Ricotta Gnocchi
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This homemade ricotta gnocchi offers a lighter, quicker alternative to the traditional potato-based version. By using creamy whole-milk ricotta and fragrant nutmeg, these delicate dumplings achieve a soft, pillowy texture that melts in the mouth. When paired with a nutty, golden-brown butter and fresh rosemary, the result is a sophisticated vegetarian main course that brings the authentic flavours of an Italian trattoria to your kitchen table.
Perfect for a weekend lunch or a midweek treat, this recipe is surprisingly simple for beginners. Because the dough requires no heavy kneading, it remains tender and airy. Serve these elegant gnocchi with a generous dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano and a crisp green salad to balance the rich, savoury notes of the brown butter sauce.
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Ingredients for Ricotta Gnocchi
475ml whole-milk ricotta (450g )
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
350ml grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (90g), divided
1/4 teaspoons grated nutmeg
160g plain flour
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 (2-inch) rosemary sprig
How to make Ricotta Gnocchi
Stir together ricotta, eggs, 120g cheese, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoons each of salt and pepper. Add flour, stirring to form a soft, wet dough.
Shape dough on a well-floured surface with lightly floured hands into 2 (1-inch-thick) ropes. Cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces with a lightly floured knife. Put in 1 layer on a lightly floured parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cook gnocchi in 2 batches in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 5.7L water), adding a few at a time to pot and stirring occasionally, until cooked through (cut one in half to check), 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain in colander.
Meanwhile, cook butter with rosemary in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Toss gnocchi with brown butter in skillet and sprinkle with remaining 60g cheese. Season with salt.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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