooth, uniform shape for even cooking and best texture.
• Cheese Selection: Use high-quality sharp cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor depth and smooth melting.
• Roux Technique: Whisk continuously while adding flour and milk to prevent lumps and achieve silky sauce consistency.
• Broiling Boost: Watch carefully during final broiling to achieve golden-brown crisp without burning the cheese sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 558
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 77 mg