Ohhh, you’re in for something dreamy today! Imagine the most delicate, pillowy-soft pasta dumplings, made with creamy ricotta cheese, nestled in a luscious, cheesy sauce that practically begs to be scooped up with a chunk of crusty bread. That’s Ricotta Gnudi. It’s like ravioli without the pasta shell just the melt-in-your-mouth filling, front and center.

This dish is comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party, trust me this one’s a showstopper. Let’s get into it, because once you try gnudi, you’ll never look at gnocchi or ravioli the same way again.

Why You’ll Love Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can serve gnudi with a variety of sauces from marinara to browned butter. But this cheese sauce? It’s pure magic.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like ricotta, flour, and eggs. No fancy ingredients required!
Quick and Easy: Comes together faster than traditional stuffed pasta, and no pasta machine needed.
Customizable: Add spinach, herbs, or a touch of lemon zest to switch up the flavor profile.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Ricotta Cheese

The heart of the gnudi soft, creamy, and slightly tangy. Make sure it’s well-drained for the best texture.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated and full of nutty, salty flavor. It adds depth to both the gnudi and the sauce.

Egg

Helps bind the gnudi together while keeping them light and airy.

All-Purpose Flour

A small amount is all you need to bring the dough together and give it structure.

Nutmeg

Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth and a classic Italian touch.

Salt and Pepper

Season to taste this helps the delicate flavors shine.

Butter

For the cheese sauce and a little richness in the gnudi.

Heavy Cream

Creates that ultra-silky base for the sauce. Decadent? Yes. Worth it? 100%.

Mozzarella Cheese

Melts beautifully into the sauce, making it ooey-gooey and irresistible.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

No need to preheat an oven for this one, but get a large pot of salted water boiling for cooking the gnudi later.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, flour, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until everything comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Dust a baking sheet or plate with flour. This is where you’ll rest your formed gnudi before cooking.

Assemble the Dish

Scoop small amounts of the dough and gently roll into balls, about the size of a walnut. Place each on the floured surface and dust the tops lightly with more flour.

Cook to Perfection

Gently drop gnudi into boiling water. Cook until they float to the top about 3–4 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if needed.

Finishing Touches

While gnudi cooks, melt butter in a saucepan. Add heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth and melted into a thick, velvety sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon sauce over the cooked gnudi and garnish with extra cheese or herbs. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a fresh green salad for contrast and crunch
• Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
• Offer crusty bread to mop up that luscious cheese sauce
• Add a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a classy touch
• Finish with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or panna cotta

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Drain ricotta well using a cheesecloth or fine sieve this keeps gnudi from being too wet
• Don’t overwork the dough; mix just until combined for the softest texture
• Dust hands and surface with flour when shaping to prevent sticking
• Cook a test gnudi first to check consistency it should hold together but remain tender
• Keep the sauce on low heat to prevent separating or curdling

FAQ’s

1. Can I make gnudi ahead of time?
Yes! Shape them and refrigerate for up to a day before cooking.

2. Can I freeze gnudi?
Absolutely freeze uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Boil from frozen.

3. What’s the difference between gnudi and gnocchi?
Gnudi are ricotta-based and lighter, while gnocchi are usually made with potato.

4. Can I use part-skim ricotta?
You can, but full-fat gives the best creamy texture.

5. Can I add spinach or herbs?
Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, basil, or parsley are great additions.

6. Is it okay if the dough is sticky?
A little sticky is normal—just dust with flour as needed when shaping.

7. What cheese substitutes can I use?
Pecorino can replace Parmesan for a sharper bite, or fontina for mozzarella.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend it works surprisingly well.

9. Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

10. Can I use jarred cheese sauce?
Technically yes, but homemade is way more flavorful and just as easy!

Conclusion

Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce is one of those dishes that feels like a secret treasure deceptively simple, utterly indulgent, and packed with love. It brings together the elegance of Italian cuisine and the comfort of homemade food. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Trust me, once you’ve had gnudi, there’s no going back!

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