Quick and Easy Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi) (2024)

By Cyn Gagen 4 Comments

Filed Under: COOK, Meatless Meals, Pasta

This isn’t the typical potato gnocchi but it is a lighter version made with ricotta, known as gnudi. My quick and easy gnudi recipe is not only simple to make, it’s delicious.

You can make these ahead of time and they freeze quite well. Make them into little balls (super simple – the kids can help too!) or roll them out and cut them like traditional gnochhi if you prefer.

If you want the traditional gnocchi recipe, you can find mine here! Gnudi as well as traditional gnocchi can be served as a side dish or you can turn it into a main!

Quick and Easy Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi) (1)

Simple Homemade Gnudi Recipe

Be sure to scroll down for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup flour

1 egg (or 2 egg yolks)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1/2 tsp. salt

8 oz. ricotta cheese – I like to use creamy ricotta

Instructions:

Mix all of the ingredients together. The dough should be slightly sticky but you need to be able to handle it. Add more flour about a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky to handle.

Put in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Separate the dough into quarters to make it easier to work with. Pinch off a piece and roll into balls about 3/4 inch in size or so. You may need to use some flour on your hands to keep the balls from sticking.

Some people prefer to make these in the same way that traditional gnocchi is made. In this case, roll each quarter of the dough into a snake. Cut those strips of dough into 1 inch long pieces.

Pro Tip: you can freeze some of the gnudi for future use. I like to lay it on a tray or some other flat surface and freeze it until it’s solid enough to place into freezer bags.

To cook it, bring water with a touch of salt in it to a boil and add the gnudi. The gnudi should begin to float on the surface of the water. When they do, continue to cook for 2-3 minutes and they should be done!

An alternative to boiling is to pan fry the gnudi. This gives them a golden outer “crust” with the soft interior.

Quick and Easy Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi) (2)

Suggested toppings for the gnudi:

Of course you can top the gnudi with your favorite pasta sauce, but here are a couple options that I really like.

Try my Spinach Basil Pesto or my Cilantro Pine Nut Pesto. They’re both SO good on gnudi.

Other favorite options – melted butter, lemon juice, black pepper, and Parmesan; brown butter and fresh sage leaves; olive oil, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves

Quick and Easy Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi) (3)

Print

Simple Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi)

This isn't the typical potato gnocchi but it is a lighter version made with ricotta, known as gnudi. My quick and easy gnudi recipe is not only simple to make, it's delicious.

CourseMain Course

CuisineItalian

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Refrigeration Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 254 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3/4cupflour
  • 1eggor 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2cupgrated Parmesan
  • 1/2tsp.salt
  • 8oz.ricotta cheese – I like to use creamy ricotta

Instructions

  1. Mix all of the ingredients together. The dough should be slightly sticky but you need to be able to handle it. Add more flour about a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky to handle.

  2. Put in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Separate the dough into quarters to make it easier to work with. Pinch off a piece and roll into balls about 3/4 inch in size or so. You may need to use some flour on your hands to keep the balls from sticking.

  3. Some people prefer to make these in the same way that traditional gnocchi is made. In this case, roll each quarter of the dough into a snake. Cut those strips of dough into 1 inch long pieces.

  4. To cook it, bring water with a touch of salt in it to a boil and add the gnudi. The gnudi should begin to float on the surface of the water. When they do, continue to cook for 2-3 minutes and they should be done!

  5. An alternative to boiling is to pan fry the gnudi. This gives them a golden outer “crust” with the soft interio

Recipe Notes

Pro Tip: you can freeze some of the gnudi for future use. I like to lay it on a tray or some other flat surface and freeze it until it’s solid enough to place into freezer bags.

Nutrition Facts

Simple Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 254Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Cholesterol 81mg27%

Sodium 494mg21%

Potassium 115mg3%

Carbohydrates 20g7%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 420IU8%

Calcium 266mg27%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Quick and Easy Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between gnocchi and ricotta gnocchi? ›

Traditional potato gnocchi are made of potato bound together with flour and egg, whereas ricotta gnocchi replaces the potato with ricotta cheese. Because of ricotta's springy texture and the lack of potatoes, ricotta gnocchi has a lighter texture than potato gnocchi.

What is the difference between gnudi and ricotta gnocchi? ›

If you were to take gnocchi and replace the potatoes and with ricotta cheese, you'd have gnudi. For this reason, you'll hear gnudi referred to as "ravioli without the wrapper," which makes sense, as gnudi means "nude" in Italian.

Why is my gnudi falling apart? ›

Too much moisture can make the delicate gnudi fall apart, so use a good quality whole-milk ricotta and remove as much moisture as possible.

What does "gnudi" mean in Italian? ›

Gnudi is the Tuscan word for "naked" (in standard Italian nudi), the idea being that these "pillowy" balls of ricotta and spinach (sometimes without spinach, which is also known as ricotta gnocchi) are "nude ravioli", consisting of just the tasty filling without the pasta shell.

Is gnocchi more unhealthy than pasta? ›

Nutritional Value

Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn't have nearly as high of a sodium content.

Why are my ricotta gnocchi mushy? ›

Why is my gnocchi mushy? Make sure your water is boiling, added salt, and don't overload the pan. When the gnocchi hits the boiling water, you want them to cook quickly. Adding too many to the pan will cool the water down too much, and they could go mushy or fall apart.

How is gnudi pronounced in Italian? ›

The “g” is silent in both words; thus, gnocchi is pronounced “nyoh-kee,” while gnudi is pronounced “nyoo-dee” or simply “noo-dee.”

Why is gnocchi not a pasta? ›

While gnocchi are a traditional Italian pasta shape, what makes them distinct is that they use potatoes as the main ingredient. Therefore, they're commonly considered to be a dumpling. Like many dishes in Italian cuisine, gnocchi vary in both name, appearance, and recipe across the regions of lo Stivale.

How to make gnocchi less mushy? ›

When cool enough to handle, scrape off the skins and push the potato through a ricer or food mill, then, while still warm, start working your dough on a floured work surface. (Here, Davies offers up another tip to fight the mush: “Spread out the mash to cool; the escaping steam will further take away any moisture.”)

Can you add too much flour to gnocchi? ›

It is very easy to add too much flour to gnocchi dough, which can make these dumplings glutinous, gummy, and sticky. If you dump all of the flour into your gnocchi dough at once, you won't have the same texture as a gnocchi that has just enough flour to bring it together.

Can I freeze gnudi? ›

Once gnudi have formed a skin, they can be frozen. Transfer to a large plate or a rimmed baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer to a zipper-lock freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can you reheat gnudi? ›

Reheat the gnudi in a pan with salted simmering water and the melted butter.

What is a gumba in Italian girlfriend? ›

Goomah — Mistress or girlfriend. It comes from the Italian comare, which means godmother or second mother. In other words, someone who takes care of you. Goomba — Compatriot or fellow comrade.

Is ricotta or potato gnocchi healthy? ›

As for whether ricotta gnocchi is healthier than potato gnocchi, it depends on your definition of "healthy." Ricotta gnocchi typically has a lighter texture and may be lower in carbohydrates and calories than potato gnocchi, made primarily from potatoes and flour.

What are gnocchi made of ricotta cheese called? ›

While both ricotta gnocchi and gnudi are dumplings made with ricotta cheese, gnudi are made with a minimal amount of flour. They're larger and fluffier than ricotta gnocchi.

What is a substitute for ricotta cheese in gnocchi? ›

"Gnocchi is usually made with potatoes or ricotta cheese, but using cottage cheese makes making the dough so easy!

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