Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies

Millionaire Gnocchi is a luxurious take on a comfort food classic—pillowy gnocchi smothered in rich red sauce, topped with creamy herbed ricotta, and finished with a generous shower of golden crispies for texture and flair. It’s indulgent, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to make any dinner feel like a gourmet experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elevated Comfort Food – Classic gnocchi meets rich, restaurant-worthy flavors.
• Decadent Yet Easy – Fancy without being fussy—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
• Layered Textures – Soft gnocchi, creamy cheese, and crisp topping in every bite.
• Customizable – Easily adaptable for vegetarian, gluten-free, or protein-packed versions.
• Looks & Tastes Luxurious – True to its name, this dish feels like a million bucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• Tomato paste
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil or oregano

For the Herbed Ricotta:

• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
• Lemon zest
• Salt and pepper

For the Golden Crispies:

• Panko breadcrumbs or crushed croutons
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic powder
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Red Sauce – In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sauté until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Add fresh herbs at the end.
2. Cook the Gnocchi – Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float (2–3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Herbed Ricotta – In a bowl, mix ricotta with chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
4. Toast the Crispies – In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add panko, garlic powder, and Parmesan (if using). Toast until golden brown and crispy.
5. Combine and Assemble – Toss gnocchi in the red sauce. Plate and add dollops of herbed ricotta. Sprinkle generously with golden crispies and garnish with extra herbs.
6. Serve Immediately – Enjoy warm for best texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add Calabrian chili paste or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Protein Boost – Stir in sautéed Italian sausage or grilled chicken.
• Vegan Version – Use vegan ricotta and dairy-free Parmesan for crispies.
• Creamy Tomato Sauce – Add a splash of cream or cashew cream to the red sauce.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free gnocchi and breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store components separately for best results. Gnocchi with sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gnocchi gently in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce. Ricotta and crispies should be added fresh.
• Freezing: Gnocchi and red sauce freeze well; freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Do not freeze ricotta or crispies.

FAQs

What makes this gnocchi “Millionaire” style?

It’s the luxe layering—creamy herbed ricotta, rich tomato sauce, and crispy topping elevate it far beyond the basics.

Can I make this with store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi both work perfectly.

Can I bake this dish?

Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese and crispies, and broil for 2–3 minutes.

How do I make the gnocchi extra crispy?

Pan-fry boiled gnocchi in olive oil until golden before tossing in the sauce.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, just ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use marinara sauce instead?

You can, though a homemade red sauce will taste fresher and richer.

What’s a good substitute for ricotta?

Whipped cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used in place of ricotta.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prep the components separately and assemble when ready to serve.

What are golden crispies made of?

They’re toasted panko breadcrumbs with seasonings and optional Parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, just cook them down longer to achieve the same richness.

Conclusion

Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies is the definition of indulgent comfort food made easy. Each element adds a layer of flavor and texture that transforms a humble gnocchi dish into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, dinner party, or a solo cozy night in, this is the kind of meal that feels—and tastes—like a million bucks.

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