Have you ever tasted gnocchi that feels like a warm hug on a plate? Imagine fluffy, pillowy bites of goodness that melt in your mouth, all made from scratch. With homemade ricotta cheese as the star ingredient, these gnocchi recipes are not just delicious; they are a fun cooking adventure waiting for you!
The Heartwarming Journey of Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi
One of my fondest memories in the kitchen involves a rainy afternoon spent with my grandmother, creating a batch of homemade ricotta gnocchi. The way she effortlessly mixed the ingredients and shaped each piece with love made me realize that cooking is more than just a task; it’s a way to connect with family and tradition. As we sat down to enjoy our delicious creation, I knew this was a recipe that would forever hold a special place in my heart.
This recipe has stayed in my rotation because it’s not only simple to make, but it also brings together friends and family around the table. Whenever I have a craving for comfort food, I find myself turning back to this recipe, relishing the nostalgia it brings. Homemade ricotta gnocchi is universally loved; its light texture and versatility allow for endless possibilities, whether paired with a rich sauce or just a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.
People adore this dish because it strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and lightness, making it suitable for any occasion. From adding spinach or herbs to the dough for extra flavor, to serving it with seasonal vegetables, there’s a variation to suit every palate!

Quick Insights Before You Dive In
- ⏱ Cooking time: 30 minutes
- 🔥 Difficulty level: Easy
- 💰 Estimated cost:
- 🍽 Servings: 4
- 🎯 Best for: Cozy family dinners
The Essential Ingredients for Success
- Homemade Ricotta – The star of the dish that provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – This helps bind the gnocchi, giving it the perfect consistency for shaping.
- Eggs – They add richness and moisture, helping to hold everything together beautifully.
Creative Twists to Try
- For a colorful twist, try adding pureed spinach or beet juice to the dough.
- Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different sauces, such as a sage brown butter or a light tomato sauce.
- Shape the gnocchi into small pillows or even use a fork to create ridges for better sauce adherence.
Helpful Cooking Insights
- Be gentle when mixing the dough to maintain its light and airy texture.
- Always taste the dough; a pinch of salt can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Ensure your water is boiling before adding the gnocchi for the best cooking results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook the gnocchi in batches for even cooking.
- Let the cooked gnocchi rest briefly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
These delightful recipes are curated from across the web, providing you with a range of options to inspire your cooking adventures, save time, and make better choices in your kitchen. Enjoy the journey ahead!
Classic Ricotta Gnocchi
Ricotta Gnocchi from Italian recipes by GialloZafferano
Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: 1 h 30 min Total Time: 1 h 30 min.
Ricotta Gnocchi with Asparagus and Italian Bacon from Mamablip
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 52 min Total Time: 52 min.
This recipe is the perfect starting point for anyone new to gnocchi-making. The ingredients are simple: fresh ricotta, flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. The result is a light and fluffy gnocchi that pairs beautifully with your favorite marinara sauce or a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
What makes this recipe special is its ease! You don’t need to be an expert chef to whip up a batch of these delightful dumplings. Plus, the ricotta adds a creamy texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi
Looking for a way to sneak in some greens? This spinach and ricotta gnocchi recipe is the answer! With fresh spinach mixed right into the dough, you’ll not only get a beautiful green hue but also a boost of flavor and nutrients.
The subtle taste of spinach combined with creamy ricotta creates a deliciously unique flavor profile. Toss these gnocchi with a light garlic and butter sauce, and you’ll have a meal that feels fancy yet is surprisingly simple to make!
Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi
Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi from Italian Food Forever
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, ricotta cheese, egg yolk, pecorino cheese, fresh sage leaves Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe and Garlic Sage Butter Sauce from Pinch of Yum
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Sweet potato, chopped broccoli rabe, ricotta cheese, heavy cream, parmesan cheese Total Time: 40 min.
Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi with Garlic Brown Butter Herb Sauce from The BakerMama
Ingredients: Sweet potato, garlic, fresh herbs, fresh ricotta, all purpose flour Total Time: 50 min.
Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color to this gnocchi. This recipe blends roasted sweet potatoes with ricotta, flour, and a hint of nutmeg, creating a delightful twist on the classic gnocchi.
The sweet and savory combination makes it a popular choice for fall dinners. Serve it with brown butter sage sauce, and watch as the flavor of the sweet potatoes shines through in every bite!
Herbed Ricotta Gnocchi
Herb Ricotta Gnocchi With Quick Tomato Sauce from Italian Food Forever
Ingredients: Ricotta cheese, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, olive oil, egg Total Time: 32 mins.
Herbed Ricotta Gnocchi with Mushrooms from heinstirred
Ingredients: Parmesan cheese, olive oil, eggs, flour, sea salt
Millionaire Gnocchi with Red Sauce, Herbed Ricotta, and Golden Crispies from Pinch of Yum
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Ground italian sausage, ricotta cheese, lemon, red pepper flakes, olive oil Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins.
If you love the fresh flavors of herbs, this herbed ricotta gnocchi will be your new go-to. By mixing in a medley of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives, you’ll elevate the flavor profile to new heights.
This recipe not only tastes amazing but also fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma while cooking. Toss the gnocchi in a light cream sauce or simply with olive oil and parmesan for a burst of herbaceous goodness!
Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi from Sari Diskin
Ingredients: Potato gnocchi, sharp white cheddar, lemon, creamy ricotta, sweet peas Total Time: 25 min.
Creamy Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi with Pistachio Pesto from The Original Dish
Ingredients: Ricotta cheese, spinach, mascarpone cheese, dill leaves, honey
Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe from Home Cooking Collective
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Ricotta cheese, semolina flour, lemon, basil, egg yolk Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.
Brighten up your day with these zesty lemon ricotta gnocchi! This recipe incorporates lemon zest and juice into the dough, giving it a refreshing twist that’s perfect for spring and summer meals.
The citrusy flavor adds a lightness that pairs wonderfully with seafood or grilled vegetables. It’s a unique take on traditional gnocchi that will leave your taste buds singing!











