Top 12 Gnocchi Recipes for Italian Comfort Food

Gnocchi is a beloved Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Stuffed dumplings were traditionally made of potatoes, flour, and eggs, and originated in northern Italy, where cooler climates made it easier to grow potatoes than wheat. Today, gnocchi has become a favorite dish for those who want comfort and convenience.

Like other pastas, gnocchi is incredibly versatile, but what makes it stand out from pastas like spaghetti or penne is its ability to cook quickly. The bite-sized pieces only take a few minutes to boil, making them a great option for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Just wait for it to rise to the top of the pot and toss in your favorite sauce or some butter and herbs for a quick and easy meal.

From classic tomato sauce to vibrant summer pesto, gnocchi can handle it all. If you’re making it from scratch, you can even get creative and add unique ingredients like dried mushrooms, mashed pumpkin, or peas to the dough for extra flavour. While potato gnocchi is the classic and more popular version, there are plenty of variations to try including those made with ricotta or sweet potato.

Gnocchi is filling on its own, perfect for satisfying hunger and providing a comforting meal that doesn’t require a lot of planning and preparation. It’s also elegant enough to hand out at a dinner party or special occasion gathering. Recipes like Potato Gnocchi with Beef Ragu Brisket and Ricotta Dumplings in Lemon Butter Sauce are sure to impress! Whether you’re a fan of seasoned gnocchi or new to the dish, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Italian staples, so grab your fork and get ready to savor the flavors of these gnocchi recipes.

The origins of the vodka sauce may be up for debate—some say it was made in Italy, while others insist it was made in New York—but there’s one thing we can all agree on: It’s a fan favorite. This version of the classic Italian-American pasta substitutes penne for gnocchi. Filling bites are sliced ​​up, then grilled with some cheese and panko-Parmesan breadcrumbs to form a pasta bread that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Mushrooms get some much-deserved time in the spotlight not once, but twice in this gnocchi di porcini. Dried porcini mushrooms are tossed into a powder and folded into handmade gnocchi, while black trumpet mushrooms are sautéed in butter until caramelized and crunchy. It is a dish full of earthy umami aroma.

Culinary traditions—homey Italian cuisine and all-American barbecue—come together in this fine pasta. Make a red wine-infused ragu with tender, slow-cooked brisket, then toss it with tender potato gnocchi to form a rich dinner that sticks to your ribs.

Plate meals are a lifesaver night dinner. Add a packet of gnocchi and you can have a convenient meal ready in no time. Ree Drummond roasts a beautiful array of vegetables—asparagus, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes—in this one-skillet vegetarian meal. Store-bought pesto, another shortcut, adds a vibrant freshness.

“I love this recipe because, in my opinion, it updates one of the all-time classic Irish dishes and showcases what Irish cuisine can become,” says Chef Declan Horgan. Patrick’s Day dish combines corned beef with herb ricotta gnocchi and a creamy parsley sauce.

Lighter and less complex than its potato counterpart, ricotta gnocchi is one of the easiest pastas to try at home. Simply mix all the ingredients together, then roll the dough and cut it into small pieces. Homemade marinara takes about an hour to thicken, so if you’re in a hurry, feel free to substitute your favorite store-bought sauce.

Enjoy the bright flavors of spring with a zingy dressing made with lemon, mint, peas, and parmesan. The ricotta-from-scratch gnocchi are, as Elena Besser puts it, “pillows of heaven” that pair seamlessly with the butter sauce.

This soft ricotta gnocchi is served with a blend of fresh herbs like basil, chives, and parsley for a burst of flavor in every bite. This homemade pasta is totally pillowy and a great way to impress your dinner guests. Pair it with shrimp and salad for a complete meal.

Chef Missy Robbins gives the pesto a boost by adding broccoli and cauliflower to the bright green sauce. The pistachios add a touch of sweetness that nicely complements the delicate gnocchi and ricotta.

There are some signs that spring has finally arrived, but the best of them all is the sudden availability of fresh peas. This gnocchi contains peas in both a pasta and butter sauce to let the seasonal vegetables shine through.

Adding fresh pumpkin to tender potato gnocchi gives every bite a warm fall flavor. Gnocchi, smothered in a sage butter sauce, is sure to satisfy your craving for fall comfort foods as the days get shorter and temperatures drop.

With a few simple modifications, you can enjoy gnocchi without gluten. Sweet potatoes represent white potatoes as a nutrient-dense alternative, while the addition of tapioca flour helps add bounce to each dumpling. Sautéed kale, sage, pomegranate seeds, and pecorino complete the healthy dish.