Description
Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce is a delicate and flavorful dish featuring soft, pillowy dumplings made from ricotta cheese, lightly bound with flour and egg, served in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a comforting and elegant vegetarian meal that feels indulgent yet light.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Gradually stir in flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Dust your hands and a surface with flour. Gently shape the dough into small balls or ovals, about 1 inch in size. Place on a floured tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer (not a rolling boil).
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in mozzarella and Pecorino Romano. Cook, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Gently drop gnudi into the simmering water in batches. When they float to the surface, cook for another 2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- Transfer gnudi into the cheese sauce and gently coat them. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Drain ricotta overnight if it’s very wet to prevent gnudi from falling apart.
- Do not overmix or overwork the dough to keep the gnudi light and tender.
- For added flavor, add a bit of lemon zest or chopped fresh herbs to the ricotta mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: ricotta gnudi, Italian gnudi, cheese dumplings, vegetarian pasta alternative, creamy cheese sauce gnudi