Ricotta Gnocchi

4.5
(712)

This ricotta gnocchi recipe was passed down to me by my great-aunt. It is easy, traditional, and delicious!

77
Ricotta Gnocchi garnished with basil and cheese in a bowl
77
77
77
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
5
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

Gnocchi:

  • 1 (8 ounce) container ricotta cheese

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, or as needed

Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 dash crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)

  • 6 basil leaves, finely shredded

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small chunks

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ricotta Gnocchi ingredients in glass bowls

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Prepare the gnocchi: Stir together ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl until evenly combined. Mix in 1 cup flour. Add additional flour if needed to form a soft dough.

    Ricotta Gnocchi dough ball in a glass bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Divide dough into 3 or 4 pieces and roll into 1/2-inch thick ropes on a floured surface. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces and place on a lightly floured baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Ricotta Gnocchi dough cut into piece on a counter and with flour on a baking sheet

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Make the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in shredded basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Tomato sauce in a pan on a burner next to shredded basil and seasonings in bowls

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. While sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Boil the gnocchi until they float to the surface, 1 to 2 minutes, then drain.

    Ricotta Gnocchi cooking in a pot with water on a burner, next to a baking sheet

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. To assemble the dish: Stir cubed mozzarella into the sauce and allow the heat of the sauce to soften but not melt the cheese.

    Ricotta Gnocchi with sauce cooking in a pan on a burner

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Place gnocchi into a serving bowl and spoon sauce overtop. Enjoy!

    Ricotta Gnocchi garnished with basil and cheese in a bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tip

The secret to making the gnocchi is to dry the ingredients as much as you can before using them. Let the ricotta drain off excess water by placing it in a strainer over a bowl and leaving it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.

772 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

442 Calories
26g Fat
27g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 442
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 131mg 44%
Sodium 906mg 39%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 22g 45%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 521mg 40%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 252mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.