Indulge in the best of Italian cuisine with this delightful twist on traditional carbonara—Gnocchi filled with creamy carbonara sauce! These little potato pillows stuffed with savory carbonara are topped with crispy pancetta and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Comfort food doesn’t get any better than this!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, boiled and riced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Carbonara Filling:
- 2 eggs + 1 yolk
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano, finely grated
- 150g guanciale, diced and cooked until crispy
- Black pepper, freshly ground
Sauce & Topping:
- 4 oz guanciale, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Extra Pecorino Romano for garnish
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Preparation: Begin by boiling the potatoes until tender. Peel and rice them while still hot, allowing steam to escape. Mix potatoes with flour, salt, and nutmeg. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
For the Carbonara filling, whisk eggs, egg yolk, pecorino, and pepper. Set aside.
Roll dough into a thin layer and cut out small rounds. Place a small amount of Carbonara filling on each dough circle and gently fold to form gnocchi, sealing edges carefully.
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook gnocchi until they float. Meanwhile, sauté pancetta until crisp, then add garlic briefly. Toss cooked gnocchi into the pan with pancetta and garlic. Remove from heat and quickly stir in egg and cheese mixture, tossing gently to coat and form a silky sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with crispy pancetta, additional Pecorino, freshly cracked pepper, and herbs. Enjoy!
Tips for Success: Ensure potatoes are not overly wet after boiling; excess moisture can make the dough sticky. Mix carbonara sauce off the heat to prevent eggs from scrambling. Serve immediately for optimal creaminess.
Why This Recipe Works: This Gnocchi Carbonara pairs the pillowy softness of potato gnocchi with the savory, creamy classic carbonara sauce. Crispy pancetta, sharp Pecorino Romano, and a touch of garlic create an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for a luxurious dinner that’s comforting yet impressively gourmet.