Gnocchi Nights: 5 Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipes That Will Wow You

Gnocchi. Those pillowy potato dumplings that melt in your mouth. They’re a comfort food staple, and what’s even better is how incredibly versatile they are! While some might think of them as a complex dish best left to restaurant chefs, the truth is gnocchi is surprisingly easy to work with, especially when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This article will explore five delicious and easy gnocchi recipes that will have you saying, “Gnocchi, yes!” every night of the week.

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s cover some gnocchi basics:

**Gnocchi: Store-Bought vs. Homemade**

For these recipes, we’re focusing on using store-bought gnocchi to keep things simple and quick. While homemade gnocchi is undoubtedly delicious, it requires more time and effort. The pre-made kind is a fantastic shortcut without sacrificing much in the way of taste or texture. You can find shelf-stable, refrigerated, and even frozen gnocchi at most grocery stores.

* **Shelf-Stable Gnocchi:** Usually found in the pasta aisle, this type is great for keeping on hand for whenever the gnocchi craving strikes. It generally has a longer shelf life.
* **Refrigerated Gnocchi:** Often found in the refrigerated section near fresh pasta and sauces, this type tends to have a slightly softer texture than shelf-stable gnocchi.
* **Frozen Gnocchi:** A great option for long-term storage. Thaw before cooking according to the package directions, or add directly to boiling water, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

**Tips for Cooking Gnocchi Perfectly**

Cooking gnocchi is easy, but a few tips will ensure you get the best results:

* **Don’t Overcook:** Gnocchi is cooked when it floats to the surface of the boiling water. Overcooking will result in gummy, unpleasant gnocchi.
* **Salt the Water:** Just like pasta, gnocchi needs to be cooked in generously salted water. This seasons the gnocchi from the inside out.
* **Don’t Crowd the Pot:** Cook gnocchi in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can lower the water temperature and cause the gnocchi to stick together.
* **Drain Well:** Once the gnocchi floats, remove it with a slotted spoon and drain well. You don’t want excess water diluting your sauce.
* **Pan-Fry for Extra Flavor:** For a slightly crispy exterior, pan-fry the cooked gnocchi in a little butter or olive oil before adding the sauce. This adds a delicious layer of texture and flavor.

Now, let’s get to those easy dinner recipes!

**Recipe 1: Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes**

This recipe is a classic for a reason! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** While the gnocchi is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Add Tomatoes:** Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and release some of their juices.
4. **Make the Sauce:** Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. **Combine Gnocchi and Sauce:** Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
6. **Add Cheese:** Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Add Protein:** Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would be delicious additions to this dish.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would all work well in this recipe.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use a vegan pesto and plant-based cream alternative to make this dish vegan.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

**Recipe 2: Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi**

This recipe is simple yet elegant, showcasing the nutty flavor of brown butter and the aromatic fragrance of sage.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
2. **Brown the Butter:** While the gnocchi is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a nutty brown color and emits a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter.
3. **Add Sage:** Add the sage leaves to the browned butter and cook for about 30 seconds, until they crisp up slightly.
4. **Combine Gnocchi and Sauce:** Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the brown butter sage sauce.
5. **Add Cheese:** Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Add a Squeeze of Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Thyme or rosemary would also work well in this recipe.
* **Add Nuts:** Toasted pine nuts or walnuts would add a nice crunch.
* **Brown Butter Variation:** For an even richer flavor, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the brown butter in the last minute of cooking.

**Recipe 3: Tomato Mozzarella Gnocchi Bake**

This baked gnocchi dish is a comfort food dream! It’s cheesy, saucy, and incredibly satisfying.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
* 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. **Assemble the Bake:** In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add the drained gnocchi in an even layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the gnocchi. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried oregano.
4. **Bake:** Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
5. **Serve:** Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Add Vegetables:** Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers would be great additions to this bake.
* **Add Protein:** Cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken would make this a heartier meal.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Provolone or ricotta cheese would also work well in this bake.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.

**Recipe 4: Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe**

This recipe is a bit more rustic and flavorful, combining the richness of Italian sausage with the slightly bitter taste of broccoli rabe.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
* 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Gnocchi:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
2. **Brown the Sausage:** While the gnocchi is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Sauté the Aromatics and Broccoli Rabe:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it wilts and becomes tender.
4. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. **Combine Gnocchi and Sauce:** Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture.
6. **Add Cheese:** Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Use Different Sausage:** Sweet Italian sausage or spicy Italian sausage would both work well in this recipe.
* **Substitute Kale or Spinach:** If you don’t like broccoli rabe, you can substitute kale or spinach.
* **Add Beans:** Cannellini beans or white beans would be a good addition to this dish.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.

**Recipe 5: Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables**

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight! It’s all cooked on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
* 1 zucchini, chopped
* 1 red onion, chopped
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Sheet Pan:** Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. **Combine Vegetables and Gnocchi:** In a large bowl, combine the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and gnocchi.
4. **Add Seasonings:** Add the minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
5. **Spread on Sheet Pan:** Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. **Roast:** Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the gnocchi is lightly browned, stirring halfway through.
7. **Add Cheese:** Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

**Tips & Variations:**

* **Use Different Vegetables:** Broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus would all work well in this recipe.
* **Add Protein:** Italian sausage or chicken sausage, sliced, can be added to the sheet pan before roasting.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Add Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle with balsamic glaze after roasting for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

**Conclusion: Gnocchi – Your New Weeknight Hero**

Gnocchi is a fantastic ingredient to have on hand for quick and easy dinners. These five recipes are just a starting point – feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature gnocchi dishes. With a little creativity, you can transform this humble potato dumpling into a gourmet meal in minutes. So, ditch the takeout menu and embrace the versatility of gnocchi! You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it can be to create delicious, home-cooked meals. Happy cooking!