Description
This baked gnocchi dish combines tender gnocchi with sautéed leeks and Brussels sprouts, all enveloped in a creamy parmesan sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts sliced thinly
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the gnocchi mixture later on.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Leeks: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Brussels Sprouts: Stir in the minced garlic and halved Brussels sprouts, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sprouts are tender but not mushy.
- Combine Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the cooked gnocchi, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything together thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the skillet mixture to create a crunchy topping after baking.
- Bake: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi based on your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding some grated nutmeg to the cream mixture.
- If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the sautéed mixture to a baking dish before topping and baking.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
