30-Minute Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe

Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a super easy yet delicious homemade gnocchi recipe? In just 30 minutes, you can whip up light, fluffy pillows of ricotta goodness! Join me as we explore how to make this Italian classic that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients for Easy Ricotta Gnocchi

Let’s get cooking! To make 30-minute homemade ricotta gnocchi, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Seriously, we’re talking about things you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 250g (8oz) ricotta: Make sure it’s full-fat for that creamy goodness!
• 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for the best results!
• 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together.
• 1 egg yolk: Trust me, it adds richness!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little seasoning goes a long way.
• Pinch of black pepper: Because every dish deserves a bit of spice!
• 3/4 to 1 cup flour (plain/all-purpose): You might not even need the full cup, so keep some extra on hand for dusting.

These ingredients mix together to create a delightfully soft and pillowy dough. No crazy gadgets or fancy tools required! Just grab a bowl and a spoon, and you’re set!

I always say, cooking should be fun and easy! Plus, who doesn’t love homemade pasta? It’s like giving your taste buds a warm hug! So gather your goodies and let’s whip up some gnocchi magic! Ready? Let’s go!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gnocchi

Ready to make some delicious homemade gnocchi? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! Follow these easy steps, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with fluffy little pillows of goodness in just 30 minutes!

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan cheese, egg, egg yolk, salt, and black pepper. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything until it’s well combined. Don’t worry if it gets a bit messy; that’s part of the fun!

1. Add the Flour: Gradually add 3/4 cup of flour to your mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. If it feels way too sticky, add a little more flour, but remember, we want it soft and fluffy!

1. Shape the Dough: Sprinkle some flour on your work surface. Transfer the dough and lightly flour your hands. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long log, about 10 inches long. Then, cut these logs into bite-sized pieces, around 3/5 inch wide.

1. Form the Gnocchi: If you want those classic gnocchi ridges, use a fork! Simply press each piece gently against the tines.

1. Repeat: Keep going until all the dough is shaped! You’re doing great!

And voila! You’ve just made homemade gnocchi! It’s simple, right? Plus, you can always impress friends and family with your culinary skills. So, let’s move on to cooking and serving these delightful morsels!

How to Cook and Serve Your Gnocchi

Now that you’ve made those adorable little gnocchi, it’s time to cook them! The best part? It’s super easy and quick! Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. If you hear it bubbling away, you’re on the right track!

1. Cook the Gnocchi: Once the water is boiling, carefully add your gnocchi to the pot. Just drop them in gently; we want them to float, not splat! Fresh gnocchi will take about 2 to 3 minutes to cook. You’ll know they’re ready when they rise to the surface and dance around a bit. Isn’t that cute?

1. Drain: Grab a slotted spoon or a colander to drain the cooked gnocchi. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that lovely cooking water! It’s like liquid gold for your sauce!

1. Toss with Sauce: Now, here’s where your chosen sauce comes into play. Whether you opt for a brown butter sauce or a luscious tomato sauce, combine the cooked gnocchi with your sauce in a pan. If it looks a bit dry, add some of that reserved cooking water to help it come together.

1. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop your gnocchi into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and maybe a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy every fluffy bite!

Cooking gnocchi is so satisfying and gives you the warm fuzzies! Can’t wait for you to try it!

Best Sauces to Pair with Ricotta Gnocchi

Now that you have your fluffy, homemade ricotta gnocchi, let’s talk sauces! The right sauce can take your gnocchi from tasty to absolutely amazing! Here are my two favorite sauce options that are sure to complement those little pillows of goodness.

1. Browned Butter Sauce

This classic sauce is so simple but oh-so-delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt (omit if using salted butter)
• Black pepper to taste

To make it:

• Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Let it cook until it turns a beautiful brown color. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells nutty and has that gorgeous golden hue!
• Toss in the gnocchi and add a splash of your reserved cooking water to create a silky sauce.
• Serve it hot and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?

2. Tomato Pasta Sauce

If you prefer something saucier, this tomato sauce is perfect!

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 28 oz of canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of mixed Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

To whip it up:

• Heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until they’re soft.
• Add the crushed tomatoes and herbs, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Throw your cooked gnocchi into the sauce, stir, and let everything mingle for a minute.

Both sauces are easy, quick, and super tasty! Pick whichever one sounds good to you. Happy eating!

Freezing and Storing Homemade Gnocchi

Got some leftover gnocchi? No worries! You can freeze and store them for later, and they’ll taste just as good when you’re ready to enjoy them again. Here’s how to do it like a pro!

Freezing Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gnocchi: After shaping your gnocchi, you don’t need to cook them right away. Spread them out on a floured baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching—this helps them freeze without sticking together!

1. Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours. This step is called “flash freezing,” and it keeps your gnocchi nice and separate. Once they’re firm, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

1. Label and Store: Don’t forget to label the bag with the date! Frozen gnocchi are best used within 3 months, but they can last longer if properly sealed.

Cooking Frozen Gnocchi:

When you’re ready to eat, take the gnocchi straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! Just drop them into boiling water and cook for an extra minute or so longer than fresh gnocchi.

Isn’t it great knowing you have homemade goodness waiting for you in the freezer? It makes for a quick and easy meal anytime! So stock up, freeze away, and enjoy your gnocchi whenever the craving strikes! Happy cooking!