Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese

Posted on by Ben | Havocinthekitchen
Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese

If you like cheesy gnocchi that can be ready in 15 minutes or so, then look no further. These Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese are irresistibly rich, perfectly hearty, and absolutely delicious. They are made with store-bought “skillet gnocchi”, but regular one would also work well.

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Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese

Hey folks, how are you doing? For those who celebrated Easter, did you have fun and enjoy the extended (hopefully) weekend? We did not have anything special, but it was great to have some restful time and little break from blogging.

I know it is spring, and many of my fellow bloggers are moving on light seasonal recipes, but I am not giving up on my pasta, not yet. Besides, Nova Scotia expects another blast of winter weather, somewhere between 10 to 20 cm of wet snow, over the course of nearly two days. I did not see this coming! Especially, since we have our crocuses blooming for nearly two weeks. Well, at least it is a legit excuse to enjoy more pasta (not that I am going to stop during warmer weather, anyway!)

Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese

I must admit I have made gnocchi from scratch just once or twice. And I am not embarrassed to admit that this easy recipe uses good-quality store-bought gnocchi. After all, who does not need a recipe that will only require around 15 minutes of your time?

I have used so called skillet gnocchi that are cooked directly in a skillet, with some butter or oil. You can use regular gnocchi, but you will require to quickly boil them first for a few minutes, then drain, and finally toss them in a pan with ham and cheese. If you are using this method, make sure to reserve a little of water from boiling gnocchi as you can use it to melt and loosen up the cheese sauce.

Besides gnocchi, you will need some oil and/ or butter, shallots (or a small onion), cooked ham (I used lean), light cream or milk, and cheese. You can choose any cheese that melts well. Think of Cheddar, especially mild, Gouda, Swiss, Monterey jack, Gruyère, or even something fancier like Fontina. Oh yeah – don’t forget a touch of fresh herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, or parsley.

More Easy Italian Recipes

Looking for something super hearty but quick? Be sure check the recipes below:

Pasta Aglio e Olio

Pasta alla Papalina

Pasta al Baffo

I hope you like this Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese, and you will make it a try.  If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share your photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese
Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese
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Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese

Recipe by Ben | HavocinthekitchenCourse: Main
Servings

3-4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes

One-skillet Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese are a perfectly delicious and comforting dish that will be ready in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. (450 gr.) store-bought gnocchi – I used “skillet” gnocchi that does not require boiling, but you can use regular, too

  • 1 tbsp. (15 ml.) olive oil

  • 1 tbsp. (15 gr.) butter

  • 2-3 shallots, minced – or a small regular onion, preferably sweet variety

  • about 150 gr. lean cooked ham, cubed

  • 2/3 cup (about 80 gr.) shredded melting cheese, such as mild Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, Monterey jack, or Gruyère

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml.) milk or light (5-10%) cream

  • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

  • salt and black pepper, to taste

  • fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley

Directions

  • For “Skillet Gnocchi”
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil and butter over low-medium heat and cook the shallots, for a couple of minutes, or just until soft and fragrant.
  • Add the ham and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
  • Add the skillet gnocchi and cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi start turning nicely golden (be sure to check the recommended cooking time on the package.)
  • Turn the heat to low. Add the milk or cream and shredded cheese and simmer for a few minutes until melted and combined. Season with the smoked paprika and salt and pepper to taste (keep in mind the saltiness of ham.) You can cover the skillet with a lid to make the melting process easier. Sprinkle with some herbs and serve.
  • For Regular Gnocchi
  • Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water, according to the package info; this should take about 2-4 minutes or so – until the gnocchi are floating on the top.
  • In a meantime, proceed with making the sauce as steps 1 and 2 for the “skillet gnocchi”.
  • When the onions and ham are ready, stir in the milk or cream (or you can use a few splashed of boiling water from gnocchi for a lighter sauce.) and cheese. Simmer for a few minutes until melted and smooth.
  • Once gnocchi are ready (floating to the top), drain and add them to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to just coat them with the sauce. Season to taste. Enjoy!

20 thoughts on “Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese”

  2. David @ Spiced says:

    What a great way to use leftover ham! With all of these ideas, I just need to start buying an extra ham. Haha! Gnocchi will always hold a special place in my heart, and this version sounds absolutely fantastic. Good eats, my friend!!
    David @ Spiced recently posted…Lemon Blueberry MuffinsMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Michelle says:

    Such a hearty dish with the addition of ham and cheese! And nothing wrong with using a shortcut like skillet gnocchi — anything to get a delicious dinner on the table quickly! :)

    Reply
  6. Raymund = says:

    These Gnocchi with Ham and Cheese sound absolutely mouthwatering! Who doesn’t love a quick and hearty pasta dish, especially when it’s as comforting as this one? The combination of tender gnocchi, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible.

    Reply

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