38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (2024)

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (1)

Penne, spaghetti, farfalle… we love ALL pasta, and it's hard to pick a favorite. If we had to, though? Gotta be gnocchi. The pillowy, potato-based alt-pasta picks up sauces and flavors like a pro, serving sophistication while cooking in half the time. Wins all around in our book. Whether you’re looking for an impressive romantic dinner, or a comfort food meal that everyone in your family will love, we’ve got a recipe for you. Check out our 30 gnocchi recipes for ideas—we “gno” you’re gonna love ‘em!

If you’re unfamiliar, gnocchi are technically more of a dumpling than they are traditional pasta. They usually consist of potatoes, flour, and eggs, rolled into a dough that’s cut into little bite-size pieces, and then boiled. And did we mention they only take a few minutes to cook, and have their own internal cooking timer? Yep, cooked gnocchi will rise to the top of a pot of boiling water when they’re done, so you’ll always know when they’re ready. The result are pillowy soft clouds of pasta that can go with almost anything. Try them in a simple dish like our or our garlic-Parm gnocchi; a comforting weeknight dinner-friendly dish, like our creamy chicken piccata gnocchi or our sheet-pan burrata Caprese gnocchi; or in something a little more unique, like our tteokbokki-inspired gnocchi or our succotash-inspired gnocchi. Try swapping them in for the noodles in any of your favorite weeknight pasta dinners to change up your routine—you might just invent a new family favorite.

Speaking of changing things up: if you’re already a gnocchi master and want to try something a little different, you can use ingredients other than potato to make your gnocchi. Cauliflower gnocchi has taken the low-carb world by storm, and now you can make your own at home (sorry Trader Joe’s). You can also replace the potato with other veggies, like in our carrot gnocchi or sweet potato gnocchi. We haven’t tried it, but we bet there’s success to be had with other root veggies too!

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1

Homemade Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (3)

If making homemade pasta seems like too much of a process, then gnocchi is the easy pasta to try making yourself. This rustic, dumpling-like pasta is much easier to make and shape by hand than ravioli, and once made, you can use it with countless recipes and sauces.

Get the Homemade Gnocchi recipe.

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2

One-Pan Lemon Parm Chicken Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (5)

There’s nothing more comforting than a creamy pasta dish, and this one-pan meal couldn’t be easier to make. It's the perfect segue from summer into fall, as it's warm and comforting, but still simple and fresh. Served with a simple Caesar salad, it becomes the perfect meal.

Get the One-Pan Lemon Parm Chicken Gnocchi recipe.

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3

Sheet-Pan Burrata Caprese Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (7)

This is one of our favorite ways to prepare gnocchi. Roasting gives the pasta a slightly browned exterior while still maintaining a pillowy, chewy interior. To accompany the gnocchi, we are utilizing the flavors of a cCaprese salad without relying on the seasonality of tomatoes. Enter beautiful and perfectly sweet bell peppers.

Get the Sheet-Pan Burrata Caprese Gnocchi recipe.

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4

Tteokbokki-Style Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (9)

Tteokbokki is a Korean street food dish consisting of chewy rice cakes and a funky, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. While delicious and traditional, the glutinous rice cakes are unfortunately less accessible to those of us without a Korean market around the corner. Luckily, store-bought gnocchi make for a great substitute!

Get the Tteokbokki-Style Gnocchi recipe.

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5

One-Pan Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Gnocchi

We combined everything we love about our favorite with quick-cooking gnocchi, turning it into an easy meatless dinner that’s loaded with flavor. It’s easy enough for when you’re just craving comfort food (just one pan!), but fancy enough to serve to guests too.

Get the One-Pan Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Gnocchi recipe.

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6

Crispy Gnocchi & Mushrooms

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (13)

No fear if you don’t have a large skillet. Just split the mushrooms and gnocchi into batches so they have plenty of space to cook. This IS great on its own as a main, but it also makes for a winning, hearty sidekick to roasted chicken or rosemary pork chops.

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7

Tuscan Butter Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (15)

We can’t get enough of Tuscan butter, and it’s no wonder that every dish we add it to becomes one of our most-popular recipes. For this one, we decided to skip the protein and turn this creamy tomato-and-basil sauce into a pasta dinner by adding one of our favorite power ingredients: gnocchi.

