Is gnocchi a potato or pasta?

While gnocchi are a traditional Italian pasta shape, what makes them distinct is that they use potatoes as the main ingredient . Therefore, they're commonly considered to be a dumpling. Like many dishes in Italian cuisine, gnocchi vary in both name, appearance, and recipe across the regions of lo Stivale.

What exactly is gnocchi?

Gnocchi are a type of miniature pasta dumplings, usually made from wheat, eggs, potatoes. With a lightly dense texture and potato flavor, they are a hearty and unique type of pasta. Gnocchi have been a traditional type of pasta in Italy since Roman times, though they are said to have originated in the Middle East.

Is gnocchi healthier 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.

Is gnocchi just pasta?

What Are Gnocchi? Although gnocchi are associated with pasta, they are not pasta .

What do Italians eat gnocchi with?

Roasted potatoes and polenta are perfect to serve alongside this dish.

Is gnocchi good or bad for you?

Similar to pasta, gnocchi is high in carbohydrates and low in protein . Although both are carbohydrate-heavy foods, it has been shown that regular pasta may have less of an effect on blood sugar levels. One publication points to the fact that pasta doesn't raise blood sugar after a meal to the level that potatoes do.

Is gnocchi ok for weight loss?

Gnocchi and pasta can be part of a balanced diet. Gnocchi, made from potatoes, may offer slightly more nutritional value than traditional pasta. However, portion control and overall dietary choices matter most for weight loss. Whole-grain options and pairing with vegetables enhance the nutritional profile.

How many gnocchi per person?

Typically, Italian guidelines recommend the following quantities of uncooked pasta per person: 60-100g of dried pasta. 70-120g of fresh pasta. 100-130g of gnocchi.

What do gnocchi taste like?

Despite the weight of the potatoes, it's intended to be soft and light. Also, it doesn't taste amazing unless a chef chooses to include some vegetables or herbs in their Gnocchi. Gnocchi typically tastes bland. Its flavor is similar to that of regular pasta cooked .

How are gnocchi traditionally eaten?

Common accompaniments of gnocchi include melted butter with sage, pesto, as well as various sauces . Gnocchi may be homemade, made by specialty stores, or produced industrially and distributed refrigerated, dried, or frozen.

Can you eat gnocchi by itself?

This super simple 20 minute Pan Fried Gnocchi recipe is a perfect dinner side or dinner in itself ! No boiling necessary, fry up the gnocchi until crisp and golden and toss in a garlic, lemon herb butter for an amazing dish everyone will love!

Do Italians fry gnocchi?

Oh yes, you don't always have to boil them and toss them with a sauce. You can pan-fry them to crispy, soft-centered delicious little bites that make a great alternative to fries or roasted potatoes which can take the best part of 40 minutes to 1 hour to prepare.

Is Olive Garden gnocchi made of potatoes?

Prep Tips. Any kind of gnocchi can be used, but shelf stable potato gnocchi works the best , and it is what Olive Garden uses in their soup. Gnocchi can be found in the pasta aisle of your grocery store.

What are the three 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.

Gnocchi (2024)

What is gnocchi?

An Italian dumpling made with semolina or flour and potatoes, cooked and eaten in much the same way as pasta. Gnocchi is usually hand-shaped into shells, ovals or flat discs.

How to prepare gnocchi

Poach gnocchi in batches in a pan of lightly salted water for 2-4 minutes. Cooked gnocchi will float to the top. Strain and serve immediately with a good pasta sauce.

How to cook gnocchi

Delicious served with blue cheese and parmesan, a rich tomato sauce or pesto. Gnocchi also make a great accompaniment to meaty stews, like mini dumplings.

Gnocchi recipes

Try an easy gnocchi tomato bake for a quick storecupboard dinner, or pull out all the stops to make homemade gnocchi from scratch using flour, potatoes and eggs.

Once you've mastered boiling your gnocchi, try pan-frying it for extra texture and golden crunch. Pan-fried gnocchi can be made a day in advance, and simply fried and tossed in a herby butter on the day.

Gnocchi can also be made from other veg to introduce different flavours; try squash gnocchi or parsnip gnocchi if you have veg to use up.

Gnocchi works well with creamy sauces, as well as tomato-based ones. Try Diana Henry's gnocchi alla Romana for a traditional potato-less version, a blue cheese gnocchi with only five ingredients, or add spinach and ricotta for a lighter-style gnocchi, also called gnudi.

See our gnocchi recipes for more.

How to store gnocchi

Store covered in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze uncovered and separated on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers for up to three months.

Where to buy gnocchi

Make it yourself or buy fresh from supermarkets or delicatessen counters.

Make sure it's light and fresh-looking without a greyish tinge. The gnocchi should be easy to separate, rather than stick together, and covered in a light dusting of flour or semolina (a coarse wheat flour).

Alternatives to gnocchi

Try ravioli, pasta or gnudi instead of gnocchi.