17 Gnocchi Recipes That Will Spark Your Dinner

Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce is possibly the most popular method of cooking gnocchi. In this dish, pillowy potato dumplings are combined with the vibrant flavors of a classic tomato sauce. Choose from our selection of best tomato sauce recipes to pair with your gnocchi.

This sauce simmered with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs, blankets the gnocchi in a symphony of savory delight. Sprinkled with Parmesan or fresh basil, it's a dish that transcends generations, echoing the warmth of family kitchens and the timeless allure of comfort food. It is a celebration of simple easily available ingredients.

As opposed to tomato sauce, this gnocchi recipe is made with vibrant green pesto sauce. Potato dumplings are cooked with a paste made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan to form a comforting as well as flavorful. The star of the dish is the pesto sauce.

The sauce combines basil's aromatic notes, the crunch of pine nuts, and the umami richness of Parmesan and transforms a seemingly simple meal into an indulgence. Similar to the previous recipe, it also represents simplicity with few ingredients and very little effort. It's a melody of the Italian countryside on a plate for you to enjoy.

Brown Butter sauce with sage is also a popular method of cooking gnocchi. The sauce is prepared by transforming butter into golden nutty goodness which coats the fluffy potato dumplings. Fragrant sage leaves, crisped in the browned butter, serve the purpose of providing an aromatic herbal note. You can also opt for some butter alternatives if you're looking to cut down on the fat.

This dish is a celebration of contrasts – the pillowy softness of gnocchi against the crunch of sage, and the subtle sweetness of browned butter. Each forkful is a journey, a balance of textures and tastes that transcends the ordinary. The dish is best known for its rustic sophistication.

Gnocchi Carbonara is a twist on the classic Roman pasta dish. Tender gnocchi are coated in a velvety sauce made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy pancetta. The sauce, with its creamy texture, clings to each gnocchi, creating a burst of flavor. The dish is often finished with a generous dusting of black pepper.

The magic lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. The eggs create a luscious base, the Parmesan contributes a nutty depth, and the pancetta adds savory notes. Gnocchi Carbonara is a comforting fusion of Italian traditions and flavors.

Step into flavor town with the Chicken Sausage Gnocchi Skillet, a one-pan wonder that brings together soft gnocchi with the savory goodness of chicken sausage. The potato dumplings are first sautéed with succulent chunks of seasoned chicken sausage. The skillet becomes a canvas as vibrant cherry tomatoes burst open, infusing their sweetness into the dish, while aromatic garlic and herbs fill the room.

To intensify the flavors, a sprinkle of Parmesan is added on top to achieve a cheesy finish. The dish is flavorful as well as simple, a quick, fuss-free meal for all.

Gnocchi Primavera is a celebration of freshness and flavor. It brings together a symphony of colorful vegetables—crisp asparagus, sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, and tender broccoli into one dish. 

The magic happens in the pan as the gnocchi sauté to golden perfection and the veggies release their natural sweetness. The dish is elevated with a light, herb-infused olive oil or cream-based sauce, embracing the essence of the season. Fresh basil, parsley, and a hint of garlic finish off with a bang of fresh aromatics and earthy notes.

Similar to the previous recipe on this list, sweet potato gnocchi is a sweeter and fairly healthier alternative. Instead of potatoes, sweet potato dumplings are created and cooked in a brown butter sauce. The dish is often elevated with a sprinkle of fresh sage leaves, their crispness adding a fragrant herbaceous touch.

If you're looking to change up your dinner recipes with something new and interesting, this dish will do just the trick for you. The sweetness of sweet potatoes comes through to match the nuttiness of the brown butter to give you a symphony that dances around your tongue.

This version of the dish allows you to customize the consistency of your sauce. You can either go for a light olive oil and garlic drizzle or opt for a more decadent tomato or cream-based concoction. Either way, what you're left with are pillowy gnocchi infused with the essence of spinach and velvet ricotta.

Like most pasta dishes, this dish also celebrates freshness and indulgence as the gnocchi becomes a canvas for flavors of both greens and cheese. To serve, you can either adorn the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, a dash of nutmeg, or a hint of lemon zest. In addition to being delicious, you can also reap several spinach health benefits.

