Go Back
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped For this creamy Cajun gnocchi, you will need a mix of fresh and simple ingredients. First, grab a package of gnocchi. This soft pasta is the star of our dish. You also want a small onion, some garlic, and two bell peppers. One should be red, and the other green for color and taste. Next, let's talk about the creamy sauce. You need olive oil, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning. These will bring all the flavors together. You will also want to have some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on hand. This adds richness and a delicious finish. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to make it perfect. Finally, for a nice touch, have fresh parsley ready to chop. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to your dish. With these ingredients, you are set to create a delightful meal that is both creamy and full of zest! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. They usually float when done. Drain them and set aside. - In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent, about 2-3 minutes. - Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. - Mix in the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté them until tender, about 5-7 minutes. - Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. - Add the Cajun seasoning and mix thoroughly. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. - Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce. Stir until they are well-coated. - Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and makes the sauce creamy. - Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. To get the best gnocchi, avoid overcooking it. Cook the gnocchi until they float. This means they are done. If you cook them too long, they become mushy. For the best flavor, use freshly made gnocchi. Store-bought is fine, but fresh has more taste. You will enjoy the difference in texture. You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking. If you want more spice, add a bit more. If it's too hot, reduce it. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. It adds freshness and balances the creaminess. You will find that it lifts the flavors nicely. Creamy Cajun gnocchi pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. A salad adds crunch and freshness. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. Consider a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. This adds a rich flavor and a nice touch. Enjoy serving this dish to family and friends! Pro Tips Use Fresh Gnocchi: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable varieties. They cook quickly and offer a delightful bite. Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat in your dish by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning. Start with less and add more according to your taste preference. Perfect Creaminess: To achieve a luxuriously creamy sauce, let the heavy cream simmer gently before adding the cheese. This helps to meld the flavors beautifully. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of brightness. {{image_2}} You can add protein to this dish easily. Chicken or shrimp works great. Just sauté them until cooked before adding veggies. This makes the meal heartier and more filling. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes, then fry until golden. This adds a nice texture and protein boost to your creamy Cajun gnocchi. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options keep the dish rich and creamy. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. This is a great way to enjoy the same taste without dairy. Your creamy Cajun gnocchi will still be delicious and satisfying. If you like heat, you can amp up the spice. Simply increase the Cajun seasoning in the sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste. This way, each bite can bring the right amount of heat you enjoy. Store your creamy Cajun gnocchi in an airtight container. It keeps best in the fridge. Aim to eat it within three days for the best taste and texture. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat your gnocchi gently. You can use the stovetop or the microwave. If the sauce looks thick, add a splash of cream or water. This helps bring back the creamy goodness. You can freeze this dish before or after cooking. If you freeze it raw, shape the gnocchi as usual. For cooked gnocchi, let it cool first. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it like before, and it’ll taste delicious! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the gnocchi and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it. This makes your meal easy and quick. I love serving this dish with a few sides. A fresh salad adds crunch. Garlic bread gives a nice touch. A light vegetable side works well, too. These sides balance the creamy sauce. Absolutely, this recipe is great for meal prep. It cooks fast, and you can store it easily. The flavors deepen when it sits, making it even tastier for later. Just heat it up, and you’re good to go! This recipe for Creamy Cajun Gnocchi brings flavor and ease to your table. You learned how to cook gnocchi, sauté fresh vegetables, and create a creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your liking and try adding proteins or veggies. Store leftovers easily and enjoy them later. With simple steps and tips, you can impress anyone with this dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!

Creamy Cajun Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy dish with a Cajun twist, featuring gnocchi and colorful bell peppers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz gnocchi
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add Peppers: Mix in the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  • Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Cajun seasoning, mixing well. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Incorporate Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and gently stir until they are well-coated. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, gnocchi, pasta, vegetarian