Last Updated on July 8, 2026 by Jeroen Kaslanders
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve likely savored the delightful taste of gnocchi. This pillowy pasta has been a staple in Italy for generations, and while most are familiar with the traditional potato version, ricotta gnocchi offers a lighter, softer alternative that is equally delicious and surprisingly simple to make at home. Here’s how you can create your own batch of soft ricotta gnocchi from scratch.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup (250 grams) of ricotta cheese
– 1 to 1 1/4 cups (125 to 155 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
– 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta**
If your ricotta is very wet, it’s important to drain it before starting. Place the ricotta in a sieve over a bowl and let it sit for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure that your gnocchi doesn’t become too sticky or require too much flour which can make them heavy.
**Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients**
In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and nutmeg if using. Mix these ingredients well until everything is thoroughly combined.
**Step 3: Add Flour**
Begin by adding one cup of flour to your mixture. Stir it in gently until it’s just incorporated. The dough should be soft but manageable if it feels too sticky add up to an additional 1/4 cup of flour but do so gradually. Remember the more flour you add the denser the gnocchi will become.
**Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi**
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface. Divide it into smaller portions for easier handling. Roll each portion into long snakes about half an inch thick then cut into one-inch pieces with a knife or dough scraper.
You can either cook these as they are or use a fork or gnocchi board to create traditional ridges on each piece. To do this roll each piece across the tines of a fork or along the board with gentle pressure this not only gives them an appealing look but also helps sauce cling better to the pasta.
**Step 5: Cook Your Gnocchi**
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil then reduce to a simmer where just tiny bubbles break through the surface not rolling boil as high heat can break apart tender gnocchi.
Drop in batches of prepared gnocchi being careful not overcrowd them they should float freely.
Once they float up to surface cook for about two minutes longer then remove with slotted spoon and place them directly into serving dish or into saucepan with sauce of choice.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve your homemade ricotta gnocchi hot topped with your favorite pasta sauce such as marinara sage butter or even just simple drizzle olive oil some fresh herbs and extra sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
Soft homemade ricotta gnocchis are comforting treat that pairs beautifully with wide range both hearty light sauces making them versatile addition any meal whether special occasion casual dinner at home.
This homemade ricotta gnocchi recipe proves that making pasta from scratch doesn’t have be intimidating nor time-consuming With just few ingredients straightforward steps you’ll enjoy wonderfully soft fluffy bites heaven no time Enjoy cooking delighting this classic Italian favorite!
