If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal, Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp is a perfect choice. This dish combines soft, pillowy gnocchi and succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to impress your family or guests. Let’s dive into why you should make this delightful recipe!
Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp is not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors from the garlic, parmesan, and shrimp creates a rich dish that feels luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the spinach or kale, if you choose to add them.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound fresh raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1-¾ cup half & half
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Cook gnocchi according to the package directions and drain.
- While the gnocchi cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Return the skillet to heat and add in the baby spinach or kale, if you are using it. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until wilted. If needed, add a little more olive oil. Remove the greens from the skillet and set them aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter back in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until it turns golden.
- Slowly whisk in the half & half and bring to a simmer, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens. Whisk frequently to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Add the shrimp, greens, and gnocchi to the sauce, and toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp
Serve the Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little kick. This dish pairs well with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp
To store leftovers, place the dish in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp
- For extra flavor, try adding some lemon juice or zest when you finish cooking the sauce.
- If you like a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fresh parmesan cheese will give the best flavor, but pre-grated cheese will also work in a pinch.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or even mushrooms. Substitute the shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different protein choice.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Is gnocchi gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi is not gluten-free because it’s made from wheat flour. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi in stores or make your own.
3. How can I make this dish lighter?
To make it lighter, you can use low-fat milk instead of half & half and reduce the amount of butter. You can also skip the cheese or use a smaller amount.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or any of your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Enjoy making this wonderful dish and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi with Shrimp
Ingredients
Pasta and proteins
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 1 pound fresh raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Cooking fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon for shrimp, 2 tablespoons for sauce
Vegetables and seasonings
- 4 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (optional) You may choose to include this or not.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Crushed red pepper for garnish (optional) Add for a little kick.
Sauce base
- 1.75 cups half & half
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Fresh is recommended for best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook gnocchi according to the package directions and drain.
- While the gnocchi cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Return the skillet to heat and add in the baby spinach or kale, if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove the greens from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Sauce
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter back in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until it turns golden.
- Slowly whisk in the half & half and bring to a simmer, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Combining
- Add the shrimp, greens, and gnocchi to the sauce, and toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
