6 Ways To Cook Gnocchi

Choosing the Right Gnocchi for Cooking

When choosing gnocchi for cooking, look for ones that are firm and have a slightly chewy texture. Fresh gnocchi, found in the refrigerator section or homemade, often has a lighter, fluffier texture, making it a good choice for a soft, delicate bite.

Frozen gnocchi, which can be stored for longer periods, tends to have a firmer texture and can be a good option if you prefer a denser texture. Always check the package for any signs of freezer burn or damage, and ensure you adhere to the use-by date for the best quality.

Be sure to check the ingredient list. Authentic gnocchi should contain basic ingredients like potatoes, flour, and eggs. Avoid those with excessive additives or preservatives, as they can affect the flavor and texture.

How To Cook Gnocchi: 6 Ways

Gnocchi is a popular dish found in many Italian restaurants and is often loved by home cooks. It is enjoyed worldwide and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Cooking gnocchi can be a fun experience because there are many delicious ways to prepare this Italian dumpling.

Here, we’ll explore six different methods for cooking gnocchi, so you can choose the best one for your next meal. Each technique offers its own unique texture and flavor, making it easy to customize your gnocchi dish to your liking.

1. Boiling

Ingredients

• Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Water
• Salt (about 1-2 tablespoons)
• Optional: a small amount of olive oil or butter for tossing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Water

Fill a large pot with water. You'll need enough water to allow the gnocchi to float freely and cook evenly. Add salt to the water. The water should taste slightly salty, similar to sea water. This helps to season the gnocchi as they cook.

2. Bring Water to a Boil

Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. This might take a few minutes depending on the amount of water and your stove's power.

3. Add the Gnocchi

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the gnocchi to the pot. Stir gently to ensure they don't stick together. If you're cooking a large batch, you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.

4. Cook the Gnocchi

Boil the gnocchi until they float to the surface. This typically takes 2-3 minutes. Once they float, give them a few more seconds to ensure they are fully cooked. The gnocchi should have a light, pillowy texture.

5. Drain the Gnocchi

Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the boiling water. Alternatively, you can carefully pour the gnocchi into a colander to drain. Be gentle to avoid breaking them.

6. Optional - Tossing

If you like, you can toss the cooked gnocchi in a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent them from sticking together and to add extra flavor. This step is optional and can be done in a pan over low heat.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the gnocchi to your favorite sauce or dish. They pair well with a variety of sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or browned butter with sage. Serve the gnocchi immediately while they are warm and tender. Garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, or other toppings as desired.

2. Sauteing

Ingredients

• Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil or butter (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Minced garlic (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or sage), finely chopped (optional)
• Grated cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Gnocchi

If the gnocchi is frozen, let it thaw a bit or cook it straight from frozen. You can also boil it for a couple of minutes to slightly soften it before sauteing. Boiling gnocchi before sauteing is generally recommended but not strictly necessary.

2. Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter and let it heat up until the oil shimmers or the butter melts.

3. Add Garlic and Herbs

For extra flavor, saute minced garlic and your favorite fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or sage) in the pan before adding the gnocchi. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.

4. Add the Gnocchi

Carefully add the gnocchi to the pan in a single layer. If cooking a large batch, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

5. Saute the Gnocchi

Cook the gnocchi for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally with a spatula. Aim for a golden brown and crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

6. Season

Season the gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until the gnocchi are crispy and golden brown on all sides.

7. Serve

Transfer the sautéed gnocchi to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle with grated cheese or additional fresh herbs for extra flavor. Serve the gnocchi hot as a side dish or main course. They’re great with various sauces or can be enjoyed on their own.

3. Baking

Ingredients

• Uncooked potato gnocchi, 1 pound
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite sauce (like marinara, pesto, or cheese sauce)
• 2 cups grated cheese (such as Parmesan or mozzarella)
• Optional: herbs (like basil or oregano)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the oven rack to the top third.

2. Saute the Onion and Garlic

In an oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Marinara and Gnocchi

Pour in the marinara sauce and add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Allow the mixture to start bubbling, then turn off the heat. Next, stir in the torn basil.

4. Top with Cheese and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the gnocchi and sauce mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. For a golden, bubbly top, switch to the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

5. Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and additional fresh basil if desired. Serve the baked gnocchi hot and enjoy!

4. Pan-Frying

Ingredients

• Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil or butter (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: minced garlic, fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), or grated cheese for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Gnocchi

If using frozen gnocchi, let it thaw slightly or cook it straight from frozen. No need to boil it first.

2. Heat the Pan and Add Gnocchi

Place a large skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter and let it heat up until it shimmers or melts. Carefully add the gnocchi to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

3. Pan Fry the Gnocchi

Cook the gnocchi for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally with a spatula. You want them to develop a golden brown and crispy exterior while remaining soft inside.

4. Add Optional Ingredients

If you want to enhance the flavor, add minced garlic or fresh herbs to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. This step adds a delightful aroma and extra taste.

5. Season

Season the gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides.

6. Finish and Serve

Once the gnocchi are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle with grated cheese or additional herbs if desired. Serve the pan-fried gnocchi hot. They make a great side dish or main course and pair well with various sauces or just a simple sprinkle of Parmesan.

5. Grilling

Ingredients

• Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs (like rosemary or thyme), grated cheese, or dipping sauces

Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F or 190°C to 230°C). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and glowing.

2. Prepare the Gnocchi

If using frozen gnocchi, let it thaw slightly or cook it straight from frozen. You can also boil the gnocchi for 1-2 minutes to slightly soften it before grilling, but this step is optional.

3. Prepare the Grill Surface:

To prevent gnocchi from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil. You can also use a grill mat or skewer the gnocchi on skewers if you prefer.

4. Season and Grill the Gnocchi

Toss the gnocchi with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs for extra flavor.

Place the gnocchi directly on the grill grates or on skewers. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they develop grill marks and are heated through. The gnocchi should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

5. Optional - Add Cheese

If you like, sprinkle some grated cheese over the gnocchi during the last minute of grilling for a melted, cheesy topping.

6. Serve

Once the gnocchi are done, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving dish. You can garnish with additional herbs or serve with dipping sauces if desired.

6. Steaming

Ingredients

• Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Water
• Olive oil or butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steamer

If you have a steamer, set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fill the bottom pot with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the steamer basket.

2. Prepare the Gnocchi

If using frozen gnocchi, let it thaw slightly or cook it straight from frozen. No need to boil it first.

3. Place Gnocchi in Steamer:

Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer in the steamer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have space around them for steam to circulate.

4. Steam the Gnocchi

Cover the steamer with its lid and bring the water to a boil. Steam the gnocchi for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and tender. They should be soft and slightly puffy.

5. Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Transfer the steamed gnocchi to a serving dish. You can toss them with a little olive oil, butter, or your favorite sauce.

How Long to Cook Gnocchi

Boiling (2-4 minutes)

Gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface of the boiling water. After floating, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. The timing can vary based on whether the gnocchi are fresh or frozen, with frozen gnocchi potentially taking a bit longer.

Sauteing (5-7 minutes)

If you’ve pre-boiled them slightly, they will cook faster and achieve a crispy texture more quickly. Fresh or raw gnocchi will take longer to achieve a crispy exterior.

Baking (15-20 minutes)

Baking gnocchi typically takes around 15-20 minutes, but if you're baking them with sauce and cheese, the total time might vary slightly depending on the amount of sauce and cheese used.

Pan-Frying (5-7 minutes)

Cook the gnocchi in a hot pan with oil or butter until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. The timing may vary based on the size of the gnocchi and how crowded the pan is.

Grilling (3-4 minutes per side)

Grilling time can vary based on the grill’s heat and the gnocchi’s size. Skewer the gnocchi to make handling easier and ensure even cooking.

Steaming (5-7 minutes)

Steam the gnocchi until they are tender and heated through. The exact timing can vary depending on whether the gnocchi are fresh or frozen, and how many are being steamed at once. Overcrowding the steamer can increase cooking time.

Pro Tips for Cooking Gnocchi

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook gnocchi in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pot can cause the gnocchi to stick together and cook unevenly.
• Test for Doneness: Gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of the water. This usually takes 2-4 minutes. Overcooking can make it mushy.
• Use a Slotted Spoon: When removing gnocchi from the water, use a slotted spoon to avoid breaking them.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: If making homemade gnocchi, avoid overmixing the dough to keep the gnocchi light and fluffy.
• Dust with Flour: Lightly dust gnocchi with flour before cooking to prevent sticking and help maintain their shape.
• Keep It Simple: Sometimes less is more. A simple sauce with some fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese can let the gnocchi shine.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Tomato Sauce and Parmesan

Top cooked gnocchi with a generous ladle of warm marinara sauce. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The tangy tomato sauce pairs well with the soft gnocchi, and the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor.

Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Toss gnocchi with fresh basil pesto and halved cherry tomatoes. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of pine nuts if you like. The vibrant, herby pesto brings a burst of flavor, while the cherry tomatoes add a juicy freshness. This light and flavorful option is great for a summer lunch or dinner.

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Pour a creamy mushroom sauce over your gnocchi and garnish with chopped parsley and a bit of grated cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy, comforting dinner. Serve hot to enjoy the creamy sauce and warm gnocchi.

Grilled Vegetables

Serve gnocchi alongside a mix of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze and sprinkle with feta cheese. The smoky, charred vegetables add a delicious crunch and contrast to the soft gnocchi, while the balsamic glaze provides a sweet and tangy finish.