Description
This Easy Ricotta Gnocchi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The pillowy ricotta gnocchi is paired with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce that takes this dish to the next level. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ricotta Gnocchi:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (drained)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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For the Ricotta Gnocchi:
- Prepare the Gnocchi Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Gradually add the flour, stirring to form a dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour until it holds together.
- Shape the Gnocchi: Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 1/2 inch thick) on a floured surface. Cut the ropes into small pieces (about 1-inch long). You can roll each piece over the back of a fork to create the classic gnocchi ridges, but this is optional.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the gnocchi into the water, cooking in batches if necessary. Once the gnocchi rise to the surface (about 2-3 minutes), remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the Garlic and Wine: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using, pour in the white wine and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the creamy mushroom sauce and stir gently to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and combined.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add a little lemon zest to the mushroom sauce for a fresh, bright flavor.
- For extra richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer, you can swap out the mushrooms for other vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, for a variation.
- If you don’t have a large enough pot to cook the gnocchi all at once, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of the dish)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg