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Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi

September 7, 2021 By Patricia 54 Comments

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi is a little different than some of the more traditional Italian dishes you may enjoy, but there’s always room to add something new to the mix. This recipe is ideal as a main dish, or even as an appetizer.

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi are a delightful Italian dish. You could serve these gnocchi as a main dish, or even as an appetizer.

I made this recipe for Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi many years ago and really liked it, but I never made it again. I’m not sure why, because it’s really good!

This isn’t my recipe, but it’s one I saw on the cooking show, Extra Virgin. Do you remember that one? It was hosted by Chef Gabriel Corcos and his wife, actress Debi Mazar.

Chef Gabriel called his recipe Naked Gnocchi with Spinach and Ricotta. I call it delicious!

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi are such a delicious dish. You could serve them as your main dish, or as an appetizer. They're so easy to make, too!

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi

Do you ever go out for a nice dinner and order something like ravioli, and when your dish arrives you’re surprised to see, like, 4 ravioli on your plate? Then you scream to yourself in your head, “Where are the rest of my ravioli?” No? Just me?

I’m always pleasantly surprised after I eat those four ravioli that I’m full, but not so full that I’d pass on dessert. Come on, now! These little gnocchi are sort of like that. They’re filling and perfect as a main dish, but you could easily turn them into an appetizer. 

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi are a delicious Italian dish. You'll love how easy they are to make as either your main dish or appetizer.

I’m used to gnocchi make with potatoes, and formed with a fork to sort of roll them up like a little shell. But these gnocchi are made with ricotta cheese as the main ingredient, then they’re shaped into balls (a little bigger than standard gnocchi) and popped into the oven to bake instead of boil in water.

If you’re a ricotta cheese fan, you might like a few of my other recipes like this Skillet Pizza with Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts and Ricotta. It’s a nice dish with great fall flavors. For dessert, you can choose from Mini Blood Orange Scented Chocolate Ricotta Cakes (so pretty, too) or Cherry-Almond Ricotta Ice Cream because who doesn’t love ice cream!

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi are a favorite of mine! This Italian dish is delicious and easy to make.

Chef Gabriel served his gnocchi with a butter and sage sauce, but I served mine over a spoonful or two of marinara sauce. I also reduced the recipe by half to deliver 20 of these gnocchi balls (they’re a little less than two inches in diameter). You could serve four people FIVE of these gnocchi each. Take that, four-piece ravioli meals!

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi are a real Italian treat! This dish is easy to make and perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

These Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi are delicious and they’re so much easier to make than potato-based gnocchi. I can’t wait to make these again. No more waiting years and years for me!

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi is a lovely Italian dish that's easy to make. Serve it as an appetizer or as your main dish!

Nutrition

Calories

611 cal

Fat

43 g

Carbs

17 g

Protein

41 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate

Yields Serves 4

Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi
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4.8 based on 10 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 6 ounces fresh spinach (stems removed)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus a bit extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom of a glass baking dish and set aside.
  2. Add the spinach to a large skillet over medium heat with about 1 tablespoon water. Cook, stirring, until wilted or for 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  3. Add the ricotta, egg yolk, Parmesan, and salt and pepper to a large bowl. When the spinach has cooled to the touch, chop it into very small pieces. Squeeze as much liquid from the spinach as you can.
  4. Add the spinach to the ricotta mixture, and mix to thoroughly combine.
  5. Form the mixture into 2-inch balls and place each in the baking dish so they do not touch.
  6. Bake for about 20 minutes, then turn on the broiler to allow the tops to turn lightly golden.
  7. Remove from the oven and serve warm over a spoonful or two of marinara sauce.
  8. Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Notes

You can easily double the recipe to serve a larger group.

7.8.1.2
200
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/simple-spinach-ricotta-gnocchi/

Filed Under: Appetizers, Dinner, Gluten Free, Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: appetizers, gluten-free recipes, Gnocchi, Italian recipes, Ricotta cheese, starters, vegetarian recipes

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Comments

  1. Carly says

    September 1, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    These look absolutely delicious!! I have all of the ingredients in my fridge already so I will be trying this weekend!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 10, 2017 at 1:46 am

      That's awesome, Carly! I hope you enjoy them!
      Reply
  2. Lauren says

    September 1, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    These look amazing, pinning for later! I love everything that involves spinach!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 10, 2017 at 1:46 am

      Hi Lauren! Thanks so much - I'm with you when it comes to spinach :)
      Reply
  3. Zesty Olive says

    September 1, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    Oh, my, this looks amazing and delicious - I love cheese! I may make this tonight - it looks so yummy!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 10, 2017 at 1:45 am

      Thanks! I hope you try it and enjoy!
      Reply
  4. Stephanie says

    September 1, 2017 at 8:46 pm

    Yum! I love gnocchi, and ricotta. I'm going to have to try this once we restock our groceries from Hurricane Harvey!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 10, 2017 at 1:44 am

      Oh no, Stephanie!! I hope you and yours are doing okay. I've been thinking about everyone there and hoping for a speedy return to normal!
      Reply
  5. Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

    September 1, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    These sounds so yummy and easy! Will definitely be trying this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 10, 2017 at 1:44 am

      Thanks, Marlynn! It's definitely an easy recipe to make!
      Reply
  6. Rachel Ritlop says

    September 2, 2017 at 12:30 am

    This looks amazing! I want it all! I'm salivating over here!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      Haha! My job here is done! ;) Thanks, Rachel!
      Reply
  7. Allyson Zea says

