Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Tomato Sauce
Soft ricotta gnocchi tossed in a rich, roasted tomato sauce with fresh basil and garlic. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes blends ricotta cheese, all-purpose flour, large egg into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- for boiling gnocchi water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix gently with a spoon until a soft dough forms; do not overmix to keep gnocchi tender.
- Step 2: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out. Divide into 4 pieces and roll each into a 3/4-inch thick log. Cut each log into 1-inch pieces and gently press with a fork to create ridges.
- Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop gnocchi in batches; cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes or until tomatoes soften and caramelize.
- Step 5: While tomatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: Add the roasted tomatoes and their juices to the skillet, simmering for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 7: Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Tomato Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured these! The ricotta made the gnocchi so light. A new favorite.
- ★★★★★
Simple but delicious. The roasted tomato sauce made the dish shine. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at dinner with my family. The sauce was rich and the gnocchi held up beautifully.
Equipment for this recipe
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