5 Gnocchi Recipes That Turn This Classic Pasta Into Comfort Food Heaven

Gnocchi, the soft and pillowy Italian potato dumplings, are perfect for quick, comforting meals. Their versatility allows them to pair with a wide range of sauces, vegetables, and proteins. You don’t need to stick to traditional butter and sage—gnocchi can be transformed into indulgent dishes that feel restaurant-quality but are easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Here are 5 gnocchi recipes with full instructions that elevate this classic pasta into comfort food heaven.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 500 grams potato gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 50 grams grated Parmesan
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add cooked gnocchi and Parmesan, stirring until coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Gnocchi with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 500 grams potato gnocchi
• 4 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float. Drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add gnocchi and pesto to the pan, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve topped with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Sage and Brown Butter Gnocchi

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 500 grams potato gnocchi
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 fresh sage leaves
• 30 grams grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown and nutty, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add sage leaves and fry briefly until crisp.
4. Toss cooked gnocchi in the brown butter and sage.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Gnocchi with Mushroom Cream Sauce

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 500 grams potato gnocchi
• 200 grams mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 30 grams Parmesan, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float. Drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Toss gnocchi into the sauce, then stir in Parmesan.
5. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley before serving.

Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Mozzarella

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 500 grams potato gnocchi
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 100 grams mozzarella, sliced or shredded
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float. Drain.
2. In a baking dish, layer half of the gnocchi, half of the marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
4. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Gnocchi Dishes

Cook gnocchi in plenty of salted water and remove as soon as they float to avoid mushiness. Toss gently with sauces to prevent breaking. Add fresh herbs and grated cheese for extra flavor. Experiment with proteins, vegetables, or sauces to keep meals exciting.

These 5 gnocchi recipes show how versatile and indulgent this classic pasta can be. From creamy Parmesan to baked tomato and mozzarella, each dish transforms gnocchi into comforting, satisfying meals that feel like a treat every time.