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To make creamy red pepper gnocchi, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or store-bought) - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The gnocchi serves as the base, giving it a hearty feel. Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor. Heavy cream brings a rich, smooth texture to the sauce. Onion and garlic build the flavor foundation, while spices like oregano and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors, and fresh basil is a bright finish. Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice touch of saltiness. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Cut the red bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Place them cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the peppers for about 20 minutes. Look for the skins to be charred and blistered. Once done, take them out and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. This helps steam the peppers. After a few minutes, when they cool, peel off the skins. Set the roasted peppers aside for later. Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it turns translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing. Add the roasted red peppers to the skillet. Toss in the oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. Now, transfer the pepper mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour the puree back into the skillet. Add one cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. While you make the sauce, it's time to cook the gnocchi. Boil a large pot of salted water. Follow the package instructions for cooking the gnocchi. They usually float to the surface when done, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Once they float, drain the gnocchi. Gently fold the gnocchi into the creamy red pepper sauce. Let them soak up the flavors for about a minute. Now, you're ready to serve this delightful dish! To make the sauce just right, adjust the flavors with seasonings. A pinch of salt enhances taste. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. If you want more heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes. For texture, ensure the heavy cream blends well. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Aim for a smooth and creamy consistency. When choosing gnocchi, fresh options taste great. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and works well, too. To cook gnocchi, boil water in a large pot. Add salt once it starts bubbling. Gnocchi cooks quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes. Watch for them to float to the top. This means they are done! Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep an eye on them. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Fresh basil leaves add color and freshness to the plate. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor, too. For a beautiful dish, serve the gnocchi in a shallow bowl. Add extra sauce on top to make it look inviting. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. Pro Tips Roasting Peppers: Roasting the peppers until the skins are charred enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the sauce. Gnocchi Cooking: Make sure to cook the gnocchi in well-salted water, as this adds flavor and helps them taste even better. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a delicious twist. Fresh Basil: Adding fresh basil at the end preserves its vibrant flavor, making your dish aromatic and refreshing. {{image_2}} You can boost your creamy red pepper gnocchi by adding protein. Chicken works well. Simply grill or sauté diced chicken breast until cooked. Toss it in with the gnocchi for a hearty meal. Shrimp is another great option. Cook shrimp until pink and tender, then mix it in. If you prefer vegetarian choices, consider adding chickpeas or lentils. They are filling and tasty. Tofu is also a great choice. Use firm tofu, sauté until golden, and add it to the dish. Adding vegetables gives your dish more color and nutrition. Spinach is a lovely choice. Toss fresh spinach into the sauce just before serving, allowing it to wilt slightly. You can also add peas for sweetness. They cook quickly and add a lovely pop of color. When adding extra vegetables, keep the flavors balanced. If you add more veggies, taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning if needed. This keeps your dish flavorful and bright. If you like heat, there are many ways to spice up your gnocchi. Try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. For a smoky flavor, add more smoked paprika. For those who enjoy a kick, consider fresh jalapeños. Chop them finely and stir them into the sauce. This gives a fresh, zesty taste that pairs well with the creamy sauce. To keep your creamy red pepper gnocchi fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the gnocchi completely before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make the dish soggy. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options. You can use the stove, microwave, or oven. If you choose the stove, heat it on low. Add a splash of cream or broth. This keeps it moist and creamy. Stir gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. Avoid overheating to keep the gnocchi from becoming mushy. You can freeze creamy red pepper gnocchi for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, place the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stove or microwave as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures a tasty meal anytime! Gnocchi is made from simple ingredients. Here are the common ones: - Potatoes - Flour - Eggs - Salt Some recipes may vary. You can find gluten-free options too. Gnocchi has a soft and chewy texture. This makes it perfect for soaking up sauces. Yes, jarred roasted red peppers work well. They save time and effort. Here are some pros and cons: Advantages: - Ready to use - No peeling required - Great flavor Disadvantages: - May have added preservatives - Taste can differ from fresh Using jarred peppers can make cooking easier, but fresh ones offer a better taste. To make creamy red pepper gnocchi vegan, swap out a few ingredients: - Use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. - Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version. - Ensure the gnocchi does not contain eggs. These simple swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious, while being friendly to a vegan diet. This blog post covered a flavorful creamy red pepper gnocchi recipe. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and smart tips for making it perfect. Exploring variations, you now know how to customize the dish to your taste. Plus, we shared storage tricks for enjoying leftovers later. In closing, this dish is easy and versatile. You can impress anyone with your cooking skills. Dive in, have fun, and enjoy every bite!

Creamy Red Pepper Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy gnocchi dish made with roasted red peppers and a rich sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
  • 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by roasting the red bell peppers. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Cut the peppers in half, remove seeds, and place them cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 20 minutes or until the skins are charred and blistered. Remove from the oven and place the peppers in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap to steam. Once cooled, peel off the skins and set the peppers aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the roasted red peppers to the skillet and stir in the oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Transfer the pepper mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the puree to the skillet and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • While preparing the sauce, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. They will be done when they float to the surface, usually within 2-3 minutes.
  • Drain the gnocchi and gently fold them into the creamy red pepper sauce, allowing them to soak up the flavors for a minute.
  • Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword creamy sauce, gnocchi, red pepper, vegetarian