Description
This Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Marinara Sauce recipe features light, fluffy ricotta dumplings paired with a vibrant homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it offers rich tomato flavor balanced by tender gnocchi that melt in your mouth. Simple to prepare and customizable, it’s a delightful dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ricotta Gnocchi Dough
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3/4 to 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 8–10 fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), plus more for garnish
Optional Meat Element
- 2–3 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped and crisped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Gnocchi Dough: Gently drain the ricotta cheese using a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with the egg yolk. Gradually fold in the flour, starting with 3/4 cup, mixing gently until a sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the gnocchi tender.
- Shape the Gnocchi: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into long ropes about 1 inch thick. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, shape each piece using a fork to create ridges that help hold the sauce better.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop in the gnocchi pieces. They are done when they float to the surface, usually within 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.
- Make the Marinara Sauce: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked gnocchi in the marinara sauce, allowing each piece to soak up the richness. Serve warm, garnished with shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), extra fresh basil leaves, and, if desired, crisped smoked turkey bacon pieces and cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Drain ricotta well to avoid watery dough and ensure perfect texture.
- Use fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Cook gnocchi just until they float to prevent mushiness.
- Lightly flour the shaping surface to avoid sticking and maintain tender gnocchi.
- Simmer sauce gently to deepen tomato flavors without overpowering the gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Ricotta gnocchi, marinara sauce, Italian pasta alternative, homemade gnocchi, easy Italian recipe, vegetarian gnocchi
