Nine Gnocchi Recipes So Crazy Good You'll Forget Regular Pasta Ever Existed

If you’re searching for gnocchi recipes that use either the homemade or store-bought versions, you’ve come to the right place. These cute mini dumplings are next-level delicious pillows of heaven. And they’re so easy to customize as they can be topped with a variety of sauces or served with any type of vegetable you have on hand. Plus, making dinner with them is super quick if you use pre-made gnocchi—just open the package and toss ‘em in. And gnocchi recipes come together with minimal clean-up since you can often make the whole dish in one skillet.

A platter of these light potato gnocchi, smothered with a thick sauce, is an ideal comfort meal. To help you make gnocchi a regular staple at your house, here's what you need to know about gnocchi, and a collection of the best recipes.

What is gnocchi made of?

Gnocchi (the singular is gnoccho, but who eats just one?) are basically dumplings that are made of flour, potato, semolina, egg and cheese, sometimes ricotta—or a combination of these ingredients. Gnocchi recipes can be put together with handmade gnocchi or the pre-made variety purchased in the fresh pasta section of many grocery stores.

Related: 101 Creative and Delicious Pasta Recipes

Should you use pre-made gnocchi?

While gnocchi are always popular at Italian restaurants, they can be made at home with a few common ingredients, although the process can be slightly laborious and time-consuming just FYI. Making gnocchi takes patience and persistence. The best potato gnocchi can be light and delicate, but if made incorrectly, they can be dense, rubbery and/or soggy. If you want to avoid the hassle, you can also use store-bought gnocchi for any of these recipes

If you shop at Trader Joe's, you've most likely seen (or bought) their ever-popular frozen Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi. If so, then consider using this amazing low-carb pasta substitute for any gnocchi recipe you find that looks good! There are so many delicious dishes and recipes with cauliflower these days, but using the Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi in recipes is a dinnertime lifesaver for those who are eating low-carb—or who just want healthy, pre-made gnocchi.

How do you pronounce gnocchi?

While this word may look hard, it’s made much easier if you simply ignore the ‘g’ at the start. Here’s how to pronounce gnocchi: NYOW-kee, with the accent on the first syllable.

Is gnocchi healthy?

Gnocchi recipes can be made healthy, especially if you have small portions, focus on lighter sauces and pump up the veggies that accompany it. To keep calories in check when it comes to serving gnocchi, lean on plain tomato sauce or a bit of pesto, rather than cream-based ones. And when making a gnocchi recipe, double up on veggies that are easy to add like spinach or arugula, which wilt down fast, or sautéed summer squash, mushrooms or peppers.

Related: 60 Ways to Cook Up Tortellini

Is gnocchi pasta?

Indeed, gnocchi are a type of small pasta dumpling and they can be prepared and served much the way you would tortellini or ravioli. Whether freshly made, frozen or packaged from the store, gnocchi can be boiled, fried, roasted or cooked in a skillet.

What to serve with gnocchi?

Since gnocchi can be on the filling side, a lighter accompaniment is in order here. You might serve a green salad with cucumbers, shredded carrots and slices of radish with a vinaigrette. Or offer a platter of tomatoes and avocado with basil on top. As the weather turns cooler, consider roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash to plate with gnocchi recipes.

Related: Yup, Pasta Shape Matters! Here Are 30 Types You Should Know About

Is gnocchi vegan?

Alas, vegan eaters may have to look elsewhere. Gnocchi does include eggs (and often cheese). You could use vegan cheese in place of those made from cow’s or sheep’s milk and you can skip the egg too, but typically eggs are key here, so gnocchi as a vegan dinner isn’t ideal.

Where to buy gnocchi

As mentioned, gnocchi is sold rather widely in grocery stores, either in the deli section where fresh pasta is displayed, or as a shelf-stable option in the spaghetti aisle. You can also check for gnocchi at specialty stores that import and sell Italian products.

Related: Best Homemade Winter Pasta Recipes

Best Gnocchi Recipes

Soft, airy-pillows of goodness twinkled with a quick and easy sauce can be a star-of-the-show main course or an exceptional side dish. These are our favorite recipes.

Is your family begging for something simple tonight? Here are perfectly easy and super tasty spaghetti recipes that’ll satisfy.