One Pot Creamy Meatballs and Gnocchi Recipe
A comforting and creamy one-pot dish featuring store-bought frozen meatballs and tender gnocchi simmered in a savory vegetable stock and cream sauce, accented with fresh lemon zest and topped with melted mozzarella and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes, this easy recipe combines convenience with hearty flavors for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 500g store-bought frozen meatballs
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 500ml boiling water
- 400g dried gnocchi
- 1 cup cream
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- 100g mozzarella, grated
- Fresh chives and parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for three minutes until softened. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for an additional two minutes to release its fragrance.
- Cook Meatballs and Deglaze: Add the frozen meatballs to the pan and cook while stirring for a few minutes to brown slightly. Dissolve the vegetable stock cube in the boiling water, then pour this liquid into the pan to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer Meatballs: Let the meatballs simmer in the vegetable stock for five minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavor.
- Add Gnocchi and Cream: Stir in the dried gnocchi, then pour in the cream. Mix everything together thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer for about five minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Lemon and Cheese: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the top and allow it to melt slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chives and parsley to add color and freshness.
Notes
- Use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetable stock cube can be substituted with chicken or beef stock if preferred.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Ensure gnocchi is fully cooked; cooking time may vary depending on brand.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on preference or availability.