Get the Tuscan Butter Gnocchi recipe.

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8

Succotash-Inspired Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (17)

Inspired by delicious and oh-so-summery succotash, this colorful dinner is extra hearty and full of fresh flavors. Though this rendition doesn't include beans, we think the chewy boiled gnocchi are the perfect stand-ins.

Get the Succotash-Inspired Gnocchi recipe.

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9

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (19)

For this recipe, we’re doubling down on the comfort by giving meatballs and gnocchi the Tuscan treatment, all in one dish. What makes this even better? It all comes together in the slow cooker.

Get the Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi recipe.

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10

French Onion Gnocchi Soup

Forget bread and croutons, we've found an even more delicious way to enjoy French onion soup—by adding gnocchi! Marrying the French classic with the convenience of store-bought gnocchi means you can have the most comforting dinner on the table in just under an hour.

Get the French Onion Gnocchi Soup recipe.

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11

Four-Cheese Gnocchi Bake

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (23)

This baked pasta recipe doesn't require any pre-boiling of your gnocchi—simply make your cream sauce, pour it over the gnocchi, and bake!

Get the Four-Cheese Gnocchi Bake recipe.

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12

Garlic-Parm Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (25)

Just like with pasta, sometimes it's simplest preparations of gnocchi really hit the spot—think cacio e pepe or spaghetti with garlic and oil. This dish hits the mark somewhere in between the two, and is ultra-comforting.

Get the Garlic-Parm Gnocchi recipe.

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13

Carrot Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (27)

These carrot gnocchi are, by their soft, tender, and pillowy nature, very rustic—one might even call them ugly. But worry not: once you sauté them in butter, herbs, and pistachios, they will look every bit as delicious as they smell. You can also use them as you would store-bought gnocchi, like in any of the recipes here.

Get the Carrot Gnocchi recipe.

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14

Get the Cajun-Spiced Chicken & Gnocchi

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (29)

Let the good times roll because tonight’s dinner will take transport you to Louisiana after just one bite of this chicken and pasta skillet. It brings all the flavors we associate with New Orleans, without you ever having to leave your kitchen.

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15

Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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Caprese is one of those timeless flavor combos that we can’t get enough of. Turns out, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and sweet, earthy basil (plus some gnocchi and crispy croutons, because why not?) also happen to make a great match for a warm and satisfying soup. Gno’ kidding, this soup is wildly good.

Get the Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe.

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16

Corn and Tomato Gnocchi Foil Packs

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (33)

The foil packets trap in steam from the wine and juices from the tomato and corn as everything grills, which in turn cooks the gnocchi to perfectly tender while infusing the pasta with all the flavors of the dish. Bonus: Some of the meal browns a bit on the bottom right before it finishes cooking, adding extra flavor.

Get the Gnocchi Foil Packets recipe.

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17

Creamy Chicken Piccata With Gnocchi

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When our weeknight dinners start to feel a little snoozy, we activate our go-to formula for supper success: Start with a dish you love, then add something new. Here, the dish we love is chicken piccata, the Italian-American classic, and the new ingredient is one of our favorite pantry items, gnocchi.

Get the Creamy Chicken Piccata With Gnocchi recipe.

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18

Slow-Cooker Creamy Gnocchi Soup

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When the temperature drops below 60° all we want for dinner is soup. Make it a slow-cooker soup and it's even better. With extremely little effort you'll end up with a soup that's so warm and comforting you'll completely forget there's a blizzard outside.

Get the Slow-Cooker Creamy Gnocchi Soup recipe.

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19

One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi

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This easy dinner harnesses the power of seasoned sausage, jarred marinara, and fresh potato gnocchi to make a super-flavorful dish with minimal prep and active cooking time. Perfect for a lazy night when you're craving the 3 C’s: comfort, carbs, and CHEESE.

Get the One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi recipe.

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20

Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet

38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (41)

What isn’t pesto good in? It’s a sauce that turns any dish into kitchen gold, especially this totally comforting and delicious gnocchi and chicken bake. For the perfect bright touch, stir a dollop into the tomato mixture to coat everything, then dollop the top with more right out of the oven for a fresh finish.

