Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (2024)

Dressed, they are not exactly homely; they have a bland sort of appeal, respectable, sturdy, decent, ordinary. But shed off their clothing they are transformed into lush, provocative pillows of delectableness; creamy, soft and sensuous.

Ahem.

I am talking ravioli here. What did you think?

Naked Ravioli (or Ravioli Nudi as they are called in Italian) is basically ricotta gnocchi – like the insides of ricotta ravioli without the pasta wrapping. And my-oh-my are they heavenly.

Many moons ago, a friend of mine and I decided to throw a dinner party for a group of friends and (foolishly) decided to make homemade ravioli. We toiled for hours and hours, making homemade pasta, rolling, cutting, drying and cutting again and then filling the pasta with parmesan flavored ricotta and carefully pinching every single square of pasta to seal them so they wouldn’t burst when cooked. Despite all our careful pinching there were still a few that did burst and I found myself fishing out the cooked filling that had escaped their doughy (gluten-filled) outsides and settled at the bottom of the pot. They were without a doubt my favorite part of the meal.

That meal took us forever to prepare and yes, it was good enough for company, however, we were too tired to enjoy our guests or the fruits of our hard labor. Preparing this gluten-free naked ravioli and sauce took me somewhere under 45 minutes (not counting the time to drain the ricotta) and was good enough to serve visiting diplomats or Hugh Jackman, or more importantly, my family.

There are few things you need to know to ensure perfect success.

No Whey! You need to drain the whey off the ricotta. This is simple. Place your ricotta in a strainer or wrap in some cheese cloth and put in a colander set over a bowl to catch the liquid, top with a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or up to 24 hours). This will ensure your ricotta is nice and dry which will keep your gnocchi from becoming too dense.

Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (2)

Let the liquid drain off

Easy Tiger. Go easy on the salt and nutmeg. The Parmesan adds a good bit of saltiness and you only need a couple of small gratings of nutmeg – you do not want eggnog flavored dumplings.

Enough is enough! Add just as much potato starch as is necessary to keep the gnocchi together so they stay nice and light. Which brings me to my next tip…

Testing, testing, testing. Add the minimum amount of potato starch and then drop a spoonful in some boiling water. If it falls apart when you push on it gently, you need more. If it stays together, firmly but still soft, you got it! Depending on the humidity and all sorts of factors, this amount can change from day to day so don’t skip the testing. (I usually use about 7 tablespoons.)

Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (3)

Nope, need more potato starch

Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (4)

Perfect!

Believe it or not, I had some left over so I stored the gnocchi and sauce separately in the fridge and then reheated the gnocchi in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so and served with re-heated sauce. Perfectly yummy the second time around.

Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (5)

5 from 1 vote

Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (6)

Print Recipe

Prep Time40 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time1 hr 10 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 301kcal

Author: Gluten Free & More

Ingredients

Gnocchi

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 2 large eggs
  • Kosher or fine sea salt
  • teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ¼-½ cup potato starch or gluten free all-purpose flour

Sauce

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 (35-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes drained and sauce reserved
  • 6-7 fresh basil leaves finely chopped
  • Kosher or fine sea salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  • Place ricotta cheese in a strainer or wrap in some cheese cloth and put in a colander and set over a bowl to catch the liquid. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the ricotta and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.

  • Mix the drained ricotta with the Parmesan cheese, eggs, small pinch of salt, and nutmeg until well blended. Starting with ¼ cup, add potato starch to the mixture and blend well to form the gnocchi batter.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop a big spoonful of the batter into the boiling water (I use a 1-tablespoon ice cream scoop). Cook until it swells and rises to the top, about 2-3 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove from the water and gently push it with your finger. If it falls apart, you need to add more potato starch to your batter. Repeat until one gnocchi comes out perfect. At this point, prepare the sauce, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water and keep the rest of the cooking water warm until time to cook the remaining gnocchi.

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the onions and crushed red pepper and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 7 or 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the drained tomatoes and break them up with a spatula into rough chunks. Add ¼ cup of reserved cooking water and the reserved sauce from the can of tomatoes. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend the sauce either with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until almost smooth but not pureed. If blending in a regular blender, remove the plastic insert from the top and hold a kitchen towel over the top to keep it from exploding. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more of the reserved cooking water. Return the sauce to the pan and stir in the chopped basil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Keep warm while cooking the gnocchi.

  • Return the large pan of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi batter into the boiling water with either a large spoon or small ice cream scoop – do this in 2 or 3 batches so there are only about 8-12 gnocchi in the pan at a time. Cook until the gnocchi swell and float to the top, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, spider skimmer or mesh strainer with a long handle. Blot with a clean tea towel and place on a plate. Keep warm until all the gnocchi are cooked.

  • Ladle some sauce on the plate, spread it out a bit and place 4-6 gnocchi on top. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 301Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Cholesterol 107mg36%

Sodium 597mg25%

Potassium 526mg15%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 790IU16%

Vitamin C 17.3mg21%

Calcium 437mg44%

Iron 2.4mg13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owner’s. This blog accepts free manufacturers’ samples and forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. Affiliate links may be included in this post.

Disclaimer: All nutrition facts on Gluten Free & More are meant only as a guide and may differ depending on product brands used or ingredient substitutions. Some errors may occur, so you are encouraged to confirm the recipe’s ingredient and nutrition suitability for your own diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Give it a star rating and let us know your thoughts in the Ratings & Reviews section below.
  1. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (9)

    Jenn

    September 27, 2010

    Reply

    Beautiful! The only time I have made ricotta gnocchi was for a Daring Cooks challenge last year, and I've been thinking I need to revisit it and try them again :) These look perfect!

  2. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (10)

    DeltaWhiskey

    September 27, 2010

    Reply

    Wow. I think I'm going to have to make these this weekend. I made some ravioli a few weeks ago that was… eh… not good. I'll give this a shot though!

  3. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (11)

    gfe--gluten free easily

    September 27, 2010

    Reply

    I didn't know you had to strain off the whey, Carol. Interesting and helpful for sure, but let's get to the really important stuff … this gnocchi looks so amazing! Your photos are absolutely stunning!

    Hugs,
    Shirley

  4. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (12)

    Erin Swing

    September 27, 2010

    Reply

    Perfecto! Wow, your photos are so beautiful. Your recipes look great!

  5. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (13)

    Chelsey

    September 27, 2010

    Reply

    Genius! Ravioli without the labor and all the flavor. I am TOTALLY making these. Simple yet elegant I am really liking it. Way to go Carol!

  6. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (14)

    Iris

    September 27, 2010

    Reply

    I think I've died and gone to heaven.

    p.s. made delicious lemon cheesecake bars with your flour blend. Need to buy some more so I can try out all the other recipes I wanted to get to!

  7. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (15)

    ROY

    September 27, 2010

    Reply

    This is such a beautiful post, and Congratulations, your work in photography is stunning and very inspiring.

  8. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (16)

    Diane-The WHOLE Gang

    September 28, 2010

    Reply

    Your gnocchi looks so much prettier than mine. I almost posted my recipe today. How funny. We must be on the same wave length. You are a kitchen magician. You're food always looks amazing and I bet it tastes even better.

  9. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (17)

    LV

    September 28, 2010

    Reply

    These look absolutely delicious.

  10. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (18)

    Cheryl Harris

    September 28, 2010

    Reply

    those are stunningly beautiful!

  11. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (19)

    Lisa (bakebikeblog)

    September 28, 2010

    Reply

    oh my – these look positively delightful! Must put them on my 'to make' list!

  12. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (20)

    The InTolerant Chef

    September 28, 2010

    Reply

    My, what an alluring description! I think we should all try them just based on that alone..

  13. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (21)

    Jas.

    September 28, 2010

    Reply

    Love ricotta gnocchi we make it all the time round here with a very similar recipe. Love the photos!

  14. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (22)

    The Short (dis)Order Cook

    September 29, 2010

    Reply

    I have always loved gnudi. The best ones I ever had were at Mia Dona, where they really tasted like ravioli pillows.

    I have been wondering how to do a good gluten-free gnocchi dish. Thanks for the inspiration. I'd love to see a glute-free classic potato gnocchi recipe.

  15. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (23)

    Bren

    September 29, 2010

    Reply

    can i have that entire dish and plating props! so lovely, Carol…

  16. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (24)

    Thewholesomehome

    September 29, 2010

    Reply

    Gnocchi is my weakness! I tried the ricotta recipe from Martha and it failed so bad! I can't wait to redeem myself. I will be making this very soon!

  17. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (25)

    Tasty Eats At Home

    October 4, 2010

    Reply

    Wow, this looks so comforting and delicious!

  18. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (26)

    PattyBoots

    October 5, 2010

    Reply

    I wonder if you could then "squish" these and fry them like pierogi?

    And the draining of the ricotta reminds me of making yogurt cheese.

    Regardless, YUM!

  19. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (27)

    Mrs. Ed

    October 19, 2010

    Reply

    Mmmm, what an interesting recipe, this looks so good.

  20. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (28)

    October 21, 2011

    Reply

    I tried these a while back and also added a little thawed, frozen spinach. They are very rich and tasty.
    recap: http://sowingtheseedsoffamily.blogspot.com/2011/09/gnudi-nudey.html

  21. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (29)

    I love the idea of a gluten free gnocchi. I’m not too familiar with gluten free cooking, but I will definitely try it. I like the way you made the gnocchi. It reminded me when I use to make knoedel long time ago in Germany. Great recipe. Thanks

  22. Pingback: Ricotta dumplings | Butternut Biking

  23. Pingback: How about some Gnocchi? - MotivaNova

  24. Pingback: Top 10 Best Gluten Free Pasta Recipes

  25. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (30)

    Elise

    August 6, 2017

    Reply

    your ingredient list includes GF flour while directions has potato starch. Are they interchangeable in this recipe? Can I use just potato starch?

    1. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (31)

      Gluten Free & More

      August 18, 2017

      Reply

      Hi Elise,
      Sorry about that! Yes, you could use either. I’ve corrected the ingredient list to reflect that.

