Gnocchi is one of those weeknight cheats that actually feels like a win. You can keep a pack in the pantry or freezer and turn it into dinner in under half an hour. It cooks fast, holds up to just about any sauce, and somehow always feels more exciting than regular pasta.
These recipes are fast, affordable, and require zero special skills. Some come together in one pot, others roast on a sheet pan, but they all get the job done without dragging out the evening. For the nights when dinner feels like a chore, gnocchi is always an easy answer.
Air Fryer Gnocchi
Shelf-stable gnocchi crisp up in the air fryer in under fifteen minutes, making this one of the easiest and cheapest ways to upgrade dinner or snack time. You get that golden outside and soft center without any stovetop mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gnocchi
Baked Skillet Gnocchi
Ground pork, spinach, and tomato sauce simmer with gnocchi in a cast iron pan before getting topped with melted mozzarella. It’s one pan from start to finish and makes a filling dinner without much prep or cleanup.
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Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Sweet potato gnocchi gets tossed in a quick turkey bolognese that cooks while the gnocchi boils. It’s a fall-inspired dish that tastes like comfort food but still lands on the table in about thirty minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Brown Butter Garlic Gnocchi
Gnocchi sears in brown butter while sliced garlic gets golden and crisp. The sauce builds itself right in the pan and coats every piece in under ten minutes. It’s great when you need dinner fast but still want it to feel finished.
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Red Thai Curry Gnocchi
A jar of curry paste and a can of coconut milk turn store-bought gnocchi into something bold and filling. You get heat, flavor, and creamy sauce in one pot with minimal effort.
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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Shelf-stable gnocchi and rotisserie chicken simmer with spinach and broth until everything thickens into a rich soup. It feels like it simmered all day but only takes about thirty minutes.
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Vegetable Gnocchi with Cheese Sauce
Frozen or fresh vegetables cook with gnocchi in a quick cheddar sauce that starts with a basic roux. It’s a fast way to get something creamy and comforting while sneaking in a few greens.
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One Pot Creamy Sausage Gnocchi
Ground sausage, broth, and cream work together in a single pot to cook gnocchi while thickening into a hearty sauce. It’s rich, quick, and only requires one dish.
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Baked Gnocchi
Marinara and shredded mozzarella bake together with gnocchi in a casserole dish for a low-effort, high-reward dinner. Five minutes of prep and the oven does the rest.
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Gnocchi Carbonara
Pancetta crisps while gnocchi boils, then both get tossed with egg yolk and cheese for a quick take on the classic carbonara. It’s rich without being fussy and comes together in under fifteen minutes.
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Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan
Gnocchi roasts with cherry tomatoes and garlic, then gets topped with torn mozzarella and basil. It’s hands-off, fresh, and a smart way to use pantry staples.
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Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
Toss gnocchi with oil and parmesan, pop them in the air fryer, and in minutes you’ve got crispy bites that work as a snack or side. It’s one of the fastest ways to turn a package of gnocchi into something craveable.
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One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi
Chicken pieces sear before getting finished with lemon juice, coconut cream, and gnocchi all in the same skillet. It’s light, fast, and leaves barely any cleanup behind.
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Gnocchi Bolognese
Ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings simmer into a quick sauce that finishes cooking the gnocchi right in the pan. You get a full, hearty dinner with ingredients you probably already have.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Bolognese
Gnocchi and Asparagus in Cream Sauce
Gnocchi and asparagus cook together in a quick cream sauce that thickens in minutes. It’s a great pick when you want something fast that still feels fresh.
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Gnocchi with Mascarpone and Tomato Sauce
Crushed tomatoes and mascarpone simmer into a smooth sauce that coats the gnocchi without needing much work. It’s ready in about half an hour and uses easy-to-find ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Mascarpone and Tomato Sauce
Gnocchi Alfredo
A simple mix of butter, cream, and parmesan becomes a quick Alfredo sauce that coats boiled gnocchi in minutes. It’s rich, fast, and great for nights when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Alfredo
Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi
Cauliflower gnocchi turns golden in the air fryer in under ten minutes. It gets crisp on the outside while staying tender inside, making it a lighter option that still delivers on texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Sweet potato gnocchi gets brushed with oil and crisped in the air fryer for a quick dinner base or snack. Pair it with sage butter for a fast way to make it feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Gnocchi and Sausage
Kielbasa browns in a pan with gnocchi and bell peppers, then everything steams briefly with broth. It’s filling, fast, and skips any complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi and Sausage
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This version of the chain favorite simmers chicken, gnocchi, and spinach in a creamy broth. It’s rich, familiar, and perfect for cold nights when you need something comforting without ordering out.
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Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Gnocchi bakes in a tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil until bubbly. It’s simple, pantry-friendly, and tastes like something you’d get at a good Italian spot.
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Gnocchi Foil Packets
Gnocchi cooks right in foil with sauce and vegetables, whether over a grill or in the oven. It’s easy to portion, low on cleanup, and great for summer meals outside.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Foil Packets
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi
This creamy gnocchi recipe pulls in sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach for a fast dish that still feels like comfort food. It cooks in under thirty minutes and uses just one pan.
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French Onion Gnocchi
Caramelized onions simmer with broth and gnocchi before getting topped with cheese. It’s rich, cozy, and a fun way to combine familiar flavors in a new format.
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Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage
Gnocchi roasts with chicken sausage and vegetables on one tray. You throw it in the oven and it handles itself while you get on with your evening.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage
Baked Gnocchi Bolognese
This dish builds a meat sauce and gnocchi combo in an ovenproof skillet and finishes under the broiler. It’s hearty, filling, and made with affordable ingredients that stretch into leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gnocchi Bolognese
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.