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38 Irresistible Gnocchi Recipes That Would Make Nonna Proud (2024)

FAQs

What do Italians eat gnocchi with? ›

It can be sauced and served in typical pasta style or tossed with fresh veggies for a lighter dish. Gnocchi can be added to soups and stews, fried until crispy or roasted in the oven with meat and vegetables for a sheet pan dinner.

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.

Is gnocchi better with or without egg? ›

Egg yolk added to your gnocchi dough helps improve texture, and keep it together while cooking. Gnocchi is traditionally made with eggs in Veneto and no eggs in Piedmont, the two Northern Italian regions famous for gnocchi. We vote for egg yolks at the rate of 1 per (500g) 1 lb of uncooked potatoes used.

What beat flour for gnocchi? ›

Tipo 00 Flour is a soft, fine milled flour from Italy. It's a must-have for light and tender gnocchi and homemade pasta. Small(er) Batch Recipe ensures a higher success rate with just enough practice.

Why do Italians eat gnocchi on Thursday? ›

Gnocchi, a substantial, high-calorie dish, was prepared on Thursday in anticipation of Friday, when, according to Catholic tradition, people fasted, abstaining from meat. On Friday, Romans traditionally ate fish-based dishes, such as chickpeas and cod, a dish still served on Fridays in the old-fashioned Roman taverns.

How do you make gnocchi taste better? ›

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

Should I boil gnocchi before frying it? ›

You can skip the boiling when frying your gnocchi. However, if you prefer your gnocchi a touch softer, you could boil it first and then pan fry them for about 3-5 minutes instead of the full time to brown. If making this as a full meal, this will serve 2-3.

Is it better to boil or fry gnocchi? ›

If you've never tried pan frying gnocchi, you are in for a treat! Forget boiling it, you can actually just toss it in a skillet and cook it. This means less dishes, as it's all cooked in one skillet and crispy, pan fried gnocchi is the result. I love the texture of crispy gnocchi, with it's crunchy browned exterior.

Can I eat gnocchi and lose weight? ›

Due to the smaller and denser nature of gnocchi, it is more likely that you will end up eating bigger portions than if you chose regular pasta. Although all foods can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, if you are trying to lose weight opt for other options than gnocchi or pasta.

Why did my homemade gnocchi turned to mush? ›

Your gnocchi may be mushy because of any or all of the following reasons: boiled the potatoes instead of baked them. used waxy new potatoes with too much moisture in them. not used eggs to help texture.

Are gnocchi healthier 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 should you not do when making gnocchi? ›

Don't overwork the dough: When making gnocchi dough, it's important not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can make the gnocchi tough and chewy. Mix the ingredients together just until the dough comes together, and then stop mixing! You're not kneading bread here.

What are the 3 types of gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi alla zucca: Pumpkin gnocchi served with butter and cheese. Ndunderi: The Amalfi Coast specialty originally made with farro and curdled milk. Gnocchi alla Romana: Made with semolina and milk, this variety is shaped into squares and baked rather than boiled.

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

If the gnocchi fall apart or appear to be fraying at the edges, it can mean one of two things: You let them cook for too long or, even worse, you didn't combine the potato and flour into true dough. In the latter case, it's back to square one.

How should gnocchi be served? ›

Gnocchi is a soft, pillowy pasta made with potatoes, and it's an extremely versatile dish. Classic gnocchi is typically served with a sauce made from browned butter and sage, but you can use almost any sauce you like with your pasta!

Do you eat gnocchi with a spoon or fork? ›

* No "Fancy" Factor: Using a spoon is not seen as more elegant or sophisticated in Italy. In fact, most Italians eat their pasta using only a fork.

What is served with pasta in Italy? ›

Pasta is often served as a primo (first course), with a meat, seafood or vegetable course called a secondo coming after that. To do as the Italians do, try serving a smaller portion of pasta as a primo for an Italian-inspired dinner party, or as precursor to a meat, fish or vegetable main.

Is gnocchi eaten by itself? ›

Simple. A potato dumpling is delicious on its own. If you're anxious to try this pasta but don't want it accompanied by a heavy sauce, don't be afraid to go simple. Gnocchi pairs well with a simple butter and garlic sauce that can be achieved at home or in a restaurant.

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