Gnocchi are delicious pillow-like dumplings made from potato, flour, egg, and sometimes cheese. They originate from Italian cuisine and can be served as a main course, appetizer, or side dish. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook gnocchi in 3 different ways.
1. Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) gnocchi from package
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, or until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain the cooked gnocchi and set aside.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pan and stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the tomato sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the tomato sauce and gently toss them to coat evenly. Then continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi are heated through.
Remove from heat and serve the gnocchi in tomato sauce in individual bowls or plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade gnocchi in tomato sauce! Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread.
2. Pan Fried Gnocchi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) gnocchi from package
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cooked and drained gnocchi to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer.
Let the gnocchi cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to allow them to develop a golden crust. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until they are crispy and golden.
Season the pan-fried gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce to ensure they are evenly coated.
Remove the pan from heat and transfer the pan-fried gnocchi to serving plates or a platter. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the gnocchi while they are still hot.
Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
Serve the pan-fried gnocchi with garlic butter sauce and Parmesan cheese immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy the crispy exterior and soft interior of the gnocchi.
3. Air Fryer Gnocchi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) gnocchi from package
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (substituting for dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the gnocchi, olive oil, dried oregano, dried parsley, dried thyme, onion granules, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the gnocchi is evenly coated with the herb mixture.
Place the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so you may need to cook the gnocchi in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the gnocchi at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the gnocchi halfway through to ensure even cooking. The gnocchi should become crispy and golden brown.
Once the gnocchi is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the air-fried gnocchi while it’s still hot. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Serve the air fryer gnocchi with olive oil, dried herbs, and Parmesan cheese immediately as a delicious appetizer, side dish, or even a main course.
With just a few ingredients, you can quickly cook gnocchi from Package by any cooking method for a tasty meal. From simmering in sauce to frying for an irresistible crunch, gnocchi is the ultimate fast weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer.
