Gnocchi Carbonara with Bacon Parmesan (Printable)
Pillowy gnocchi meets rich, creamy carbonara sauce with crispy bacon and plenty of aged Parmesan cheese for ultimate comfort.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Gnocchi
01 - 1.1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
→ Carbonara Sauce
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1 large egg yolk
04 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Bacon
07 - 5 oz bacon or pancetta, diced
→ Garnish
08 - Extra Parmesan, for serving
09 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
04 - Cook the gnocchi in the boiling water according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface (2–3 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the gnocchi.
05 - Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet with bacon and toss over low heat to coat in the bacon fat.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the gnocchi, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy bacon and pillowy gnocchi create an irresistible texture contrast that keeps you coming back for seconds
- This carbonara comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- The pan must be off the heat when adding eggs or they will scramble instead of creating a silky sauce
- Pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor
03 -
- Use the finest holes on your grater for the Parmesan to help it melt smoothly into the sauce
- If the sauce seems too thick, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time while tossing vigorously