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 ricotta gnocchi, and gnudi? ›

Gnudi are soft, creamy Italian pillows of ricotta and Parmesan cheese—they are similar to gnocchi but are made with little or no flour. The word gnudi means "naked"—that makes sense because they are like cheese ravioli without the pasta covering.

What are gnocchi made of ricotta cheese called? ›

Gnudi (Italian: [ˈɲuːdi]), also called malfatti, are gnocchi-like dumplings made with ricotta cheese and semolina instead of potato flour. The result is often a lighter, "pillowy" dish, unlike the often denser, chewier gnocchi.

Why are my ricotta gnocchi mushy? ›

Not draining the ricotta properly will result in sticky dough that requires extra flour, which will make the gnocchi gummy. It should be thick and dense and almost sliceable when properly drained. Mix the ingredients without flour.

What does "gnudi" mean in Italian? ›

Gnudi is a nice Italian meal that is very similar to Gnocchi. It is roughly translated to mean “naked” in Italian. Gnudi are gnocchi-like dumplings made with ricotta cheese and spinach instead of potato. They are often light, tender and creamy.

Can I use cream cheese instead of ricotta in gnocchi? ›

You can substitute it, but consider these few factors, there is a lot more salt in cream cheese than in ricotta so you will have to adjust the over all salt. Cream cheese is a bit more tart than ricotta.

Is gnocchi better or worse for you 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 did my gnudi fall apart? ›

Be cautious while cooking because gnudi can fall apart if there is not enough flour or semolina added. I usually make sure to test one rolled out ball before rolling the rest. Test just incase you need to add more ap flour or semolina. The amount of flour or semolina needed cannot be determined exactly.

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 gnocchi and gnudi? ›

Gnocchi can also be made with ricotta instead of potato, which are sometimes called gnudi (roughly translatable to "naked" in Italian). Gnudi generally have a bit less flour in them, making them similar in texture and flavor to the ricotta filling of ravioli, but without the pasta wrapper.

Is gnocchi better with potato or ricotta? ›

Comparatively speaking, ricotta gnocchi are quicker to prepare (just mix everything together- no potatoes to boil here!) and the texture is light and fluffy, in a unique “spongey” type way. As for the taste, potato gnocchi taste like…. potato, whereas ricotta gnocchi are more mild in flavor.

Why is my gnocchi falling apart when I cook it? ›

My Gnocchi Are Falling Apart When I Cook Them

Try adding another 1/4 cup of flour and try again. A good idea is to have a pot of water on the go before you roll out and shape your gnocchi.

Who makes the best gnocchi? ›

Both Trader Joe's and Capello's sweet potato gnocchi were delicious in flavor and texture, but we like that Cappello's product offers the ability to pair with any sauce or topping.

What to eat gnudi with? ›

Whatever works best for you! But I digress, back to the gnudi, in this recipe we actually baste the gently simmered gnudi in brown butter and then serve them with a very simple but delicious tomato sauce, plenty of parmesan and fresh basil and I can't tell you how good these are.

Can I freeze gnudi? ›

Once gnudi have formed a skin, they can be frozen.

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.

What is ricotta gnocchi made of? ›

My recipe for light and fluffy homemade ricotta gnocchi is made with 6 simple ingredients: ricotta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and 00 flour. I use fresh homemade ricotta because I'm obsessed with it's creamy texture, and I'm always looking for new ways to use it. However, store-bought ricotta will work too.

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