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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    10 Easy Gnocchi Recipes for Weeknights

    Published: Jan 4, 2023 · Last Updated: Jan 4, 2023

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    On busy weeknights, a box (or bag!) of store bought fresh gnocchi is a perfect shortcut to a hearty, delicious meal the whole family will love. Find your new favorite recipe with this delicious collection of our best gnocchi ideas!

    This post contains affiliate links: if you buy something we'll earn a small commission at no cost to you.

    10 easy gnocchi recipes for weeknights. this recipe

    Gnocchi is our weeknight secret weapon: It cooks in minutes, and it's a perfect blank canvas for everything from veggies to protein to a jar of marinara sauce. Keep reading for a few of our favorite ways to dress up this cozy Italian dumpling!

    What kind of gnocchi should I use?

    Store bought gnocchi

    The recipes below are each designed to use a box of store-bought potato gnocchi (plus a few other veggies and common pantry ingredients). Your gnocchi might have a smooth surface, or it might have some ridges along one side - either style is good!

    Each package is usually about 1 pound (16 ounces), depending on brand. You can typically find gnocchi in a few different places in the store:

    • Freezer Section. Often stored next to frozen ravioli/tortellini or frozen meatballs!
    • Deli or Cheese areas. Refrigerated gnocchi is often found by other fresh pasta near the deli or cheese counter.
    • Pasta Aisle. Shelf-stable gnocchi is usually available in the pasta aisle.

    Pro tip: Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi will also work in these recipes!

    Homemade gnocchi

    If you prefer the texture of fresh, homemade potato dumplings, you can absolutely use homemade gnocchi in any of these recipes!

    Typically made with fresh cooked potatoes, eggs, and a bit of flour, fresh gnocchi dough is fun to make and has an incredible, soft texture once cooked. Use a traditional potato gnocchi recipe, or turn your leftover mashed potatoes into homemade gnocchi! You can also make colorful versions, like a simple sweet potato gnocchi or a butternut squash gnocchi.

    Silver fork lifting a bite of gnocchi out of a shallow bowl.
    Our easy CSA Gnocchi is perfect for summer!

    How to cook gnocchi

    Like regular dried pasta, gnocchi should be cooked in salted, boiling water (although as you'll see in the recipes below, that's not the only method to cook gnocchi!) But fresh gnocchi will cook much more quickly than dried pasta: For best results, follow the cooking instructions on the box or package.

    Our general rule of thumb: Boil fresh gnocchi in salty water until it floats.

    Potato gnocchi in a white bowl atop a striped napkin, topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
    Our favorite shortcut: make homemade gnocchi with leftover mashed potatoes!

    Our best gnocchi recipes

    This easy weeknight dinner recipe collection is curated from our own archives, as well as from a few of our favorite recipe developers and bloggers!

    Gnocchi in white cream sauce with spinach.

    Parmesan Spinach Gnocchi

    This easy gnocchi recipe features plenty of fresh spinach and a rich, creamy parmesan sauce! Add some shredded or grilled chicken for extra protein. One of the most popular recipes on our website!

    See the recipe
    Gnocchi with pesto sauce in a shallow white bowl.

    20 Minute Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    This creamy pesto gnocchi is ready in 20 minutes (using just one skillet!) with store-bought gnocchi, basil pesto, and heavy cream! Top with some parmesan, add a green salad, and dinner is handled.

    See the recipe
    Gnocchi with tomatoes, corn, and basil.

    Summer Gnocchi

    This recipe uses fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and corn with a quick white wine butter sauce, but you can stir in bell peppers or any other CSA veggies you have in the fridge. Ready in 20 minutes!

    See the recipe
    Gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce in a large skillet.

    Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi

    This easy mushroom gnocchi is ready in 30 minutes with a simple garlic, shallot, and parmesan cream sauce.

    See the recipe
    Tomato gnocchi soup in a large pot with a wooden spoon.

    Vegan Tomato Gnocchi Soup

    This soup is ready in 30 minutes - and the gnocchi cooks right in the soup (no extra dishes, and no boiling a pot of water!) This recipe is cozy, creamy, and only needs a few pantry staple ingredients.

    This recipe comes from our friend Kylie at Midwest Foodie!

    See the recipe
    Italian sausage gnocchi in a brown ceramic bowl.

    Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Burst Tomato Sauce

    This creamy gnocchi uses vegan Italian sausage, mushrooms, and plenty of kale with a simple burst cherry tomato sauce.

    This recipe comes from our friend Casey at The Mindful Hapa!

    See the recipe
    Gnocchi with cream sauce and diced tomatoes.

    Creamy BLT Gnocchi

    Pillowy, tender gnocchi is wrapped up in a creamy parmesan cheese sauce with tomatoes, greens, and crispy bacon for a cozy riff on the classic sandwich.

    See the recipe
    Gnocchi and tomatoes on a sheet pan with fresh spinach.

    Sheet pan gnocchi

    Did you know you can bake gnocchi? We developed this recipe for our friends at The Better Fish, and it's become one of our favorite weeknight dinners! Toss gnocchi (uncooked and straight out of the box!) on a pan with some veggies and fish for a hearty, complete meal. No boiling required!

    See the recipe
    Gnocchi and ragu sauce in a shallow white bowl.

    Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu with Gnocchi

    When it comes to weeknight dinners, the Instant Pot is an exceptional timesaver. Use it to make a lightning-fast, packed-with flavor sauce that turns your gnocchi into a rich and elegant meal.

    This recipe comes from our friend Eden at Sweet Tea & Thyme!

    See the recipe
    Black ladle scooping gnocchi soup out of a large pot.

    Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

    This easy, creamy gnocchi soup is ready in a snap and is perfect with rotisserie chicken or leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

    This recipe comes from our friends Sam & Dan at Ahead of Thyme!

    See the recipe

    More Pasta Recipes

    • Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi
    • White Cheddar Arugula Pesto Mac and Cheese
    • Spicy Mac and Cheese
    • Pesto Chicken Orzo Soup

    I'm Jessie, and I like to talk about food. Tag your recipes #LifeAsAStrawberry on social media to share your creations! Learn about our team!

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    I'm Jessie, and I like to talk about food. On this website, you'll find well-tested recipes and tutorials to help you make weeknight comfort food you're proud of.

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