13 Incredible Gnocchi Recipes to Make Tonight! (2024)

There may be some disagreement about how to pronounce “gnocchi” (nyok-ee, noh-kee or naw-kee) and as to whether it’s pasta or not but everyone can agree that gnocchi are delicious. Gnocchi are little dumplings that can be made from dough, potatoes, or other veggies. Though most people consider gnocchi a pasta dish, in Italy they are seen as an alternative to pasta. Originally,

Though most people consider gnocchi a pasta dish, in Italy they are seen as an alternative to pasta. Originally, gnocchi were made with a semolina dough, but after potatoes were introduced in the 16th-century, they were incorporated into the recipe. Gnocchi can also be made with sweet potato, pumpkin, and other starchy vegetables. In some regions of Italy, gnocchi are made with ricotta and spinach and are known as malfatti (meaning “poorly made”) or gnudi which are “naked” gnocchi. You can buy gnocchi, fresh, refrigerated or frozen, but read those labels since they may contain eggs and/or dairy. Though they look complicated, it’s actually pretty easy to make your own gnocchi.

Gnocchi can be boiled for soft, pillows of deliciousness or they can be baked or fried for a crispy version. They are often served with melted butter, pesto or other sauces. So now that you know all about gnocchi, including how to pronounce it, it’s time to try your hand at making these incredible gnocchi recipes from our Food Monster App.

1. Pesto Gnocchi with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: Pesto Gnocchi with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Maria and Alyssa Tosoni‘s Pesto Gnocchi with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is like heaven on earth in a bowl. The gnocchi are like fluffy little pillows of yumminess and then they’re topped with a basil and spinach pesto that is so good. Served with black olives and sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean.

2. Pumpkin Gnocchi in Spiced Butter Sauce with Lemon Cashew Sauce

Source: Pumpkin Gnocchi in Spiced Butter Sauce with Lemon Cashew Cream

ThisPumpkin Gnocchi in Spiced Butter Sauce with Lemon Cashew Cream by Rhea Parsons is a symphony of flavors and textures. Luscious homemade pumpkin gnocchi are lightly pan-fried in richly spiced butter sauce. Then they are served with a rich lemon cashew cream sauce. This is decadence and deliciousness all at once.

3. Vegan Gnocchi with Thyme Vinaigrette and Cashew Cream

Source: Vegan Gnocchi with Thyme Vinaigrette and Cashew Cream

The humble potato becomes an elegant dish with these Vegan Gnocchi with Thyme Vinaigrette and Cashew Cream by The Natural Epicurean. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette made with fresh thyme leaves. Drizzled with lemon cashew cream, this rich gnocchi is a perfect main course or side dish for any casual dinner or special occasion.

4. Potato Gnocchi

Source: Potato Gnocchi

Three ingredients is all it takes to make Josephine Watmore‘s simple but delicious Potato Gnocchi recipe. Easy to make but oh, so satisfying and filling. Serve these with your favorite pasta sauces like marinara, pesto or even a vegan alfredo. The sky is the limit with these pillow-soft and totally comforting dumplings of joy.

5. Beet Gnocchi with Arugula Pesto

Source: Beet Gnocchi with Arugula Pesto

Think pink with Sonja Trurnit‘s pretty Beet Gnocchi with Arugula Pesto. The addition of pureed beets not only gives the gnocchi a lovely color but also an earthy sweetness that makes the potatoes anything but bland. Top with a generous drizzle of arugula pesto and you’ve got yourself a beautiful, delicious, and impressive dinner!

6. Pumpkin Arugula and Vegan Goat Cheese Gnocchi

Source: Pumpkin Arugula and Vegan Goat Cheese Gnocchi

Rebecca Weller‘s Pumpkin Arugula and Vegan Goat Cheese Gnocchi are so delicious and comforting, not to mention ready faster than you would think. Tossed in a rich pumpkin sauce with arugula and topped with homemade vegan goat cheese, this gnocchi will be a sure-fire hit with everyone.

7. Spinach Tofu Gnudi Balls

Source: Spinach Tofu Gnudi Balls

Sometimes, gnudi are called ricotta gnocchi because they are dumplings, but there is no pasta dough involved. These Spinach Tofu Gnudi Balls by Rhea Parsons are made with tofu ricotta, spinach, and vegan grated parmesan. Vegan and gluten-free, these gnudi are a delicious and trendy spin on a classic Italian dish.

8. Crispy and Soft Veggie Gnocchi with Spinach and Garlic Sauce

Source: Crispy and Soft Veggie Gnocchi with Spinach and Garlic Sauce

Made of sweet potatoes and spinach, these Crispy and Soft Veggie Gnocchi with Spinach and Garlic Sauce by Sophia DeSantis packs a healthy flavor punch! Crisp, yet soft, you get the best of both worlds. Served with a fresh tomato sauce, you could probably make this every night of the week and never get any complaints.

9. Wild Garlic Gnocchi in Almond Cream Sauce

Source: Wild Garlic Gnocchi in Almond Cream Sauce

After you read the name of Attila Hildmann‘s Wild Garlic Gnocchi in Almond Cream Sauce, you probably don’t need us to say anymore because your mouth is already watering. But we will tell you that the combination of sugar snap peas and wild garlic is incredible, and the rich almond cream sauce will have you licking your plate clean. Now we’re done. Go make this.

10. Crispy Gnocchi with Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Brussels Sprouts

Source: Crispy Gnocchi with Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Brussels Sprouts

When you need a quick, one-pot dish for dinner, this Crispy Gnocchi with Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Brussels Sprouts by Rhea Parsons is the way to go. It’s fast and easy to make, packed with healthy veggies, and of course, the crispy pan-fried gnocchi. This dish is delicious, satisfying, and perfect for a wintery day!

11. Vegan Gnocchi alla Genovese

Source: Vegan Gnocchi alla Genovese

The original alla Genovese dish uses pasta, potatoes, pesto, and vegetables. Clémence Moulaert‘s Vegan Gnocchi alla Genovese skips the pasta for a lighter dish of gnocchi, green beans, and peas tossed in pesto cream sauce. This is a perfect weeknight dinner when nothing but a bowlful of carbs and a creamy sauce will do.

12. Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Source: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Even if you’ve never made gnocchi before, you will find it easy to make Annie Oliverio‘s yummy Sweet Potato Gnocchi. The gnocchi are delicious with either a tomato-based sauce or a light and buttery sage drizzle. You can also freeze them so you can enjoy these for dinner even when there’s no time to cook.

13. Gnocchi Dumplings By Any Other Name

Source: Gnocchi Dumplings

Robin Robertson‘s Gnocchi Dumplings are super-simple to make and so delicious. Here they are covered with a rich tomato sauce and tossed with a sauté of vegan Italian sausage and spinach. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and you are ready for gnocchi heaven.

No matter how you pronounce them or whether you consider them pasta or not, gnocchi are a simple and satisfying dish. As versatile as pasta, you’ll find a thousand ways to enjoy these little dumplings of happiness. We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

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13 Incredible Gnocchi Recipes to Make Tonight! (2024)

FAQs

How do you jazz up store bought gnocchi? ›

After your gnocchi is cooked and drained, you can toss it with any sauce and/or vegetables you want. Store bought gnocchi is great with marinara, pesto, bolognese ragu, sun-dried tomato sauce – and this tomato-mushroom sauce, of course.

How to spice up gnocchi? ›

Top 10 ways to serve gnocchi
  1. Gnocchi with roasted squash & goat's cheese. ...
  2. Gnocchi bolognese with spinach. ...
  3. Gnocchi with mushrooms & blue cheese. ...
  4. Gnocchi with lemon & chive pesto. ...
  5. Swede gnocchi with crispy sage. ...
  6. Gnocchi with roasted red pepper sauce. ...
  7. Gnocchi with two cheeses & bacon.

How to fancy up gnocchi? ›

A few of my favourites:
  1. cream cheese (just melt it over the gnocchi in the pan, with a dash of water to thin it out)
  2. pesto (especially homemade!)
  3. a light tomato sauce (or even just some chopped fresh tomatoes)
  4. a creamy tomato and mascarpone sauce.
  5. garlic mushrooms cooked in butter.
May 1, 2020

Can you cook gnocchi in sauce instead of water? ›

No need to boil the gnocchi in water and wait. for them to float~ For cream sauce lovers, sauté 16-ounces homemade. or store-bought gnocchi in 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

What do Italians eat gnocchi with? ›

A classic choice for saucing gnocchi is a simple combination of butter and sage, but the possibilities are endless. Simpler sauces like pesto, marinara and vodka are good choices, as are heartier sauces like Bolognese, cheese and cream sauces.

Is gnocchi better or worse for you than pasta? ›

Nutritional Value

Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn't have nearly as high of a sodium content.

What meat do you eat with gnocchi? ›

Beef and gnocchi is such a good combo! There's also no need to pre-cook the gnocchi. It cooks right in the sauce, which is convenient and helps with cleanup. This hamburger gnocchi recipe makes plenty of delicious sauce.

What should you not do when making gnocchi? ›

Try not to knead it as kneading will develop the gluten and make your gnocchi chewy. Keep some flour in a cup for dusting the board and your hands as you work to stop the dough sticking. Cut your dough into 6 pieces and roll them each into fat ropes about as thick as your thumb.

Is it better to boil or fry gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi should be soft, melt-in-your-mouth, fluffy pillows. They should not be tough and chewy. Is it better to boil or fry gnocchi? Both boiling and frying are good for gnocchi, but boiling is the most traditional method—and it's quick and easy.

What is the traditional way to serve gnocchi? ›

The Gnudi, or spinach and ricotta gnocchi, is a typical recipe from Tuscany, usually served with a simple tomato sauce or with butter and sage. In fancy restaurants, sometimes these are served with very special aged parmesan cheese like pecorino or with a slice of lard that melts in contact with the hot gnocchi.

What sauce to pair with gnocchi? ›

I've put together a roundup of my favorite sauces for gnocchi. Rose, cheesy mushroom, one-pot meat, pumpkin, pesto alfredo, and even Thai sauces for gnocchi can transform your simple package of potato gnocchi into a quick and delicious meal.

Why does my gnocchi fall apart when I cook it? ›

My Gnocchi Are Falling Apart When I Cook Them

This means there isn't enough flour and your dough is too wet. Try adding another 1/4 cup of flour and try again. A good idea is to have a pot of water on the go before you roll out and shape your gnocchi.

How to pan fry store bought gnocchi? ›

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a little knob of butter in a large frying pan over medium - high heat. Fry the gnocchi for 5 - 6 minutes in a single layer, turning often until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Turn the heat down if they get dark too quick. Pop them on a paper towel when done.

How to cook grocery store gnocchi? ›

Both boiling and frying are good for gnocchi, but boiling is the most traditional method—and it's quick and easy. The downside is that boiling can result in gummy, waterlogged gnocchi if you cook them too long.

How to make store-bought gnocchi fluffy? ›

Pan fry them

While roasting gnocchi is great if you want to just put something in the oven and leave it, the texture of pan fried gnocchi is a little fluffier on the inside and crispy on the outside without being hard. To pan fry gnocchi, start with a generous glug of olive oil or a healthy heap of butter.

How do you make frozen gnocchi better? ›

So, if you want to jazz up your frozen or shelf-stable gnocchi, add some creamy sauce, veggies, and protein, or serve it with garlic and parmesan. Godere!

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