Why This One-Pot Meal Belongs in Your Weekly Dinner Rotation
Looking for a quick dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? This one-pot wonder brings a delightful combo of creamy gnocchi, crispy bacon, and sweet maple syrup. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a bowl and savor every single bite.
With minimal prep and just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time but craving something cozy. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup—it all comes together in one skillet!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen already. Let’s break it down:
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for crisping gnocchi)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra maple drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
This meal is designed to be fast, easy, and super satisfying. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat for 4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the gnocchi directly to the pan and toss it in the remaining grease. If needed, add a drizzle of olive oil to help it crisp. Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the outsides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5–6 minutes, until the gnocchi is soft and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Stir in the crispy bacon, Parmesan cheese, and maple syrup. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Top with parsley and serve hot, maybe with a little extra syrup if you’re feeling indulgent!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Insanely Quick
It takes only 20 minutes from step one to dinner on the table. Busy evenings just got a whole lot tastier.
Sweet Meets Savory
There’s something magical about the way rich bacon and maple syrup play off each other. It’s the salty-sweet harmony you didn’t know you needed.
Only One Pan
No pile of dishes staring you down afterward. Everything cooks up right in a single skillet.
Creamy and Cozy
This isn’t just food—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for cold nights or comfort cravings.
Tips For the Best Results
Use Good-Quality Bacon
Thick-cut bacon adds better texture and a deeper flavor. It also gives you more of those tasty, crispy bits.
Maple Makes a Difference
Go for 100% pure maple syrup—not pancake syrup. The real stuff packs in a richer, woodsy sweetness.
Finish Over Low Heat
Once the cream goes in, reduce the heat to low. You want it to simmer gently to avoid curdling.
Tweak the Sauce
If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. It should coat the gnocchi but not drown it.
Ways to Customize
- Add Veggies: Toss in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra color and fiber.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the onions and garlic.
- Swap the Cream: Try coconut cream or cashew milk for a lactose-free twist.
- Change the Protein: Don’t eat pork? Turkey bacon or pancetta work beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm gently in a nonstick skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezer
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce. The texture tends to change once thawed.
Make It a Complete Meal
While this dish feels hearty on its own, you can round it out with a side salad or roasted veggies. A balsamic kale salad or some sautéed green beans would balance everything nicely.
Want more cozy, satisfying recipes like this? Check out our Easy Meal Ideas section next time you need dinner inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just thaw them first and blot dry to avoid excess moisture. They may take a minute longer to cook, but they’ll still work beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this?
Absolutely. Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh. Add a dash of smoked paprika to mimic that savory depth.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Totally! Use full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan parm-style topping.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey can work in a pinch, but it’s sweeter and doesn’t have the same earthy flavor. Brown sugar is another good sub—start with half a tablespoon.
How do I make it even faster?
Use pre-chopped onion and pre-cooked bacon (the kind you reheat). That’ll shave off almost 5 minutes of prep!
Ready to Dig In?
If you try this creamy, maple-kissed bowl of comfort, let us know in the comments below! We love hearing how you make it your own.
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For even more dinner ideas, visit trusted recipe hubs like Food Network and explore their easy weeknight meals too!
