33 Healthy Gnocchi Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love (2024)

These healthy gnocchi recipes highlight vegetables, nourishing sauces, and more to create big flavor in a nutritious way. Check out the many ways you can use the versatile potato dumplings in any of these amazing recipes.

33 Healthy Gnocchi Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love (1)

We love gnocchi in our house. They cook up so quickly, are super filling, and work with a huge range of flavors. They’re great for year-round eating and are surprisingly easy to make healthy as well.

I’ve put together a list of over 30 fantastic, healthy gnocchi recipes that feature tons of creative ways to use the hearty dumplings and feed our families with good, nutritious ingredients.

How to Keep Gnocchi Healthy

Gnocchi are a potato based dumpling usually. That makes them easy to use – potatoes are a blank canvas after all. There are a lot of ways to make them delicious and healthy all at once. Here are some you’ll see featured here:

  • Seasonal vegetables – Creating meals with produce that’s fresh and in season is a great way to maximise on natural flavor without needing to add much.
  • Lighter, healthier sauces – opting for vegetable based sauces made with things like butternut squash, tomatoes, or pesto is a great way to add nutrition and flavor at the same time.
  • Vegetable based homemade gnocchi – Replacing some or all of the potato with ingredients like beet, winter squash, or cauliflower adds flavor and veggies to the dumplings themselves.
  • Vegetarian – they’re so filling you won’t miss meat (though they’re great with that too). It’s an easy way to have a vegetarian meal that’s satisfying for everyone.

These are just some of the creative techniques myself and other bloggers have used to keep our healthy gnocchi recipes tasting good and good for us. I hope you enjoy and find some new meals you love.

1. Baked Gnocchi with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Beans

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Comforting and healthy baked gnocchi with spinach and tomatoes is a great family dinner that looks gourmet enough to serve on date night too. Fresh seasonal tomatoes and pillowy gnocchi bake with fresh spinach, beans, and cheese for a flavor packed 25 minute meal.

Recipe by: Yummy Addiction

2. Sweet Corn & Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet

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A fresh gnocchi recipe with sweet corn, zucchini, bell pepper and basil with a creamy lime sauce.

Recipe by: The Gourmet RD

3. Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe

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This sweet potato gnocchi is a delicious and healthy pasta cooked in butter to deliver rich flavors with tasty parmesan-thyme aromas. You can serve it with your favorite protein to complete a tasty, nutritious meal!

Recipe by: Healthy Recipes 101

4. Potato Gnocchi with Mushroom Cream Sauce

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This gluten-free and dairy-free Potato Gnocchi in Mushroom Cream Sauce recipe is an incredibly easy and oh-so-comforting dish.

Recipe by: I Heart Umami

5. Beet Gnocchi

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These beautifully colored beet gnocchi are as delicious as they are pretty. They have a mild flavor with a light creaminess from the ricotta in them. Plus there’s a double dose of veggies in them.

Recipe by: Caroline’s Cooking

6. Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

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This gnocchi with tomato sauce is simple, comforting, and cheesy – yet only about 350 calories per serving! It’s a satisfying meal on its own.

Recipe by: Salt & Lavender

7. Vegetable Gnocchi Soup

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This creamy vegetable gnocchi soup is made with cauliflower gnocchi (or traditional potato gnocchi) and kale, and is a quick and easy Instant Pot meal! (Stovetop directions included.)

Recipe by: Champagne Tastes

8. Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

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This 4-ingredient creamy pesto gnocchi dinner is a family-friendly vegetarian meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes! Pillowy and tender gnocchi smothered in a creamy basil and dried tomato sauce.

Recipe by: Little Sunny Kitchen

9. Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Spinach

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This simple salmon gnocchi bake has a creamy lemon and mascarpone sauce tossed with dill and spinach and topped with a sprinkling of grated parmesan.

Recipe by: The Cook Report

10. Baked Cauliflower Gnocchi

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This comforting cauliflower gnocchi recipe is a one skillet meal with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach and melted mozzarella cheese.

Recipe by: Running to the Kitchen

11. Pumpkin Gnocchi with Butter Sage Sauce

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Incorporate pumpkin into your diet with these easy gnocchi that are served in a simple butter sage sauce. As delicious as they look!

Recipe by: Christina’s Cucina

12. Salmon Gnocchi

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This easy one skillet salmon gnocchi recipe with spinach and creme fraiche is perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners.

Recipe by: Hint of Healthy

13. Sheet Pan Gnocchi Meal Prep

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Made in under 30 minutes, this Sheet Pan Gnocchi Meal Prep is healthy, filling, and also perfect as a last minute dinner!

Recipe by: Carmy

14. Ricotta Gnocchi with Quick Cherry Tomato Confit

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Pillowy soft homemade ricotta gnocchi is easier to make than you may think! Serve it with quick and easy cherry tomato confit, fresh basil, and grated parmesan cheese!