In this dish, we turn the soft potato dumplings into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. We start with classic gnocchi in a marinara sauce nestled between layers of gooey melted cheese, and aromatic herbs. The rest of the magic happens in the oven, where the gnocchi absorbs the flavors of the sauce, while the cheese on top turns golden and irresistibly bubbly.

This casserole also invites customization—add your favorite vegetables, sausage, or even a layer of creamy béchamel for an extra touch of indulgence. It's a one-pan wonder that transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying meal, perfect for cozy dinners or potluck gatherings.

Who doesn't like a creamy mushroom sauce? The earthy flavors of sauteed mushroom in a luscious cream sauce is the definition of indulgence. The golden and caramelized fungi have almost a meaty texture which goes well with fluffy potatoes. In this culinary delight, garlic and herbs join the party, enhancing the aroma and complexity of each bite.

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dusting of fresh parsley to crown the dish and elevate an already luxurious experience.

If you prefer lazy dinners that carry punchy flavors, lemon garlic gnocchi should be on your list. The citrusy zing of the lemon complements the robust garlic to create a light yet incredibly satisfying experience. This simple sauce is prepared with minced garlic, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

As you twirl a forkful, each pillowy gnocchi is coated with various tastes and flavors. This dish is a reminder that a handful of quality ingredients, skillfully combined, can create a product that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Butternut Squash Gnocchi brings autumn to your plate with warm and earthy flavors. The gnocchi are prepared with velvety butternut squash that is elegant and comforting. The vibrant orange hue hints at its rich nutritional profile, loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

To prepare this autumnal delight, roasted butternut squash is pureed and incorporated into a dough to prepare the gnocchi. Paired with a sage-infused brown butter sauce, it becomes a symphony of fall flavors. Alternatively, you can serve it with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a simple tomato-based sauce for a delightful contrast.

This is pretty much your classic gnocchi casserole but elevated. In this dish, the potato gnocchi is mixed in a creamy pesto sauce in a baking dish. It is then topped with a ton of Parmesan cheese which melts in the oven to create a golden brown top.

As it bakes, the aroma of fresh herbs and melting cheese fills the air, teasing your taste buds with anticipation. As you take a bite, you go through a journey starting with the softness of the gnocchi, the creaminess of the sauce, and the boldness of pesto dancing in perfect unison.

Lamb Ragu is made with tender chunks of lamb, slowly simmered in a rich tomato-based ragu until they practically melt in your mouth. Served atop delicate, handmade gnocchi, the lamb ragu transforms each dumpling into a savory sponge, soaking up the luscious sauce. The gnocchi, soft and supple, contrasts beautifully with the meaty intensity of the lamb.

Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dusting of grated Parmesan or Pecorino, this dish elevates the rustic charm of lamb ragu to a new culinary height. It's a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings.

Vegan pumpkin gnocchi is a plant-based alternative for those who want to enjoy their favorite food without having to worry about their diet restrictions. To begin, the dough is prepared with pumpkin puree which pretty much represents fall. Once cooked, the gnocchi can be cooked in a myriad of sauces.

The easiest option is the sage-infused olive oil topped with pine nuts but you can also opt for a vegan cream sauce that coats the gnocchi. Despite being a dietary restriction, dishes like vegan gnocchi and vegan lasagna prove that comfort food can be both cruelty-free and exceptionally delicious.

Soup is the ultimate comfort food. There are many soup recipes available for you to find the one that tugs at your heart and for some chicken gnocchi soup might be the one. It has both contrasting flavors and textures where the gnocchi absorbs the savory essence of the broth.

The chicken brings a protein-packed punch, while carrots, celery, and spinach add color and nutritional goodness. Fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary are also added for some aroma. Often enriched with a touch of cream or Parmesan, the broth achieves a luxurious creaminess that elevates the entire experience. As you sit to take a sip, you're remined that sometimes, in the simplest of dishes, we find the most profound comfort.

Brussels sprouts and gnocchi are an unexpected pairing however, the contrasting flavors of the ingredients complement each other quite well. There is also different textures at play here. The gnocchi are pillowy while the Brussels sprouts are charred to a caramelized sweetness, adding a satisfying crunch.

Together, these two ingredients create a dish that marries earthy and savory elements. The gnocchi provides a hearty foundation, while the Brussels sprouts contribute a robust, cruciferous character. Tossed together in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and perhaps a hint of balsamic glaze, this dish has everything, savory, slightly sweet, and nutty notes.