Creamy Lobster Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

I cracked the code for making good gnocchi. And I don’t mean pretty good gnocchi—I mean really good gnocchi. The kind that’s light as air and melts on your tongue. The kind you barely even have to chew. The kind that doesn’t make you feel like you just ate a pound of glue. The kind you thought only restaurants could make.

For years, I tried making gnocchi at home. While they were always decent, they never achieved that restaurant-level magic. That all changed when I stumbled upon an old Italian recipe that introduced me to a game-changing secret: potato starch.

The Key Ingredient: Potato Starch

Most of the recipe was similar to what I’d always done, but this one small tweak made all the difference. Potato starch prevents gluten formation and adds a lightness to the gnocchi that I couldn’t achieve before, no matter what I tried. The result? Pillowy, delicate gnocchi that don’t stick to your teeth or feel dense.

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The Right Potatoes Matter

Russet potatoes are essential because they’re naturally starchy and dry—perfect for gnocchi. Baking the potatoes instead of boiling them also helps. When baked, the potatoes retain less moisture, which means you’ll need less flour. Less flour means less chance of gluey, heavy gnocchi.

Did you know potatoes get an unfair reputation? One medium baked potato has only 110 calories, zero fat, and zero cholesterol. Plus, they’re packed with potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Sure, once you mix them with flour, cheese, and cream sauce, they’re a bit indulgent—but hey, they’re still vegetables!

Kneading Gnocchi Dough: Finding the Balance

Kneading the dough correctly is another crucial step. Knead enough to create a smooth, cohesive dough, but don’t overwork it. Under-knead, and the gnocchi may fall apart when boiled. Over-knead, and they’ll turn out dense and chewy. Achieving the right balance takes practice, but that’s part of the fun.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Gnocchi pair well with any sauce. They shine in a simple marinara, rich bolognese, or decadent brown butter. But for something special, try dressing them with lobster, leeks, cream, and cheese—because, after all the effort you put in, they deserve a little luxury.

Freezing Gnocchi for Quick Meals

One of the best parts about making gnocchi from scratch is the ability to freeze the extras for future meals. After forming the gnocchi, lay them on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat them, boil straight from frozen—they’ll cook in minutes, making weeknight meals a breeze.

In the end, making gnocchi is a labor of love, but trust me, it’s a love worth pursuing. Once you’ve had fresh, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, there’s no going back.

How to Make Lobster Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Bake and Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prick the potatoes with a fork, wrap in foil, and bake for 60-90 minutes, or until fork-tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Turn oven to broil.

Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough

• Scoop out the potato flesh and mash using a potato ricer, food mill, or fork.
• Transfer mashed potatoes to a large bowl and mix in egg yolks, nutmeg, parmesan, and salt.
• Sift potato starch and flour into the mixture, and gently mix with a fork until combined.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly until a smooth, pliable ball forms. Do not overwork the dough.

Step 3: Shape and Cut the Gnocchi

• Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into a 3/4-inch thick rope.
• Cut into 3/4-inch pieces and place on floured sheet pans.
• If freezing, place on the sheet pan and freeze before transferring to a zip-top bag.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Drop half the gnocchi (about 4 cups) into the water and cook until they float. Let them cook for an additional 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

• Heat butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add leeks and sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened.
• Add white wine, bay leaf, and thyme, and reduce until about 3 tbsp of liquid remains.
• Pour in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and reduce by half. Remove bay leaf and thyme.

Step 6: Combine and Broil

• Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, followed by lemon zest and lobster.
• Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the sauce.
• Top with parmesan and breadcrumbs.
• Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

• Garnish with minced chives and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• Substitutions: Use crab or shrimp if lobster is unavailable.
• Leek Alternatives: Shallots or onions can replace leeks if needed.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch if desired.

Creamy Lobster Gnocchi Mac and Cheese

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 7 reviews

• Author: Nicole Gaffney
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Whip up this indulgent entree of soft, pillowy homemade potato gnocchi with succulent lobster, tender leeks and a silky cream sauce.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Gnocchi:

• 3 lbs russet potatoes (1.36 kg)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (75 g)
• 2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp potato starch (24 g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 leek, halved, cleaned, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (120 ml)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 6–8 oz lobster meat (170-225 g), diced (from one 1 1/2 lb lobster)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (50 g)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (40 g)
• Fresh chives, minced (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Bake and Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prick the potatoes with a fork, wrap in foil, and bake for 60-90 minutes, or until fork-tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Turn oven to broil.

Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough

• Scoop out the potato flesh and mash using a potato ricer, food mill, or fork.
• Transfer mashed potatoes to a large bowl and mix in egg yolks, nutmeg, parmesan, and salt.
• Sift potato starch and flour into the mixture, and gently mix with a fork until combined.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly until a smooth, pliable ball forms. Do not overwork the dough.

Step 3: Shape and Cut the Gnocchi

• Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into a 3/4-inch thick rope.
• Cut into 3/4-inch pieces and place on floured sheet pans.
• If freezing, place on the sheet pan and freeze before transferring to a zip-top bag.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Drop half the gnocchi (about 4 cups) into the water and cook until they float. Let them cook for an additional 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

• Heat butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add leeks and sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened.
• Add white wine, bay leaf, and thyme, and reduce until about 3 tbsp of liquid remains.
• Pour in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and reduce by half. Remove bay leaf and thyme.

Step 6: Combine and Broil

• Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, followed by lemon zest and lobster.
• Gently toss to coat the gnocchi in the sauce.
• Top with parmesan and breadcrumbs.
• Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

• Garnish with minced chives and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe makes more gnocchi than you will need for the sauce. Either double the sauce and cook all the gnocchi to serve 4-6, or freeze the remaining gnocchi for another time.

Substitutions: Use crab or shrimp if lobster is unavailable.

Leek Alternatives: Shallots or onions can replace leeks if needed.

Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch if desired.

• Prep Time: 90 mins
• Cook Time: 75 mins
• Category: Main
• Method: Oven Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 275g
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 150mg