    September 2, 2017 at 2:16 am

    Oh wow I can't WAIT to try these out!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:07 pm

      Hope you love them! Thanks, Allyson!
      Reply
  8. Jenny says

    September 2, 2017 at 2:40 am

    This looks so good! All of the photos are beautiful as well.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks so much, Jenny!
      Reply
  9. Nutmeg Nanny says

    September 2, 2017 at 4:02 am

    OH WOW! This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks so much!
      Reply
  10. carrie @ frugal foodie mama says

    September 2, 2017 at 11:56 am

    They look like little meatballs... minus the meat. ;) Looks delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:07 pm

      :) Thanks so much, Carrie!
      Reply
  11. Jen says

    September 2, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    I'm always up for Italian food and can bet my family will eat it up! This looks fantastic and a great way to control my portions, thanks!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      Thanks so much, Jen! I hope you all love these!
      Reply
  12. Catalina @ Peas & Peonies says

    September 2, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    I tried these spinach ricotta gnocchi some time ago in a trip in Italy and are absolutely delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      Oh! That's awesome, Catalina! I'll be they taste better in Italy ;)
      Reply
  13. Joy says

    September 3, 2017 at 2:30 am

    YUM!! I'm going to add this to dinner ideas for this week! I love ricotta and I thin is going to Ben great with this dish! Pinned to make later! Joy www.basicallyjoy.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:05 pm

      Thanks so much, Joy! I hope you love them!
      Reply
  14. Christine of Sensory Friends says

    September 3, 2017 at 6:17 am

    I love anything made with ricotta cheese, so I'll definitely try this recipe.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Christine! I hope you love these as much as I do!
      Reply
  15. Brynn @ My Sweet Potato Life says

    September 3, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Patricia, Yum! I love spinach, and these gnocchi look delicious! I'm a food blogger too, and I just nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award. You can read my post about it here: http://mysweetpotatolife.com/2017/09/01/the-blogger-recognition-award-my-15-nominations/ I had a lot of fun doing it - it would be great if you participated! Cheers! -Brynn
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:05 pm

      How kind! Thanks so much, Brynn! It's hard and fun work, isn't it!
      Reply
  16. Theresa says

    September 4, 2017 at 12:56 am

    I have made this for years, but i cook them as dumplings, drain them,, then they go into a buttered casserole dish with more melter butter on top, and a little shredded parmesan and under the broiler for a few minutes. Delish.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 9:03 pm

      Mmm! That sounds like a delicious option! The original recipe was served with sage and butter. Thanks!
      Reply
  17. adriana says

    September 4, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    Oh I cannot WAIT to try this! It looks sooo good! Sharing this! YUM
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you, Adriana! These are really tasty & easy to make, too!
      Reply
  18. Tatyanna says

    September 4, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    OMG! This looks absolutely amazing. I may have to try this for the family this weekend! xx Tatyanna http://www.apopoflife.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 8, 2017 at 8:51 pm

      You definitely should! It's really easy to make! Thanks, Tatyanna!
      Reply
  19. Kat says

    September 26, 2019 at 5:30 am

    Hi, can these be frozen? If so is it best to do before or after cooking? Thanks, Kat
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 14, 2019 at 8:48 pm

      Hi Kat - I've not tried freezing them, but I bet it would work! I think freezing them prior to cooking would be best. Let me know if you try freezing them! Thanks!
      Reply
  20. Allyson Zea says

    September 8, 2021 at 11:21 am

    This is fresh and delicious! Loved this spin on the gnocchi!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      Thanks so much Allyson!
      Reply
  21. Beth says

    September 8, 2021 at 2:55 pm

    This recipe is such a delicious and very tasty dish! My family and I just love having this gnocchi for a light lunch or dinner, and we can't wait to have these again very soon! Definitely a new favorite of ours!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      That's great to hear. Thanks so much for the feedback, Beth!
      Reply
  22. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says

    September 8, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    This Simple Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi is looking incredibly delicious!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      Thanks, Erin! I hope you try this dish and enjoy!
      Reply
  23. Sandra says

    September 8, 2021 at 3:11 pm

    I love that it is simple but packed full of flavors! Really amazing!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:57 pm

      Thanks, Sandra!
      Reply
  24. Krystle says

    September 8, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    I didn't think I liked gnocchi but these are amazing. Love the creaminess of the ricotta.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:57 pm

      Thanks so much, Krystle! I'm so glad you liked them.
      Reply
  25. Christine says

    September 9, 2021 at 4:25 am

    This sounds absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 6, 2021 at 7:57 pm

      Thanks so much, Christine!
      Reply
  26. Emily says

    August 27, 2022 at 1:20 pm

    Are these missing an ingredient like bread crumbs or flour? I just made them and balls completely fell apart and I was left with one big pan of it. It smells great! But the look isn’t so great!
    ★★★☆☆
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      September 4, 2022 at 7:10 pm

      Hi Emily - no....there isn't anything missing. Did you squeeze all the liquid out of the spinach after it cooked? Sorry it didn't work out this time, but I hope you try it again!
      Reply
  27. Linda says

    October 13, 2022 at 9:05 am

    This looks amazing. Wonderful if frozen chopped spinach would work in this recipe.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 16, 2022 at 8:21 pm

      Hi Linda - You could probably use frozen spinach. I would just make sure you squeeze out as much liquid from the spinach as possible first!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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