Description
A rich and creamy Spicy Tomato Gnocchi with crispy bacon, simmered in a flavorful tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, white wine, and Italian spices. This comforting dish balances the tender potato gnocchi with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and the freshness of basil, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small handful fresh basil, sliced thin or torn
Liquids & Sauces
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup DeLallo Double Concentrated Tomato Paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound DeLallo Potato Gnocchi (uncooked)
Optional Toppings
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for ease. Place bacon pieces in a skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the pan for cooking the sauce.
- Sauté Onion: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Wine: Stir in the minced garlic and pour in the dry white wine. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, heavy cream, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate them into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Cook Gnocchi in Sauce: Once the sauce comes to a gentle boil, add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly to the skillet. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi are fully cooked and tender.
- Combine Bacon and Basil: Stir the crispy cooked bacon and fresh basil into the gnocchi and sauce mixture. This adds flavor and freshness to the dish.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the gnocchi immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired for an added savory richness.
Notes
- You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your desired spice level.
- If unavailable, substitute dry white wine with extra chicken broth or a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried Italian herbs if needed, but fresh gives the best flavor.