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.

Creamy gnocchi in a rich tomato sauce with spinach and mushrooms, topped with grated parmesan cheese, served on a white plate.
Photo credit: Posh Journal.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Air Fryer Gnocchi

Air Fryer Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Brown Butter Garlic Gnocchi. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

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.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Gnocchi

Red Thai Curry Gnocchi

Red Thai Curry Gnocchi. Photo credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

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.
Get the Recipe: Red Thai Curry Gnocchi

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

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.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Vegetable Gnocchi with Cheese Sauce

Vegetable Gnocchi with Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Marathons & Motivation.

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.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Gnocchi with Cheese Sauce

One Pot Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

One Pot Creamy Sausage Gnocchi. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

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.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

Baked Gnocchi

Baked Gnocchi. Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

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.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gnocchi

Gnocchi Carbonara

Gnocchi Carbonara. Photo credit: Marcellina In Cucina.

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.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Carbonara

Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan

Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan. Photo credit: The Savory Cipolla.

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.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan

Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi

Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi. Photo credit: Lesswithlaur.

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.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi

One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi. Photo credit: Lesswithlaur.

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.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

Gnocchi Bolognese

Gnocchi Bolognese. Photo credit: Lesswithlaur.

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 in Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

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.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi and Asparagus in Cream Sauce

Gnocchi with Mascarpone and Tomato Sauce

Gnocchi with Mascarpone and Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Posh Journal.

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

Gnocchi Alfredo. Photo credit: Posh Journal.

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

Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi. Photo credit: Basics with Bails.

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

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Basics with Bails.

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

Gnocchi and Sausage. Photo credit: 24Bite.

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

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

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.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi Foil Packets

Gnocchi Foil Packets. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Gnocchi

French Onion Gnocchi

French Onion Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Gnocchi

Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage

Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sausage. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Baked Gnocchi Bolognese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

Founder and Writer at  | About

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.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *