Creamy & Flavorful Prime Rib Garlic Gnocchi

Imagine coming home after a long day and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of tender prime rib, roasted to perfection, paired with pillowy gnocchi drenched in a creamy, garlicky sauce. This dish is comfort food elevated—perfect for a cozy evening with family, a special weekend dinner, or even a celebratory meal that impresses without stress. Inspired by traditional Italian flavors and the joy of making use of leftover prime rib, this recipe combines rich, savory beef with soft, buttery gnocchi and a luxurious garlic cream sauce. Every bite delivers warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence, making it a dish that will quickly become a household favorite.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a home chef looking to create a memorable meal, this recipe shows how simple ingredients can come together to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked prime rib, thinly sliced or shredded

• 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the gnocchi: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Properly salting the water is crucial, as it seasons the gnocchi from the inside out and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Once the water reaches a boil, carefully add the gnocchi, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. If you are using fresh homemade gnocchi, they may cook faster than store-bought varieties, so keep a close eye on them. The gnocchi are done when they rise to the surface of the water, usually within 2–3 minutes for fresh ones and 3–5 minutes for store-bought. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and transfer them to a colander to drain. Shake gently to remove excess water, but don’t let them sit too long or they may become sticky. Set aside while you prepare the flavorful sauce that will bring the dish together.

Cook the aromatics: In a large, deep skillet, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil together over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil adds richness while preventing the butter from burning. Once the butter has melted and starts to sizzle gently, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, translucent, and slightly golden, which usually takes about 4–5 minutes. This step is essential because it builds the foundational flavor for the sauce. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly and can become bitter if overcooked, so allow it to sauté for just 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and aromatic. The kitchen should now be filled with a rich, savory scent that signals the start of something delicious.

Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low before adding the heavy cream to the skillet. Slowly pour it in while stirring continuously to incorporate it evenly with the butter, olive oil, onions, and garlic. The cream will immediately start to thicken as it warms, so keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Once the cream is smooth, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts completely and combines with the cream to form a silky, luxurious sauce. For a subtle depth of flavor, whisk in the Dijon mustard, which will cut through the richness slightly while adding complexity. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce should thicken to coat the back of a spoon, forming a creamy consistency that will cling perfectly to the gnocchi and prime rib. Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of salt, and optional red pepper flakes if you want a mild hint of heat. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

Combine prime rib and gnocchi: Once your sauce is ready, add the thinly sliced or shredded prime rib to the skillet. Stir it gently into the sauce, allowing the beef to warm and absorb the creamy garlic flavors. Then, add the drained gnocchi, folding them carefully into the sauce. Use a gentle tossing motion to ensure that every piece of gnocchi and every slice of prime rib is evenly coated with the rich, garlicky cream sauce. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that each bite will be perfectly balanced. Continue heating the mixture for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is thoroughly warmed through but not overcooked.

Serve and garnish: Transfer the creamy prime rib gnocchi onto individual serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant splash of color and a subtle freshness that complements the richness of the sauce. If desired, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of cheesy indulgence.

Enjoy: Serve immediately while the dish is warm and the sauce is perfectly creamy. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light side to balance the richness of the gnocchi and prime rib. The combination of tender beef, soft gnocchi, and creamy garlic sauce will delight everyone at the table, making each bite comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Notes

• Leftover prime rib works perfectly for this recipe, making it an excellent way to repurpose Sunday dinner or holiday roast leftovers.

• Gnocchi tip: For an extra crisp exterior, lightly pan-fry cooked gnocchi in butter before tossing in the sauce.

• Cheese options: Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano can add a sharper, tangy flavor.

• Vegetable additions: Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes can be stirred into the sauce for more color and nutrition.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances rich flavors with satisfying textures. The prime rib adds savory depth, while the gnocchi provides soft, tender bites that soak up the creamy sauce. Garlic and Parmesan elevate the dish, adding familiar Italian flavors without overwhelming the palate. The Dijon mustard brightens the creaminess with a subtle tang, making the sauce indulgent but not cloying.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility: it’s equally suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for entertaining guests. You can make it entirely from scratch, or use leftover prime rib for a quick, effortless version that feels gourmet.

Tips for Perfect Gnocchi

1. Don’t overcook: Gnocchi cooks very quickly; they are done once they float to the surface. Overcooking can make them mushy.

2. Dry before sautéing: If pan-frying, ensure gnocchi is well-drained to avoid a watery skillet.

3. Sauce adherence: Lightly tossing gnocchi in a bit of butter before adding the cream sauce helps it absorb flavors evenly.

Pairing Suggestions

• Side dishes: Roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a fresh arugula salad complement the richness of the creamy sauce.

• Bread: Warm crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

• Beverage: Serve with sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes! While gnocchi provides a soft, pillowy texture, this creamy prime rib sauce works well with fettuccine, penne, or pappardelle. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type.

2. How do I make this recipe lighter?
To reduce calories, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You can also sauté additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to bulk up the dish and add fiber.

3. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, the sauce and prime rib can be prepared a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then toss in freshly cooked gnocchi just before serving. This keeps the texture soft and prevents the gnocchi from becoming mushy.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended for gnocchi in creamy sauces as the texture may become gummy when thawed. However, the prime rib and sauce alone can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop and cook gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.

This Creamy & Flavorful Prime Rib Garlic Gnocchi recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings comfort, elegance, and indulgence together in one dish that’s easy enough for home cooking yet impressive enough for special occasions. The combination of tender prime rib, soft gnocchi, and garlicky cream sauce makes every bite satisfying and memorable.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish will become a go-to for celebrations, cozy dinners, and whenever you crave a little culinary luxury. Try it tonight and enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures that only a homemade prime rib garlic gnocchi can deliver.

Creamy & Flavorful Prime Rib Garlic Gnocchi

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and indulgent dish perfect for cozy evenings, weekend dinners, or any time you want to turn leftover prime rib into a restaurant-quality meal. This recipe combines tender prime rib with soft gnocchi, all coated in a rich and garlicky cream sauce that will delight the senses and warm the soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked prime rib, thinly sliced or shredded

• 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

• In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

• Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

• Add the cooked prime rib and gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi and beef evenly in the creamy garlic sauce. Heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is warmed through.

• Transfer the creamy prime rib gnocchi to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese.

• Serve immediately while warm. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

 

• Leftover prime rib works perfectly for this recipe.

• For an extra crisp exterior, lightly pan-fry cooked gnocchi in butter before adding the sauce.

• Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

• Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Michelle Davis