Recipe by: Craving California

15. Super Green Gnocchi with Pea, Pesto & Broccoli

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Mix up your midweek dinner routine with this easy, fast and fresh Super Green Gnocchi with Pea, Pesto & Broccoli.

Recipe by: The Family Food Kitchen

16. Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

What would you say to a recipe for the creamiest gnocchi if no actual cream was added to it? This butternut squash gnocchi recipe is just that!

Recipe by: Vikalinka

17. Sausage and Gnocchi Power Greens Skillet

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Made with tender cauliflower gnocchi, savory ground sausage, Organic Power Greens, and a creamy butternut squash sauce, this five ingredient, one skillet, Paleo friendly recipe is inspired by the flavors of fall! Best of all, it’s made in about 20 minutes flat!

Recipe by: Cook At Home Mom

18. Pulled Pork Gnocchi

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This Pulled Pork Gnocchi features tender pulled pork and potato gnocchi in a butter sauce with sage and pine nuts.

Recipe by: A Food Lover’s Kitchen

19. Roasted Gnocchi With Vegan Almond Pesto

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Gnocchi gets such a wonderful texture when roasted. Then it’s dressed in a garlicky almond pesto.

Recipe by: Cadry’s Kitchen

20. Chicken Veronese

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Olive Garden Chicken Veronese may not be on the menu anymore, but you can enjoy this creamy rosemary chicken with gnocchi and veggies at home!

Recipe by: Season & Thyme

21. Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Bacon Sage Sauce

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This Sweet Potato Gnocchi in Bacon Sage Sauce is paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free and it’s super quick and easy to put together, making it perfect for dinner on weeknights.

Recipe by: Kickass Baker

22. Ratatouille Gnocchi

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Have an abundance of summer produce? This ratatouille gnocchi is a surprisingly easy meal that calls for all that summer squash, zucchini and tomatoes overflowing in your garden.

Recipe by: The Chowdown

23. Homemade Herbed Gnocchi With Mushrooms

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Herbed Gnocchi with Mushrooms is easier to make than you think. Nothing beats making fresh pasta at home. Simple ingredients, positively perfect results. Classic Italian dish.

Recipe by: Homemade & Yummy

24. Creamy Instant Pot Gnocchi

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Make this creamy one pot dinner in the Instant Pot. Gnocchi is cooked with ground beef, tomatoes, spinach and spinach for an easy meal.

Recipe by: Upstate Ramblings

25. Creamy Gnocchi Soup With Sausage & Kale

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This hearty gnocchi soup gets its creaminess from cashews. It’s so velvety & delicious!

Recipe by: Cadry’s Kitchen

26. Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Shaved Asparagus

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Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Shaved Asparagus and Snap Peas is a light, elegant dish that’s loaded with spring vegetables, but won’t weigh you down.

Recipe by: Amanda’s Cookin’

27. Creamy Sage Butternut White Bean Gnocchi

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This butternut white bean gnocchi is a creamy, sage infused, decadent vegetarian meal that actually packs a healthy punch. Perfect for meatless Mondays.

Recipe by: Running to the Kitchen

28. Gnocchi with Spinach and Red Pepper Sauce

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Cook up some gnocchi with spinach to enjoy with an easy homemade red pepper sauce. It has many health benefits and is a delicious meal.

Recipe by: Son Shine Kitchen

29. Crispy Parsley Pesto Gnocchi

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Crispy Parsley Pesto Gnocchi is wonderfully hearty and healthy! Homemade potato gnocchi is pan fried then tossed with an easy parsley pesto sauce.

Recipe by: Chef Savvy

30. Italian Gnocchi Soup with Kale and Sausage

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Easy Italian Gnocchi Soup made with Kale and Spicy Sausage. A super flavorful and healthy soup that takes less than 30 minutes to make!

Recipe by: Chef Savvy

31. Cauliflower Gnocchi with Corn, Tomatoes, and Basil

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There’s been a lot of buzz around Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi! I finally tried it out and to my surprise, it’s so good and incredibly versatile. Try my recipe below for cauliflower gnocchi with corn, tomatoes, and basil!

Recipe by: Craving California

32. One Pot French Onion Gnocchi

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One Pot French Onion Gnocchi is a quick and easy cool weather dinner idea mixing caramelized onions, white wine, gnocchi and cheese. This meal is the ultimate, unique comfort meal. Pair it with crusty bread and a green salad!

Recipe by: A Cedar Spoon

33. Chicken Gnocchi Soup

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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the best kind of comfort food. A soul-warming creamy chicken broth, loaded with pillowy gnocchi pasta, shredded chicken and fresh spinach. It’s an easy one pot recipe in the Instant Pot too!

Recipe by: Boulder Locavore

33 Healthy Gnocchi Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love (2024)

FAQs

Is gnocchi a healthy meal? ›

Similar to pasta, gnocchi is high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Although both are carbohydrate-heavy foods, it has been shown that regular pasta may have less of an effect on blood sugar levels. One publication points to the fact that pasta doesn't raise blood sugar after a meal to the level that potatoes do.

Is pasta or gnocchi healthier? ›

Nutritional Value

Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn't have nearly as high of a sodium content.

Is gnocchi better with or without egg? ›

Egg yolk added to your gnocchi dough helps improve texture, and keep it together while cooking. Gnocchi is traditionally made with eggs in Veneto and no eggs in Piedmont, the two Northern Italian regions famous for gnocchi. We vote for egg yolks at the rate of 1 per (500g) 1 lb of uncooked potatoes used.

What are the best potatoes for gnocchi? ›

Yukon Gold Potatoes are THE BEST potatoes for homemade gnocchi. They're dense, creamy, semi-waxy and do not retain too much moisture (if you love Yukon's for mashed potatoes, they make exquisite gnocchi).

What's the healthiest pasta you can eat? ›

Whole-Wheat Pasta

Also called whole-grain pasta, this type of pasta keeps the bran, endosperm, and germ of the grain together. It's filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This helps you feel full longer and keeps your blood sugar from spiking.

Is gnocchi easy on the stomach? ›

The famous pasta is usually made from potatoes, but could also be prepared from breadcrumbs, risotto, or even just flour. Many people argue that the potato-made gnocchi is a bit easier on the digestive system and all around the most delicious.

Why do Italians eat gnocchi? ›

There is another story going back to year 1690 in a small town from Piamonte, where the wheat crop had been spoiled. Even though potatoes were used to feed the animals, misery was so rampant that [potatoes] were cooked for eating and mixed with flour, and that is how gnocchi originated.

Is gnocchi OK for diabetics? ›

Gnocchi is not just pasta—it's the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of both worlds, pasta and dumplings. However, due to its high carbohydrate content and potential impact of fat on blood sugar levels, dosing insulin for Gnocchi requires thoughtful consideration.

What is a good substitute for gnocchi? ›

Gnocchi Alternatives

For recipes that call for the gnocchi to be tossed in sauce or added to broths or soups, you can swap in a thicker-style pasta, like Orecchiette or Shells. The flavor and texture won't be quite the same, though. You will also need to adjust the cook time.

What is the best flour for making gnocchi? ›

Italian flour

Plus, it has too much protein: High-protein wheat results in chewy gnocchi. If you want to be true to Italian gnocchi, look for imported Italian flour marked "00 tenero," which is milled from soft wheat with a low protein content.

Is it better to boil or fry gnocchi? ›

The downside is that boiling can result in gummy, waterlogged gnocchi if you cook them too long. This is more of an issue when boiling store-bought gnocchi than with homemade ones. Frying gnocchi in a little butter or oil takes more effort, and the dumplings will be crisp on the outside, chewy and soft on the inside.

What kind of sauce do you serve with gnocchi? ›

The 9 Best Sauces for Gnocchi
  • Sage and butter sauce.
  • Tomato and basil sauce.
  • Gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano and Sage Cream.
  • Basil Pesto.
  • Pistachio Pesto.
  • Summer courgette and mint pesto.
  • Beef and Barolo wine ragù
Jan 20, 2020

How does Gordon Ramsay cook gnocchi? ›

Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the gnocchi, tilting the pan from side to side briefly to stop them sticking together, then simmer for about 1½–2 minutes until they start to float. Drain the gnocchi and leave them to steam-dry for 1–2 minutes. Meanwhile, start to make the sauce.

Should I bake or boil my potatoes for gnocchi? ›

The secret to the lightest, most tender potato gnocchi is to bake the potatoes instead of boiling them. A baked potato is dryer than one that has been boiled, which means you avoid having to add more flour to the dough to account for excess moisture, a practice that leads to over-kneaded, tough gnocchi.

Is gnocchi OK for weight loss? ›

Both versions of pasta are pretty high in carbohydrates and lacking in significant amounts of other nutrients, unless the pastas are enriched. If you're looking to swap the pasta for something healthy, gnocchi may not be the best option.

Does gnocchi gain weight when cooked? ›

Nutritional Information

**125g of uncooked gnocchi weighs approximately 132g when cooked.

Does gnocchi increase in weight when cooked? ›

Pasta always absorbs at least a little water while it's cooking, so 100g of dry pasta will weigh more than that once it's boiled. How much more depends on the pasta in question. So if each 100g of dry gnocchi absorbs 8g of water while it's cooking, the numbers can still work out.

Is gnocchi an ultra processed food? ›

But they aren't just fried chicken, crisps and ready meals: croissants, hummus, pesto, biscuits, breadsticks, gnocchi, cereal bars, ice-cream, fish fingers and curry paste are all UPFs.

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