There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of pillowy soft ricotta gnocchi drenched in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. It’s elegant yet effortless, indulgent but not overly heavy—a true game-changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Trust me, once you try making ricotta gnocchi from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Why You’ll Love Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve it as a main course for a cozy dinner or as a side dish to complement a larger spread. It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even a glass of white wine.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals don’t have to cost a fortune.
Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional potato gnocchi, ricotta gnocchi comes together in a fraction of the time. No boiling or mashing potatoes—just mix, shape, and cook.
Customizable: You can switch up the sauce, add protein like chicken or pancetta, or even throw in some extra veggies to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Easy Ricotta Gnocchi
Ricotta Cheese: The star of the show! It gives the gnocchi a light and delicate texture while keeping them rich and satisfying.
Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the gnocchi hold together beautifully when cooked.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the gnocchi, making them extra flavorful.
Flour: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it too dense.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Ingredients in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Mushrooms: The heart of the sauce. Their earthy, umami flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic goodness, making every bite irresistible.
Butter: Adds richness and depth, making the sauce luxuriously smooth.
Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, indulgent texture that coats the gnocchi perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy kick that ties the sauce together.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens up the dish and adds a hint of freshness.
Instructions
Make the Gnocchi
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually add flour, stirring gently, until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
Shape the Gnocchi: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into ropes about ½ inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces and gently press each piece with a fork for texture.
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and add the mushrooms. Cook until they’re golden brown and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Cream: Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently.
Finish with Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss in the Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece in the creamy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce
- A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for an elegant touch
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking the dough can make the gnocchi dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use full-fat ricotta: It yields the best texture and flavor.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning as needed to get the perfect balance of flavors.
- Make ahead: You can prep the gnocchi ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
Faq’s
Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead? Yes! While homemade ricotta gnocchi is incredibly soft and delicious, store-bought gnocchi can be a convenient alternative.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
What type of mushrooms work best? Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all work beautifully in this sauce.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If using milk, consider adding a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze ricotta gnocchi? Yes! Freeze uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish? Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
Can I add protein to this dish? Definitely! Cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or shrimp make excellent additions.
What other sauces can I use? Try a simple browned butter and sage sauce or a tomato-based sauce for a different twist.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free ricotta, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Conclusion
There you have it—a foolproof recipe for easy ricotta gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this dish will make you feel like a pro. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
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Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta / Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A light and fluffy ricotta-based gnocchi tossed in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining the delicate flavors of ricotta with earthy mushrooms and a touch of cream for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth. Roll into a log about 1-inch in diameter, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Dust the pieces lightly with flour.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and sauté until the mushrooms are soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and add the thyme.
- Gently add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce during step 5.
- Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg