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Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnuts

Gnocchi in creamy Gorgonzola sauce with walnuts, topped with crispy pancetta.  Elegant Italian cuisine, perfect for that special  occasion dinner.

Gnocchi with gorgonzola, walnuts and pancetta on serving plate.

This was our special Valentine's Day dinner, gnocchi with Gorgonzola and walnut sauce, topped with crispy pancetta.  It was outrageous.  Meathead declared it the best thing I've ever made.

Finished gnocchi gorgonzola in pan.

Here's why this is so good.  It's classic and simple Italian food using just a few really high quality ingredients, adapted from Marcella Hazan.  I really believe that you get out what you put in.

Wedge of gorgonzola cheese surrounded by walnuts.

I know this sounds really rich and it is, but in a good way.  By that, I mean that this is not a gloppy, thick sauce coating the beautiful gnocchi.  The sauce is creamy and flavorful and rich and not at all heavy.  The proportions of butter, cream and cheese are just right.  To gild the lily, crispy pancetta is sprinkled over the top of the finished gnocchi.  Wow.

How to make creamy gnocchi gorgonzola

Pancetta crisping in skillet.

Step 1: Cook pancetta until brown and crisp, remove to drain on paper towels and set aside.

Photo collage, steps to making cream sauce.

Step 2: Bring water to boil for gnocchi.  In large skillet, cook Gorgonzola, milk and butter over low heat until sauce has a creamy, smooth consistency.

Photo collage, steps to finish assembling the gnocchi in skillt.

Step 3: Simmer gnocchi in boiling water until they float.  Stir heavy cream into sauce and cook over medium heat.  Add gnocchi to pan, toss gently to coat and then add walnuts and parmesan cheese, tossing until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.  Top with reserved walnuts, pancetta and cracked pepper.

Finished gnosshi in skillet with wooden spoon.

Recipes Notes and Tips

  • Use Gorgonzola Dolce cheese.  It's creamier and melts better than regular gorgonzola, avoid the packages of crumbles.
  • Store-bought gnocchi is just fine.  If you like to make your own gnocchi, go for it!  I use packaged gnocchi that you can easily find in the pasta aisle, an imported brand being ideal.
  • Toast the walnuts first.  Toast the walnuts in the oven first, about 6-8 minutes at 375º.  It makes crispy walnuts with better flavor, not chewy ones.
  • Pancetta is best, but if for any reason you can't find any, bacon will work.

This kind of dish screams special occasion to me.  I don't think I would make this during the week, but I would to celebrate something or for friends over for dinner.  Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnut sauce, go for it! ~ Kelly🍴🐦

Close up of gnocchi gorgonzola in serving dish.

A couple other recipes to try for a special occasion are Braised Chicken with Artichokes and Chicken in Mustard Sauce.

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UPDATED: Originally posted in February, 2016, spruced up with new photos and copy in February, 2020, no changes to original recipe.

Finished gnocchi gorgonzola in pan.

Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnuts

Gnocchi in creamy gorgonzola sauce with walnuts, topped with crispy pancetta. Elegant Italian cuisine, perfect for that special dinner.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 767kcal

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • ¼ pound good quality Gorgonzola, preferably dolce, it should be creamy, not crumbly
  • cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter, preferably a premium grass fed butter
  • Kosher salt
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • One 16-ounce (1 lb) package potato gnocchi, I used Delallo brand, or frozen or homemade gnocchi
  • cup freshly grated Parmiaggiano-Reggiano
  • 4 ounces pancetta, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • In a large nonstick skillet, cook pancetta until brown and crisp, careful not to burn. Remove to paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi.
  • In a large skillet, add the Gorgonzola, milk, butter and a couple of pinches of salt, and turn heat on to low. Stir with a wooden spoon, and as it begins to melt, start smashing it with the back of the spoon, incorporating it with the milk and butter. Cook for a minute or two until the sauce has a creamy consistency. Take off the heat until ready to drain the gnocchi.
  • Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and simmer, they are done when they float to the top, about 3 or 4 minutes. When gnocchi are almost done, add the heavy cream to the sauce and cook over medium heat until just slightly reduced and incorporated. Remove gnocchi with a large scoop strainer and put into pan, or drain in a colander and then add to the sauce in the pan. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi. Add walnuts, reserving some to sprinkle on top, and finely grated Parmesan and toss well until it melts. Transfer to a serving dish and top with reserved walnuts and crisped pancetta, and a little freshly cracked pepper. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • Use Gorgonzola Dolce cheese.
  • Store-bought gnocchi is fine, or make your own homemade, if desired!
  • Toast the walnuts in the oven first, then coarsely chop.
  • Pancetta is best, but bacon will work.

Nutrition

Calories: 767kcal Carbohydrates: 46g Protein: 22g Fat: 57g Saturated Fat: 25g Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g Monounsaturated Fat: 15g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 104mg Sodium: 1115mg Potassium: 294mg Fiber: 4g Sugar: 3g Vitamin A: 1029IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 341mg Iron: 5mg
Did you make this recipe? Please comment, rate it and share! And mention me on Instagram @thehungrybluebird or tag #thehungrybluebird so I can see!

*Adapted from Marcella HazanThe Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




Bryan

Sunday 22nd of November 2020

Making right now. Did I miss where it says to add the cream? With the milk I believe.

Kelly

Sunday 22nd of November 2020

See step 4, add cream when the gnocchi is almost done.

Elly

Tuesday 8th of January 2019

I'm going to attempt this tonight! Is the proportion of cheese definitely correct? 1/4 pound of gorgonzola and 1/2 pound parmesan?

Kelly

Tuesday 8th of January 2019

It’s 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan as stated in the recipe, NOT 1/2 pound.

jo-marie frigo

Sunday 28th of February 2016

Looks delicious !!!! You're in for a gnocchi making dinner date!

Kelly

Sunday 28th of February 2016

Yes! Can't wait, you're the best!