Creamy Parmesan Gnocchi Recipe for Home Cooks

Quick and easy Parmesan Gnocchi

4 EASY STEPS!

Gnocchi is one of my favorite meals because it’s versatile and comforting. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple buttery herb sauce. This Quick and Easy Parmesan Gnocchi adds the rich, savory flavor of parmesan and comes together in just four straightforward steps.

Making gnocchi at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. This reliable method yields tender, pillowy gnocchi without fuss. If you prefer a crisp finish, you can also try air frying — see the air fryer gnocchi method for an alternative preparation.

Start by preparing the potatoes. I peel and cube potatoes into small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Boil the potatoes until they are very tender; any firmness can leave lumps in the dough. Drain and mash the potatoes thoroughly so the gnocchi dough is smooth and lump-free.

Bowl of easy gnocchi dough

To shape the gnocchi, divide the dough into four portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, then use kitchen shears to cut the ropes into ½-inch pieces. This simple technique creates uniform bites quickly without fussing over individual shaping.

Cut dough bites of easy gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a single layer of gnocchi pieces, making sure they don’t overlap, and cook in small batches. The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface, about three minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl so excess water is left behind.

Leftover mashed potatoes? Even better!

Leftover mashed potatoes are perfect for this recipe and cut prep time dramatically. Keep in mind that any seasonings in the mashed potatoes—salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs—will carry through to the gnocchi, which can be delicious. If your mashed potatoes are already seasoned, taste the dough and adjust or omit additional salt and pepper.

easy gnocchi dough bites

Serve cooked gnocchi topped with roasted vegetables, a butter-and-herb sauce, extra parmesan, or your favorite cheese. Gnocchi reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Recipe

easy gnocchi dough bites

Quick and Easy Parmesan Gnocchi

Andrea

Simple, quick, and easy homemade gnocchi with the savory flavor of parmesan.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 4
Calories/serving 486 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cup mashed potatoes*
  • 2 ½ cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoons pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes and flour. Add the egg, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until a dough forms; you may need to use your hands to bring it together into a smooth ball.
  2. Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and cut into ½-inch pieces with kitchen shears.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add a single layer of gnocchi and cook in small batches. When the gnocchi float to the surface (about 3 minutes), remove them with a slotted spoon and drain well.
  4. Serve topped with extra parmesan, a simple herb-and-butter sauce, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  1. *Quick way to mash potatoes: Peel and cube potatoes, boil until tender (about 10 minutes), drain, then mash until smooth.
  2. Dust gnocchi pieces with a little flour to prevent sticking before cooking.
  3. If using leftover mashed potatoes, adjust or omit added salt and pepper depending on how seasoned they already are.

Nutrition

Calories: 486 kcal
Carbohydrates: 92 g
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 566 mg
Fiber: 5 g
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