Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with a mind-blowing twist on the classic mac and cheese that will have your family begging for seconds! This Ham Peas Gnocchi Mac n Cheese isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that combines the comfort of creamy cheese sauce, pillowy gnocchi, savory ham, and sweet peas into one irresistible masterpiece.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out precisely and having them ready near your cooking station.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes fully liquefied and starts to bubble slightly.
- Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps remain and the mixture turns a light golden color.
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent any clumping, creating a creamy béchamel sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook gnocchi according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Drain gnocchi and add them directly to the cheese sauce, gently folding to coat each piece evenly.
- Fold in diced ham and frozen peas, allowing the residual heat to warm the peas through.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, ensuring an even distribution of gnocchi, ham, and peas.
- Optional: For a crispy top, sprinkle additional cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Always use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Make sure to whisk your roux constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth base for your cheese sauce.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi – they should be just tender and floating, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- If you want a crispy top, use a broiler-safe dish and watch carefully to prevent burning when creating the golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing too much flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 483kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
