There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug, and for me, a comforting skillet meal definitely fits the bill. Today, we’re taking those pillowy soft gnocchi and transforming them into a savory, cheesy, and utterly irresistible meal with my recipe for Stuffed Bacon & Cheese Gnocchi Skillet. This isn’t just a simple pasta dish; it’s packed with crispy bacon, aromatic veggies, and a triple threat of melted cheeses, all cooked to perfection in one pan. Get ready for a dish that’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort, and this Stuffed Bacon & Cheese Gnocchi Skillet perfectly embodies that philosophy. What makes me truly passionate about this recipe is the way the smoky, savory bacon infuses every single bite, from the initial sizzle in the pan to the final cheesy mouthful. The combination of tender gnocchi with the creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan creates a texture and flavor profile that’s just heavenly. It’s incredibly satisfying, comes together in one skillet (hello, easy cleanup!), and feels wonderfully indulgent without being complicated. This dish is pure comfort food magic!

Ingredients

To whip up this amazing gnocchi skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 lb gnocchi (potato gnocchi, usually found in the pasta aisle)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Gnocchi: While potato gnocchi is classic, you can experiment with sweet potato or even cauliflower gnocchi for a slight twist.
• Bacon: For a different flavor profile, you could use pancetta or even cooked crumbled sausage. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil, perhaps adding some smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
• Cheeses: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta creates a rich and creamy texture, but feel free to experiment. A touch of provolone or fontina could also be delicious.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach (wilt it in with the onion and garlic), or even some sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Sauce: While this recipe focuses on a cheesy skillet, you could easily add a half-cup of your favorite marinara sauce to the mix for a tomato-infused version.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Cook Gnocchi: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (this is usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface). Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
2. Cook Bacon: While the gnocchi is cooking, place a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or an oven-safe non-stick pan) over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s wonderfully crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
4. Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked gnocchi, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and the chopped fresh parsley to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
5. Add Bacon & Season: Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined and the gnocchi is coated in the cheesy goodness.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet (if it’s not already oven-safe) to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with a little extra fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy your delicious Stuffed Bacon & Cheese Gnocchi Skillet!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. Once they float, they’re usually done. Overcooked gnocchi can be gummy.
• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This is key for the one-pan magic! If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before the final bake.
• Crispy Bacon: The texture of crispy bacon is crucial here. Don’t undercook it!
• Taste Before Baking: Always taste the gnocchi mixture after seasoning and before baking to ensure the salt and pepper are just right.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Stuffed Bacon & Cheese Gnocchi Skillet is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. To round out the meal, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi and cheese. A piece of crusty bread for dipping into any leftover cheesy goodness is also always a good idea.

For drink pairings, a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-to-medium bodied red like a Sangiovese would complement the flavors beautifully.

If you enjoy comforting pasta dishes and one-pan wonders, check out these other recipes:

• For a foundational sauce, master my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you’re a fan of cheesy baked pasta, my Instant Pot Lasagna is a game-changer for speed and ease.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Stuffed Bacon & Cheese Gnocchi Skillet is still delicious! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or for best results, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry.

More Recipes You Will Love

If this cheesy, savory gnocchi skillet hit the spot, you’ll find plenty more to savor on Chef Maniac:

• For another crowd-pleasing, cheesy dish, my Crockpot Nacho Dip is always a hit at parties.
• And if you’re into delicious, easy, one-pan dinners, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite.
• Finally, for another cozy and crowd-pleasing meal, my Chicken Enchiladas are a must-try!

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Bacon & Cheese Gnocchi Skillet is truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet decadent enough for a special meal. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this comforting skillet as much as I do!

What are your favorite quick skillet meals? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for more amazing recipes!