Quick and Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi in 30 Minutes

Hey there! So, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with making homemade ricotta gnocchi lately… and let me tell you, it’s seriously one of those dishes that feels special, but also really, really easy to whip up. You know, I used to think getting into gnocchi was all super complicated, but once I tried this recipe, wow, it just clicked! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have these fluffy little clouds of pasta ready in, like, no time at all. Imagine the smell wafting through your kitchen and the delight when you take that first bite. Yum!

Why You’ll Crave It

• Quick and simple—ready in just 30 minutes!
• Pillowy texture that just melts in your mouth… seriously
• Endless possibilities for sauces or toppings—get creative!
• Great way to impress dinner guests without losing your cool.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners—they won’t even feel like a chore

My family fights over the last one. Every. Single. Time.

What You’ll Need

• Ricotta cheese: 1 cup of the freshest ricotta you can find, it’s key, trust me!
• All-purpose flour: 1 cup, plus some extra for dusting but just keep it light
• Egg: 1 large, it helps everything stick together nicely
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, a must for flavor
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, because cheese should always be added
• Nutmeg: a pinch, totally optional but adds a nice warmth
• Extra flour: for dusting, we don’t want sticky fingers, do we?

Easy How-To

Let’s Make the Magic Happen

Alright, so first things first, you want to lay out a baking sheet or a large plate, then sprinkle flour all over it. We don’t want our beautiful gnocchi to stick, right? Okay, now grab a large mixing bowl and toss in that ricotta, your egg, and a generous pinch of salt. Just mix it with a fork until everything’s combined and as smooth as you can get it… mm, you’ll love this part. Then, little by little, add in the flour. You might wanna get your hands in there, but don’t overdo it—just enough to form a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but manageable. Seriously, it shouldn’t be a workout… just gentle, okay? Now, divide the dough into four pieces, roll them into long ropes about 1 inch wide, and cut those into 1-inch pieces. Ah, the fun part: using a fork to make those little indentations. This helps hold onto your sauce that you’re gonna pick later, which we can chat about too! Then, boil a pot of salted water and once it’s bubbling, add the gnocchi carefully in batches. They float when they’re ready, which is like, magic. Just scoop them out with a slotted spoon, and oh boy, you’ll be ready to enjoy!

Good to Know

• Always go for the freshest ricotta you can find—it makes a world of difference!
• The flour amount might change based on your ricotta’s moisture; start light and add more if needed, you’ve got this!

Serving Ideas

• Drizzle with a sage brown butter sauce for that nutty flavor… oh my!

Top Tricks

• Want extra flavor? Mix in chopped herbs like basil or parsley right into the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought ricotta instead of homemade?

Yes, you can totally use store-bought ricotta. But honestly, if you ever have time, making your own is just so much fresher and creamier… you’ll notice the difference, promise!

What type of flour is best for making gnocchi?

I’d say all-purpose flour is your go-to. It gives you that perfect balance of tenderness and structure. Nothing too fancy needed!

Can gnocchi be frozen for later use?

Absolutely! Just freeze them in a single layer first, then toss them into a bag. When you’re ready, throw them right into boiling water—no need to thaw!

How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?

They’re ready when they float to the surface, which usually takes just a few minutes. It’s like watching for little pasta bubbles… super fun!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! This 30-minute homemade ricotta gnocchi is seriously a game changer, bringing a little piece of Italy right into your kitchen. The soft, pillowy texture paired with your favorite sauce is just divine… and I promise, it’s perfect for both cozy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress someone special. Just make it, and your taste buds will thank you!

More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations

• Classic Tomato Sauce: A simple, traditional pairing that compliments the gnocchi perfectly!
• Butter and Sage Sauce: Think nutty, aromatic elegance—your taste buds will swoon!
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Just picture a rich, savory sauce loaded with garlic… oh yes!
• Spinach and Ricotta Filling: Stuff them for an extra flavor punch—get adventurous!
• Pesto Toss: Bright and fresh for those warm summer nights, yum!
• Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables: Add color and health with seasonal veggies; so good!
• Parmesan and Fresh Herbs: Finish it off with a sprinkle for that extra yum factor on top!