Ricotta Gnocchi: Light, Fluffy, and Irresistible

Ricotta gnocchi is an excellent alternative to the more common potato gnocchi. It’s lighter, quicker to make, and yields a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result. With a few staple ingredients—ricotta cheese, eggs, flour, and Parmesan—this dish comes together effortlessly. Pair these pillowy gnocchi with your favorite sauce for a truly delightful meal.

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Why You’ll Love Ricotta Gnocchi

• Lighter Texture: Unlike potato gnocchi, ricotta gnocchi is softer and more delicate, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Quick to Make: This version is easier and faster to prepare than traditional gnocchi, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Ricotta gnocchi pairs well with a variety of sauces, from simple brown butter to rich tomato or pesto.

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Ingredients

Component	Ingredients
Gnocchi	1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (drained if watery), 1 egg, 1 cup flour (plus extra for dusting)
Cheese	¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning	Salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg
Sauce (Optional)	Butter, sage, marinara sauce, or pesto

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	300 kcal
Total Fat	12 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Sugars	2 g
Protein	10 g

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Step 1: Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

The ricotta mixture is the base for your gnocchi dough. It’s important to get the consistency just right to ensure light, fluffy gnocchi.

1. Drain the Ricotta:
   • If your ricotta is very wet, place it in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and let it drain for about 30 minutes. This step will prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
2. Mix Ricotta and Eggs:
   • In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta with one egg. Mix well until the egg is fully incorporated.
3. Add Parmesan and Seasoning:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, along with a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. The nutmeg adds a subtle depth of flavor to the gnocchi.

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Step 2: Forming the Gnocchi Dough

Next, you’ll add the flour to your ricotta mixture to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork it, as you want the gnocchi to remain light and fluffy.

1. Add the Flour:
   • Gradually add 1 cup of flour to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently to combine. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If necessary, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
2. Knead Gently:
   • Lightly flour your work surface and gently knead the dough for about 1 minute, just until it comes together into a smooth ball.

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Step 3: Shaping the Gnocchi

Now it’s time to shape your gnocchi. This step is simple and can be fun—plus, it doesn’t require any special equipment!

1. Divide the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into four equal portions.
2. Roll into Ropes:
   • Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch thick. Use extra flour on your work surface as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Cut into Pieces:
   • Using a sharp knife, cut each rope into small, bite-sized pieces—about 1 inch long. These are your gnocchi!
4. Optional: Create Ridges:
   • If you want to create the classic gnocchi ridges, lightly press each piece against the tines of a fork and roll it down to create ridges. This step is optional but helps sauces cling better to the gnocchi.

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Step 4: Cooking the Gnocchi

Cooking ricotta gnocchi is quick and easy. Be sure to cook them in small batches so they don’t overcrowd the pot.

1. Boil Water:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. Cook the Gnocchi:
   • Gently drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in small batches. They will sink at first, then float to the surface when cooked—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove and Drain:
   • Once the gnocchi float to the top, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water. Transfer them to a plate and continue cooking the remaining batches.

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Step 5: Serving Your Ricotta Gnocchi

Ricotta gnocchi pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces. Here are some popular serving options:

1. Brown Butter and Sage

1. Melt Butter:
   • In a skillet, melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it starts to brown and develops a nutty aroma.
2. Add Sage:
   • Add a handful of fresh sage leaves to the butter and cook until crisp.
3. Toss the Gnocchi:
   • Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the brown butter and sage. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

2. Marinara Sauce

1. Heat Marinara:
   • In a saucepan, heat your favorite marinara sauce over low heat.
2. Toss the Gnocchi:
   • Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the warm marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

3. Pesto

1. Make or Buy Pesto:
   • Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
2. Toss the Gnocchi:
   • Toss the gnocchi in the pesto and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

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Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize your ricotta gnocchi:

1. Whole Wheat Version

• Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to make the gnocchi more wholesome and slightly nutty in flavor.

2. Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version of ricotta gnocchi without sacrificing flavor or texture.

3. Herb-Infused Gnocchi

• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil directly into the dough for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi

• Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture for a bright, zesty twist. This pairs beautifully with a simple butter sauce or light tomato sauce.

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Tips for Perfect Ricotta Gnocchi

1. Drain the Ricotta Well: If the ricotta is too wet, the dough will become sticky and require too much flour, which can result in dense gnocchi. Draining is key!
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: The less you knead, the lighter your gnocchi will be. Handle the dough as little as possible.
3. Cook in Small Batches: Overcrowding the pot can cause the gnocchi to stick together. Cook them in small batches to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
4. Serve Immediately: Ricotta gnocchi is best enjoyed right after cooking. If you need to reheat leftovers, a gentle reheat in a skillet with butter works best.

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Conclusion

Ricotta Gnocchi is a delightful alternative to potato gnocchi, offering a lighter, fluffier texture that melts in your mouth. This simple and versatile dish can be dressed up with various sauces, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with a rich brown butter and sage sauce or a light marinara, this gnocchi is sure to impress with its delicate flavors and irresistible texture. Try this recipe for a taste of authentic Italian comfort food, made right in your own kitchen!