  26. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (32)

    Denise

    April 24, 2020

    Reply

    When do you add the reserved juice drained from the can of tomatoes?

    1. Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (33)

      Gluten Free & More

      April 27, 2020

      Reply

      Hi Denise,
      Sorry about that. Add it when you break down the tomatoes, before blending the mixture. I fixed the recipe instructions, so you should see it in the steps now.
      Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Gluten Free Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between gnocchi and ricotta gnocchi? ›

Traditional potato gnocchi are made of potato bound together with flour and egg, whereas ricotta gnocchi replaces the potato with ricotta cheese. Because of ricotta's springy texture and the lack of potatoes, ricotta gnocchi has a lighter texture than potato gnocchi.

Why are my ricotta gnocchi mushy? ›

Make sure your water is boiling, added salt, and don't overload the pan. When the gnocchi hits the boiling water, you want them to cook quickly. Adding too many to the pan will cool the water down too much, and they could go mushy or fall apart.

What is gnocchi made of ricotta cheese called? ›

While both ricotta gnocchi and gnudi are dumplings made with ricotta cheese, gnudi are made with a minimal amount of flour. They're larger and fluffier than ricotta gnocchi. And, ricotta gnocchi are a bit more substantial in texture.

How does gluten free gnocchi taste? ›

This gluten-free gnocchi tastes like potatoes with a bouncy texture, even without gluten. This recipe uses a trick from the past when Italian cooks would toss potatoes into a fire or oven that was being cooled down so as not to waste the heat.

Is gnocchi more unhealthy than pasta? ›

Nutritional Value

Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn't have nearly as high of a sodium content.

What does gnocchi mean in Italian? ›

The word gnocchi may be derived from the Italian word nocchio, meaning a knot in wood, or from nocca, meaning knuckle. It has been a traditional type of Italian pasta since Roman times. It was introduced by the Roman legions during the expansion of the empire into the countries of the European continent.

Should gnocchi be soft or chewy? ›

Cooked gnocchi should have a light, squidgy texture, and should not be tough and chewy.

Is gnocchi supposed to be soft or crunchy? ›

Are gnocchi supposed to be soft or crunchy? Gnocchi should be melt-in-your-mouth soft, fluffy pillows. They should not be tough and chewy.

Why is my gnocchi falling apart when I cook it? ›

If the gnocchi fall apart or appear to be fraying at the edges, it can mean one of two things: You let them cook for too long or, even worse, you didn't combine the potato and flour into true dough. In the latter case, it's back to square one.

Which is better potato or ricotta gnocchi? ›

Comparatively speaking, ricotta gnocchi are quicker to prepare (just mix everything together- no potatoes to boil here!) and the texture is light and fluffy, in a unique “spongey” type way. As for the taste, potato gnocchi taste like…. potato, whereas ricotta gnocchi are more mild in flavor.

What are the 3 types of gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi alla zucca: Pumpkin gnocchi served with butter and cheese. Ndunderi: The Amalfi Coast specialty originally made with farro and curdled milk. Gnocchi alla Romana: Made with semolina and milk, this variety is shaped into squares and baked rather than boiled.

Why is my ricotta gnocchi sticky? ›

Adding too much flour all at once

It is very easy to add too much flour to gnocchi dough, which can make these dumplings glutinous, gummy, and sticky. If you dump all of the flour into your gnocchi dough at once, you won't have the same texture as a gnocchi that has just enough flour to bring it together.

Is there a difference in taste between gluten and gluten-free? ›

Generally, gluten free baked products are characterized by reduced textural and sensorial properties compared to their gluten-containing counterparts [4]. Because of the flours employed, gluten free biscuits may be harder, may present a dry and sandy mouthfeel and an unpleasant appearance, taste, or color [5].

Can celiacs eat gnocchi? ›

It depends. Most gnocchi contains wheat flour so check if you are ordering at a restaurant. You can buy gluten-free gnocchi or make your own.

Can you eat gnocchi like pasta? ›

Gnocchi is boiled, just like pasta and potato dumplings. While it is usually served like a pasta, gnocchi is also at-home in recipes that call for dumplings. Try swapping out gnocchi in your next batch of Chicken and Dumplings.

Is ricotta gnocchi better than potato gnocchi? ›

But gnocchi can be made with ricotta too, which is a delicious alternative to its famous cousin. Comparatively speaking, ricotta gnocchi are quicker to prepare (just mix everything together- no potatoes to boil here!) and the texture is light and fluffy, in a unique “spongey” type way.

What does ricotta gnocchi taste like? ›

The texture is soft and pillowy, and it has a slightly chewy bite. Ricotta Gnocchi: This type of gnocchi is made with ricotta cheese, flour, and eggs, and has a smoother and creamier texture than potato gnocchi. It has a slightly tangy flavor and is often paired with tomato-based sauces.

What is ricotta gnocchi made of? ›

Ricotta Gnocchi Ingredients:

Whole milk ricotta cheese: Try to buy the best-quality brand available. We will then drain the ricotta quickly on paper towels to remove some of its excess moisture. Flour: I love making this gnocchi recipe with “00” flour, which makes them extra light.

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