Late Night Inspiration: How a Simple Ricotta Gnocchi Became a Restaurant-Worthy Dish

Late Night Inspiration: How a Simple Ricotta Gnocchi Became a Restaurant-Worthy Dish

An Easy Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe with a Chef’s Story and Tips

Some of the best culinary moments happen when you least expect them—a true example of unexpected kitchen inspiration. One of my favorite memories from my career as a chef happened late one night at a top-tier restaurant where I worked. After finishing a long, intense dinner service full of intricate 9-course tasting menus, the entire team was exhausted. But chefs need to eat too! That night, it was my turn to prepare staff meal—also known as family meal—and with little energy left, I whipped up something quick, easy, and comforting: ricotta gnocchi.

Little did I know that this humble dish would spark a burst of creativity among the team and end up on the next night’s tasting menu. What started as a simple staff meal turned into a lively midnight cooking session. Nine chefs, gathered around the kitchen at the end of a long shift, began mass-producing ricotta gnocchi while joking, laughing, and sharing ideas. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured the camaraderie and passion that makes kitchen life so special.

Today, I’m sharing that same easy homemade ricotta gnocchi recipe with you. It’s quick, delicious, and packed with flavor—the kind of dish that might just inspire a bit of creativity in your own kitchen.

Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe

A quick ricotta gnocchi recipe that's easy to make and perfect for home chefs. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create soft, pillowy gnocchi in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese – I prefer whole milk ricotta for its creamy texture, but if you like a stronger flavor, goat’s milk ricotta works wonderfully.
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always better than packaged for that rich, nutty flavor.
• 1/2 tsp salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• 3/4 to 1 cup all-purpose flour – You can also use 00 flour for a finer texture.

Instructions:

1. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, egg, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

2. Form the dough: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until it is almost fully combined. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a soft, compact dough. Be careful not to overwork it—the dough should remain light and slightly sticky.

3. Shape the gnocchi: Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the rope into 3/4-inch pieces. You can either leave them plain or roll each piece off the back of a fork to create ridges that help sauce cling to the gnocchi.

4. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop the gnocchi into the water in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Chef’s Tip: Brown Butter Gnocchi

For the staff meal that night, I tossed the freshly cooked gnocchi in a simple yet incredibly flavorful brown butter sauce. Here’s how you can do it too:

1. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter begins to brown and develops a nutty aroma.

2. Add a few whole garlic cloves (crushed but not peeled) and sprigs of fresh thyme to the butter. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of chili flakes for some heat.

3. Carefully add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Toss and roll them in the butter, ensuring they get coated evenly. Spoon the brown butter over the gnocchi as they cook, allowing them to develop a golden, crispy exterior.

4. Once the gnocchi are beautifully golden and fragrant, remove them from the heat and plate them up. Finish with a generous shower of freshly grated grana padano or parmesan cheese.

This simple brown butter sauce elevates the gnocchi with its rich, nutty flavor and crispy texture. Trust me, it’s a game-changer—perfect for home chefs looking to elevate their cooking.

A Dish to Inspire

That night in the restaurant kitchen, what started as a quick, thrown-together meal became something more—a moment of connection, creativity, and joy. And that’s exactly what cooking should be: a source of inspiration and happiness. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this ricotta gnocchi is a dish that brings people together.

If you want to make this dish for yourself, check out our store for every tool you’ll need for this and any dish! From high-quality kitchen knives to professional-grade utensils, we’ve got you covered.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram if you try this recipe—we’d love to see your creations!

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