Easy Gnudi Recipe: Light Italian Ricotta Dumplings

Have you ever wished you could bring a touch of rustic Italian comfort to your kitchen with barely any effort? If so, you’ll love Gnudi—delicate ricotta dumplings that are lighter than gnocchi and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Spring is the perfect season to try this cheerful, pillowy dish: with fresh herbs popping up and outdoor dinners calling, homemade gnudi feels just right.

I first tasted gnudi on a breezy evening in Tuscany, surrounded by friends, wine, and laughter. Their gentle richness paired perfectly with a fresh tomato sauce—but they’re just as wonderful with browned butter, pesto, or even creamy mushroom sauces. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a cozy meal, learning how to make gnudi will add a little Italian sunshine to your table.

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What are Gnudi?

Gnudi (pronounced “nyoo-dee”) are a classic Tuscan dish, often described as “naked” ravioli. Think of them as all the creamy goodness inside ricotta-filled pasta, just without the pasta dough. The name—Italian for “naked”—fits perfectly!

These dumplings are lighter than potato-based gnocchi and don’t require any rolling or kneading like traditional pasta. If you love recipes with fresh ricotta, gnudi will quickly become a favorite.

Are Gnudi Gluten-Free?

Gnudi recipes often use all-purpose flour to hold the dough together, but you can easily swap it for gluten-free flour or a dusting of semolina for a wheat-free version. This makes gnudi an excellent choice for anyone looking for easy gluten-free Italian recipes.

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Why You’ll Love This Light Ricotta Dumpling Recipe

– **Quick & easy:** Simple prep, no kneading or special equipment.
– **Versatile:** Serve with a variety of sauces—tomato, brown butter and sage, pesto, or even a creamy mushroom sauce.
– **Comfort food:** Pillowy-soft, elegant, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
– **Budget-friendly:** Few ingredients, most pantry staples.

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Ingredients Needed for Homemade Gnudi

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic, dreamy batch of gnudi:

– Whole-milk ricotta cheese (drained)
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Egg yolks
– All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
– Salt & black pepper
– Nutmeg (just a pinch)
– Fresh herbs: spinach, basil, sage (optional)
– Sauces: brown butter, tomato sauce, pesto, creamy mushroom (choose your favorite!)

**Key tip:** Drain your ricotta before starting! Excess moisture leads to sticky gnudi and frustration.

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Ingredient Swaps: Making Gnudi Your Own

Ingredient	Swap Ideas	Notes
All-purpose flour	Gluten-free 1:1 flour, almond flour, semolina	For gluten-free or extra nutty flavors
Spinach	Swiss chard, arugula, kale	Lightly sauté & drain well
Parmesan cheese	Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, vegan parm	For a stronger or dairy-free taste
Brown Butter Sauce	Tomato basil sauce, pesto, light cream sauce	All work beautifully over gnudi

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Light Ricotta Gnudi

Making homemade gnudi is easier than you think, and perfect for beginners:

1. **Drain the Ricotta**: Place ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (even overnight!) to remove excess moisture.
2. **Mix the Dough**: Combine the drained ricotta, egg yolks, grated cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and any chopped greens in a large bowl. Blend just until smooth.
3. **Shape the Dumplings**: Use a spoon and floured hands to shape the mixture into small balls or ovals—about 1½ inches each.
4. **Chill for 30 Minutes**: Place on a floured tray and refrigerate. This helps them firm up and hold together when cooking.
5. **Cook the Gnudi**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil!). Gently add gnudi in batches, cooking until they float—usually about 3–4 minutes.
6. **Finish**: Toss with your favorite sauce—sage brown butter is classic, but a simple parmesan cream sauce or herby pesto is just as delicious.

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Tips for Perfect, Pillow-Soft Ricotta Gnudi

– **Use high-quality ricotta:** The thicker, the better. Avoid watery or low-fat varieties for best texture.
– **Don’t overwork the dough:** Gentle mixing keeps them light.
– **Dust with flour:** Keeps dumplings from sticking to your hands (and each other).
– **Test one first:** Boil a single gnudi to check if it holds shape—add a teaspoon more flour if it falls apart.
– **Sauce right before serving:** Gnudi can soak up sauce, so add it just before eating for best results.

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Serving Suggestions: What Goes With Gnudi?

Gnudi are so versatile, they pair well with almost everything:

– **Sauces:** Brown butter and sage, roasted tomato sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, fresh basil pesto.
– **Sides:** Arugula salad with lemon, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or Italian bread.
– **Wine pairing:** Light Italian whites like Vermentino, or a fresh Pinot Grigio.

**Pro tip:** Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or a splash of olive oil before serving.

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Nutrition Information: Are Gnudi Healthy?

Gnudi are lighter than gnocchi, with less starch and fewer calories per serving. Ricotta provides protein and calcium, while you can add fiber and vitamins with greens like spinach or kale.

| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|—————-|———-|——–|———|——-|
| 6 Gnudi | 220 | 14g | 12g | 12g |

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Easy Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe

If you’re looking for an elegant comfort meal, creamy mushroom risotto is the perfect partner for your gnudi. Here’s a full, tried-and-true beginner-friendly recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz (225g) mixed mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (kept warm)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)

Optional: Swap mushrooms for asparagus, peas, or leeks for a seasonal twist!

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms are browned and liquid evaporates—about 5 minutes.
2. Add rice; stir to coat with oil until translucent at edges, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in wine and let simmer until mostly absorbed.
4. Add warm broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring often. Wait until each addition is absorbed before adding more. Continue until rice is al dente—about 18–20 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using.
6. Serve in warm bowls. Top with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of good olive oil.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutrition (per serving)	Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat
Risotto	390	59g	9g	12g

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Pin, Share & Cook!

If you enjoyed discovering how to make these easy, light Italian ricotta dumplings and their creamy risotto companion, don’t keep them to yourself!

• Pin this step-by-step gnudi recipe for your next dinner inspiration.
• Share the recipe link with friends on WhatsApp, Facebook groups, or your favorite cooking chat.
• Try these recipes with your family—nothing warms a table like homemade Italian comfort food!.

Let me know how your gnudi turns out (tag @yourfoodblog on Pinterest or Instagram). Buon appetito and happy cooking!