If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and intriguingly vibrant, this Gnocchi with Radicchio and Cream Recipe is a must-try. Soft, pillowy gnocchi meets the slightly bitter crunch of radicchio, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce that’s been beautifully lifted with a splash of red wine. This combination creates a harmony of textures and flavors that feels indulgent but surprisingly fresh, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan filled with finely chopped cooked red cabbage that looks soft and slightly shiny, with pieces varying in deep purple and light pinkish colors mixed evenly throughout. A wooden spoon with a light brown handle rests inside the pan, partly covered by the cabbage. Next to the pan is a clear wine glass holding a small amount of red wine. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Gnocchi with Radicchio and Cream Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but essential, contributing to balance the dish’s creaminess with a hint of bitterness and a touch of umami from the cheese.

500 g gnocchi homemade or fresh: Soft potato dumplings that act as the perfect canvas for the sauce.
1 radicchio (small or half an oblong one): Adds a beautiful purple hue and a slightly bitter crunch to contrast the creaminess.
200 ml cream: Creates the rich and silky texture that this dish is known for.
100 ml red wine: Adds depth and a subtle fruity acidity to cut through the richness.
1 tbsp butter: Enhances the dish’s mouthfeel and helps carry the flavors.
40 g parmesan grated: Brings a nutty, salty element that ties everything together.
Salt to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

How to Make Gnocchi with Radicchio and Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Radicchio

Start by washing and roughly chopping the radicchio into bite-sized pieces. Don’t be shy about its vibrant purple leaves; they will soften and slightly sweeten as they cook, mellowing out that signature bitterness.

Step 2: Sauté the Radicchio

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the radicchio. Cook it gently until it starts to soften and wilt, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it develops the radicchio’s flavor and ensures it integrates seamlessly with the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze with Red Wine

Pour in the red wine, letting it simmer until reduced by half. This not only adds complexity but also removes the alcohol, leaving behind a rich, fruity note that perfectly complements the radicchio and cream.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Gradually stir in the cream, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly but remain luscious. The cream softens the intensity of the radicchio and unites all the sauce flavors into a velvety coating for the gnocchi.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce simmers, boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly cooked. Drain them carefully without rinsing to preserve their delicate texture.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Gently toss the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with your creamy radicchio sauce. Mix in the grated parmesan, stirring until melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed, then serve immediately.

How to Serve Gnocchi with Radicchio and Cream Recipe

The dish is served in a white ceramic bowl filled with small, soft, round gnocchi pieces coated in a pale pink creamy sauce. Thin purple-red strips of radicchio are spread evenly throughout the sauce, adding a contrast of color and texture. The bowl sits on a dark brown cloth, which rests on a white marbled tabletop. Next to the bowl, on the right, are a fork and knife with silver handles. In the background, there is a stack of white plates with speckled edges, and a clear wine glass half-full of dark red wine on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your plate with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of extra parmesan for a little more salty tang. A few torn fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a subtle aromatic brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crusty rustic bread make excellent companions for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try plating individual gnocchi nests topped with extra grated parmesan and a radicchio leaf for a pop of color. Serving in shallow bowls helps keep the sauce front and center, inviting your guests to savor each creamy bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover gnocchi with radicchio and cream in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal texture and freshness.

Freezing

While gnocchi freeze well, the creamy sauce may separate upon defrosting, so it’s better to freeze gnocchi and sauce separately. Reheat gently and combine when warmed through to maintain the best consistency.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the sauce’s silky texture if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh or homemade gnocchi offer the best texture, but quality store-bought gnocchi work well and can save time without compromising flavor.

Is radicchio always bitter?

Radicchio has a natural bitterness that balances beautifully with creamy sauces. Cooking it softens the bitterness, making it pleasantly mild with slightly sweet undertones.

Can I substitute the red wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, a splash of balsamic vinegar or red grape juice can add acidity and depth, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Swap the cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream and use vegan butter or olive oil. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan to add a cheesy flavor.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A light to medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a dry rosé complements the dish’s richness and the radicchio’s bitterness nicely without overpowering it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so truly special about this Gnocchi with Radicchio and Cream Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in my kitchen. It’s approachable yet impressive, comforting yet sophisticated, and it invites you to savor every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and textures as much as I do.