Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce

If you’re craving a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting, this Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce is your answer. This dish combines pillowy-soft ricotta gnocchi with a vibrant, aromatic marinara sauce for an easy yet impressive Italian dinner. Perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions, you’ll love how simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create unforgettable flavor and texture. Let’s dive into why this recipe should be on your regular cooking rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless elegance: Homemade ricotta gnocchi are easier to make than you might think, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss.
• Creamy texture: Using ricotta cheese keeps the gnocchi light and tender, unlike traditional potato versions that can be heavier.
• Rich, fresh marinara: The vibrant tomato sauce made from scratch perfectly balances the softness of the gnocchi.
• Quick to prepare: This recipe comes together in under an hour, ideal for both busy nights and relaxed weekends.
• Customizable flavors: You can easily tweak the sauce or add herbs and spices to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to create this incredible dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building flavor, ensuring your homemade ricotta gnocchi with marinara sauce turns out perfect every time.

• Ricotta cheese: Choose whole-milk ricotta for a creamy, tender gnocchi base.
• All-purpose flour: Keeps the gnocchi together while maintaining a soft bite.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything in place without weighing down the dough.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and enhances the gnocchi’s flavor.
• Fresh basil: Brings a fragrant, herbal brightness to the marinara sauce.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian warmth and aroma.
• Crushed tomatoes: Forms the heart of the marinara with rich, tangy sweetness.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a silky texture to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance each flavor.

Variations for Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs or spice things up to suit your mood. Here are some fun ideas to try out!

• Spinach twist: Fold finely chopped cooked spinach into the gnocchi dough for extra color and nutrients.
• Herb-infused sauce: Add oregano or thyme to your marinara for added complexity.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce if you love a little heat.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Sundried tomato boost: Stir chopped sundried tomatoes into the marinara for concentrated flavor.

How to Make Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi Dough

Start by draining the ricotta cheese well to avoid excess moisture, then combine it in a bowl with flour, a beaten egg, and grated Parmesan. Gently mix until the dough just comes together—avoid overworking it to keep the gnocchi light and fluffy.

Step 2: Shape the Gnocchi

Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each into long ropes about ¾ inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces, then gently press each piece with a fork to create characteristic ridges that help the sauce cling better.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in the gnocchi batches. They’re done when they float to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a warm plate.

Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce

While cooking the gnocchi, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop rich flavors. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the drained gnocchi gently with the marinara sauce. Plate the gnocchi, spoon over extra sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce

• Drain ricotta thoroughly: Removing excess moisture ensures a dough that’s not too sticky or wet.
• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can lose flavor, so freshly grated cheese always tastes better.
• Don’t over-handle the dough: Over-mixing makes the gnocchi dense rather than light and tender.
• Salt the cooking water well: Properly seasoned water adds flavor to the gnocchi during cooking.
• Simmer your marinara: A slow simmer allows the tomatoes to deepen in flavor and thicken beautifully.

How to Serve Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil make perfect garnishes, adding freshness, umami, and richness to each bite.

Side Dishes

Light sides like a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted asparagus complement this dish beautifully without overpowering the gnocchi’s delicate texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls with the sauce artfully swirled on top, or bake the sauced gnocchi with mozzarella until bubbly for a comforting baked twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover gnocchi and marinara sauce separately in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve texture and flavors.

Freezing

To freeze gnocchi, arrange uncooked pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze solid; then transfer to a freezer bag. Marinara sauce can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gnocchi gently in simmering water until warm, then toss with reheated marinara sauce on the stovetop rather than microwaving to maintain softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ricotta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well using cheesecloth or a fine sieve to remove excess moisture before making the dough.

How do I know when gnocchi are cooked?

They rise and float to the surface of boiling water when cooked, which usually takes 2-3 minutes depending on size.

Can I make the gnocchi dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator, but avoid making it too far ahead to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?

Gluten-free flour blends can work well, but you might need to adjust quantities since absorption varies; tapioca starch can add a nice texture too.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, substitute ricotta with a vegan ricotta alternative or tofu, and replace the egg with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, adjusting flour to get the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce is a delightful way to bring Italian warmth and charm into your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, freshness, and comfort all on one plate. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite classic to share with family and friends!

Related Posts

• Vegan Turkey Roast
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Spinach

Print