Italian Gnocchi – Soft, Pillowy, and Flavorful

Italian Gnocchi are light, pillowy dumplings made from potatoes and flour, perfect for pairing with rich sauces or a simple drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan. This classic dish is comforting, versatile, and easy to make at home. Whether served as a main course or a side, these tender gnocchi melt in your mouth and bring the authentic taste of Italy to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Pillowy – Light potato dumplings that melt in your mouth.
Versatile – Serve with tomato sauce, creamy sauces, or butter and herbs.
Simple & Homemade – Minimal ingredients for a fresh, authentic taste.
Comfort Food Favorite – Classic Italian dish that’s hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional toppings: marinara sauce, pesto, butter, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes
   Boil whole, unpeeled potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20–25 minutes. Drain, let cool slightly, then peel.
2. Make the Dough
   Mash the potatoes until smooth. On a floured surface, combine mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and salt. Knead gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork.
3. Shape the Gnocchi
   Divide dough into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about ¾-inch thick, and cut into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, roll each piece over the tines of a fork for a classic ridged texture.
4. Cook the Gnocchi
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi in batches. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
5. Serve
   Toss cooked gnocchi with your favorite sauce, butter, or olive oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 7g
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Russet Potatoes – Starchy potatoes make light and fluffy gnocchi.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough – Over-kneading leads to dense gnocchi.
• Cook in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pot for even cooking.

Why This Recipe Works

The light, tender texture comes from the perfect balance of potatoes, flour, and minimal handling of the dough. Boiling until they float ensures soft, pillowy dumplings that absorb sauces beautifully.

Italian Gnocchi are a comforting, homemade dish that’s soft, flavorful, and versatile. Easy to make and perfect with a variety of sauces, these tender potato dumplings bring authentic Italian flavors to any meal.