Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi – 30-Minute Recipe
Making quick and easy homemade ricotta gnocchi is a delightful way to enjoy a fresh pasta dish right in your home kitchen. This 30-minute recipe transforms simple ingredients into soft and pillowy gnocchi, perfect for pairing with your favorite marinara sauce. The beauty of ricotta gnocchi lies in its simplicity and the versatility that allows it to shine at family dinners or casual weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi
This homemade ricotta gnocchi recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The use of ricotta cheese creates a light and airy texture that elevates the dish without the need for extensive cooking skills. Additionally, you can customize the gnocchi with different sauces or toppings, making it a flexible choice for any occasion.
The ingredients are easy to find, and the process is straightforward, making it accessible for both beginner and seasoned cooks. You’ll impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade pasta that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.
How to Make Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces best quality ricotta cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 to 6 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Semolina flour, for dusting
- 2 cups your favorite marinara sauce
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Minced fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or chives
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Ricotta: Line a plate with paper towels. Spread the ricotta cheese on the towels and blot it to absorb excess moisture. This step will help the dough achieve the right consistency.
Mix the Dough: Measure 8 ounces of the drained ricotta into a mixing bowl. Add Parmesan cheese, 3.5 ounces of flour, the whole egg, egg yolk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until you have a somewhat sticky dough.
Shape the Gnocchi: Dust a clean surface with additional flour. Divide the dough into 8 logs, each about 1-inch thick. Cut each log into 3/4-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
Dust and Freeze (optional): Dust the cut gnocchi with semolina flour to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can freeze them for 30 minutes to make them firmer.
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the gnocchi to the boiling water. They are done when they float to the surface, which typically takes about 3 minutes.
Toss with Sauce: Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and toss them with heated marinara sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches: Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, and add more Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi
Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with your favorite marinara sauce and sprinkled with fresh herbs and Parmesan. For an added twist, consider serving it alongside a side salad or garlic bread. This dish pairs well with a light sparkling beverage, creating a well-rounded meal perfect for any dining experience.
How to Store Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi
If you have leftover gnocchi, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply add them back into simmering marinara sauce for a few minutes until warmed through. If you’d like to freeze the uncooked gnocchi, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi Perfect
Use High-Quality Ricotta: The quality of ricotta cheese significantly affects the texture and flavor of the gnocchi. Look for fresh, whole-milk ricotta for the best results.
Be Careful with Flour: Flour the work surface lightly to avoid overly dense gnocchi. The goal is to use just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overworking it may lead to tougher gnocchi.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. You can even add garlic powder or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with the basic recipe. You can add fresh spinach or herbs to the dough for added flavor and color. For a cheesy twist, incorporate ricotta-infused herbs like basil or chives. You might also try different sauces, such as a pesto or a brown butter sage sauce, to mix things up.
Pro Tips for Success
Make a Test Gnocchi: Before cooking all the gnocchi, shape a small portion and boil it to test if the texture is right. Adjust the flour ratio if needed.
Serve Immediately: Gnocchi is best served freshly cooked. Prepare it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Always finish your dish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a burst of freshness.
FAQs About Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi
Can I use frozen ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use frozen ricotta. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before using it in this recipe.
What if my gnocchi dough is too sticky?
If your dough seems too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour until it reaches a workable consistency. Avoid adding too much, as it can result in dense gnocchi.
Can I make ricotta gnocchi without eggs?
Yes, you can make ricotta gnocchi without eggs. Simply substitute the eggs with a bit more flour or add a binding agent like mashed potatoes. The texture may vary slightly, but it still works well.
Final Thoughts
Quick and easy homemade ricotta gnocchi is a fantastic recipe that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. Whether you enjoy it with a classic marinara sauce or opt for a herbed twist, this dish will surely win hearts and stomachs alike. Give it a try, and you may find it becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi
Ingredients
Gnocchi Ingredients
- 12 ounces best quality ricotta cheese About 1 1/2 cups
- 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese About 1/2 cup
- 4 to 6 ounces all-purpose flour About 1 cup, adjust as needed
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste
- Semolina flour For dusting
- 2 cups your favorite marinara sauce
- Extra-virgin olive oil For drizzling
- Minced fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or chives For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a plate with paper towels and spread the ricotta cheese on the towels, blotting to absorb excess moisture.
- Measure 8 ounces of drained ricotta into a mixing bowl. Add Parmesan cheese, 3.5 ounces of flour, the whole egg, egg yolk, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until you have a somewhat sticky dough.
Shaping and Cooking
- Dust a clean surface with additional flour. Divide the dough into 8 logs, each about 1-inch thick. Cut each log into 3/4-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
- Dust the cut gnocchi with semolina flour to prevent sticking. Optionally, freeze them for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the gnocchi. They are done when they float to the surface, about 3 minutes.
- Drain the gnocchi and toss them with heated marinara sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, and add more Parmesan cheese if desired.