Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi

Name: Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration

I love making Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi because it reminds me of family gatherings and the joy of homemade cooking. The softness of the ricotta combined with the rich tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that brings everyone together. This recipe is a delightful way to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, preparing something delicious and fulfilling. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs looking for a lighthearted dish to impress.

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:59:35.749Z

I remember the first time I made Sunday Tomato Ricotta Gnocchi; it was a rainy afternoon, and the warm aromas filled my kitchen. I experimented with different herbs and spices, ultimately finding a balance that enhanced the flavors of the fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta. Incorporating a touch of garlic and basil not only brightened the dish but also made it feel like a warm hug on a cold day.

Using a combination of homemade and store-bought ingredients, I’ve perfected this dish to accommodate busy schedules without sacrificing taste. The trick I learned is to let the gnocchi rest before boiling, ensuring they hold their shape and texture while cooking. This little tip made all the difference!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The comforting blend of ricotta and tangy tomato is irresistible.
An easy yet impressive dish perfect for gatherings.
The gnocchi are light and fluffy, with great texture.

      

Mastering Gnocchi Texture

Creating the perfect gnocchi texture is crucial for a delightful eating experience. After mixing your ingredients, make sure to work the dough just until combined to avoid overworking it. Over-kneading can lead to a dense, gummy gnocchi. If you find the dough too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until it holds together well but still feels soft to the touch.

When rolling the dough into ropes, ensure they’re uniform in thickness—aim for about 1/2 inch. This consistency is key to ensuring even cooking. As you cut the pieces, a gentle touch will help maintain their lightness. Remember, once they hit the boiling water, they should float within 2-3 minutes, indicating they’re ready to be sauced.

Flavorful Tomato Sauce

The tomato sauce is where the magic happens, offering a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the gnocchi beautifully. Using crushed tomatoes gives the sauce a nice body, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, consider using diced tomatoes instead. Sautéing the garlic in olive oil until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—before adding the tomatoes enhances the overall depth of flavor.

To adjust the sauce to your taste, feel free to play with the seasonings. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or a splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the sauce's sweetness. After simmering for 15 minutes, the sauce should be slightly reduced and glossy; let it cool slightly before combining with the gnocchi for the perfect cling.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting:

For the Gnocchi

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt to taste

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready to make the cooking process smoother.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect gnocchi:

Make the Gnocchi Dough

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, flour, nutmeg, and salt until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.

Shape the Gnocchi

Divide the dough into sections. Roll each section into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on each piece.

Prepare the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the crushed tomatoes and dried basil. Simmer for 15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. When they float to the top, they're done—about 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Transfer the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and gently stir to coat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your delicious gnocchi with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding some grated parmesan cheese to the gnocchi dough. Additionally, if you have time, let the sauce simmer for longer to deepen the flavors.

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

Using fresh ricotta cheese can significantly elevate your gnocchi. It offers a creamier texture and richer flavor compared to store-bought options. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese will work in a pinch—just blend it until smooth. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend, which will yield similar results.

If you want to enhance the nutritional profile, consider adding spinach or finely chopped herbs into the gnocchi dough. This not only adds flavor but also a beautiful green hue. Additionally, the herbs can be mixed into the sauce for complexity; try incorporating oregano or thyme for a lovely aromatic note.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead, store cooked gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the uncooked gnocchi for later use. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen—just increase boiler time by a minute or two.

When reheating, bring your sauce back to a simmer over medium heat. For gnocchi, you can simply reheat them gently in boiling water for about a minute. Alternatively, sauté them in a pan with a bit of olive oil until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside, giving you a delightful texture contrast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi and freeze them uncooked. Just cook straight from the freezer; they may need an extra minute in boiling water.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or a vegan ricotta as a substitute, though it may slightly change the texture.

→ How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

When the gnocchi floats to the top of the boiling water, it’s typically done. Give it 2-3 minutes once it floats for a perfect softness.

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought gnocchi and simply heat up the sauce.