Gnocchi Recipes

February 11, 2025

Gnocchi, the pillowy soft Italian dumplings, have captivated food lovers worldwide. Traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, gnocchi can take on various flavors and textures depending on the ingredients used. Whether you prefer classic potato gnocchi, ricotta gnocchi, or even innovative sweet potato or spinach variations, this guide will walk you through some of the best gnocchi recipes.

From homemade dough to rich sauces, let’s dive into the world of gnocchi with step-by-step recipes that will elevate your cooking game.

The Basics of Gnocchi: Tips for Success

Before we explore different gnocchi recipes, let’s go over some essential tips to ensure your gnocchi turns out light and fluffy every time:

Use the Right Potatoes – Starchy potatoes like Russets work best. They have less moisture, which helps prevent sticky or dense gnocchi.
Don’t Overwork the Dough – Kneading too much can result in tough gnocchi. Mix just until combined.
Use Just Enough Flour – Adding too much flour makes the gnocchi heavy. Use a light touch when incorporating it.

Boil Gnocchi in Small Batches – Overcrowding the pot can cause gnocchi to stick together. Cook in small amounts and remove as soon as they float.
Sauté for Extra Texture – After boiling, you can pan-fry gnocchi in butter or olive oil for a crispy outer layer.

1. Classic Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients:

2 lbs (about 4 medium) Russet potatoes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Boil the potatoes whole, with the skin on, until fork-tender (about 30–40 minutes).
Drain and let them cool slightly before peeling.
Mash the potatoes using a ricer or a fork until smooth. Let them cool completely.

Sprinkle the mashed potatoes with salt and flour. Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg.
Gently mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-kneading.
Divide the dough into four sections. Roll each section into a long rope (about ¾ inch thick).

Cut into ¾-inch pieces and roll each piece over the back of a fork to create ridges.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches; once they float, remove them with a slotted spoon.
Serve with your favorite sauce.

Best Sauce Pairing: Classic marinara, sage brown butter, or a creamy Alfredo sauce.

2. Ricotta Gnocchi (Lighter and Fluffier)

Ricotta gnocchi is a softer, more delicate variation that skips the potatoes but keeps the pillowy texture.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and salt until smooth.
Gradually add flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Roll into ropes, cut into pieces, and cook like classic gnocchi.
Serve immediately with your choice of sauce.

Best Sauce Pairing: Basil pesto, lemon butter sauce, or a light tomato sauce.

3. Sweet Potato Gnocchi (Nutty and Sweet)

For a twist, swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a subtle sweetness to your gnocchi.

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes, roasted and mashed
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 egg, lightly beaten
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes until soft. Let cool, then mash.
Mix in salt, nutmeg, egg, and flour until a soft dough forms.
Shape, cut, and cook as usual.

Serve with a brown butter sage sauce or a maple-glazed butter sauce.

Best Sauce Pairing: Brown butter with crispy sage, maple-pecan butter sauce, or a creamy goat cheese sauce.

4. Spinach Gnocchi (Healthy and Vibrant)

Adding spinach to gnocchi makes them nutrient-dense and gives them a beautiful green color.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked, drained, and finely chopped spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan

1 egg
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cooked spinach.
Mix with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, and flour.
Shape, cut, and cook in boiling water.

Toss with a light sauce for best results.

Best Sauce Pairing: Garlic olive oil, lemon zest butter, or a light tomato sauce.

5. Gluten-Free Cauliflower Gnocchi

For a low-carb option, try cauliflower gnocchi.

Ingredients:

1 small head cauliflower, steamed and mashed
¾ cup gluten-free flour
1 egg

½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Steam cauliflower, then mash or blend until smooth.
Mix with flour, egg, and salt to form a dough.

Shape, cut, and cook in boiling water.
Pan-fry for added crispiness.

Best Sauce Pairing: Garlic butter sauce or light marinara.

6. Gnocchi Bake (Oven-Baked Comfort Food)

For a comforting dish, bake gnocchi with cheese and sauce.

Ingredients:

1 lb cooked gnocchi
2 cups marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a baking dish, combine gnocchi with marinara sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

7. Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

This luxurious dish is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

1 lb gnocchi
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Gorgonzola cheese

½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

Cook gnocchi and set aside.

In a pan, heat cream over low heat. Add Gorgonzola and stir until melted.
Toss in the gnocchi and coat with sauce.
Sprinkle with walnuts and serve.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Gnocchi at Home

Making gnocchi from scratch is rewarding and allows for endless creativity. Whether you prefer the classic potato version, the delicate ricotta gnocchi, or healthier variations like sweet potato or spinach, there’s a gnocchi recipe for every taste.