Ricotta and Lemon Gnocchi for Two

Name: Ricotta and Lemon Gnocchi for Two
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 egg yolk; 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; Zest of 1 lemon; Salt to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 8 fresh sage leaves; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making fresh gnocchi at home, and this Ricotta and Lemon version is a standout! The bright notes of lemon paired with the creamy texture of ricotta create a delightful dish that elevates our dinner experience. Making gnocchi feels like a rewarding craft, and this recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor. Sharing this special dish with someone you love makes it even more memorable, whether it's a quiet evening or a cozy date night.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:43:18.830Z

When I first tried making gnocchi, I was intimidated, but now it's one of my favorite dishes to whip up. The secret to the perfect texture lies in balancing the ricotta and flour – too much flour can make it tough, while too little leaves it too soft. This recipe really delivers the right ratio, allowing me to enjoy soft, pillowy gnocchi.

I've learned that the key to enhancing the flavors is the zest of the lemon. It gives a refreshing brightness to the dish. I’ve paired it with a simple butter and sage sauce, which complements the ricotta beautifully. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate pillow-like gnocchi that melts in your mouth
Bright lemon flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the ricotta
Quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients

      

The Art of Gnocchi Making

Making gnocchi from scratch is more than just cooking; it's a rewarding craft. It's important to handle the dough lightly; overworking it can lead to tough gnocchi. For the best results, aim for a slightly sticky yet manageable dough. If it feels too wet, incorporate more flour gradually, but do so with care to maintain that desired pillow-like texture.

When shaping the gnocchi, ensure your work surface is well-floured to prevent sticking. After rolling the dough into ropes, cut them into pieces about an inch long. Using a fork to indent each one not only gives them their characteristic shape but also helps the sauce cling better, enhancing every bite.

Perfecting the Sage Butter Sauce

The sage butter sauce is where the dish truly shines, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta gnocchi. When melting the butter, keep a close eye on it; you want it to turn a light golden brown before adding the sage. This process brings out the nutty flavor of the butter, complementing the fresh sage beautifully.

Once the gnocchi are added to the skillet, toss them gently yet thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated without breaking apart. Cooking them for an extra minute in the sauce allows them to absorb those aromatic flavors, creating an exquisite dish that feels upscale yet effortless.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to get started:

For the Gnocchi

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg yolk
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt to taste

For the Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 fresh sage leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to make magic happen!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious gnocchi:

Make the Gnocchi Dough

In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg yolk, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Shape the Gnocchi

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into sections. Roll each section into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into small pieces. Use a fork to gently indent each piece for a traditional gnocchi shape.

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Sage Butter Sauce

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the sage leaves. Cook until the butter is slightly browned and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sage butter. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan.

Your homemade gnocchi is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

To ensure your gnocchi is light and fluffy, it's important not to overmix the dough. If you find the dough too sticky, add a little more flour, but do so gradually.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to make the gnocchi ahead of time, they can be frozen. After shaping, place the gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy, cook them directly from frozen; just add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.

For storing leftover cooked gnocchi, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a little extra butter or sauce to prevent drying out. Heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through, taking care to avoid overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten the dish or don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese can be a suitable alternative. Just blend it until smooth to mimic the creamy texture of ricotta. Similarly, you can substitute the fresh sage with dried sage if necessary; just remember to use about a third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.

For a gluten-free version, consider using a blend of gluten-free flour or even potato flour. This change may slightly alter the texture, but it will still yield delightful gnocchi. Simply follow the same method, adjusting the flour quantity as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought ricotta?

Yes, store-bought ricotta will work, but make sure it's of good quality for the best flavor.

→ Is it necessary to add egg yolk?

The egg yolk helps bind the dough and gives richness, but if you're looking for a vegan option, you can skip it.

→ How do I store leftover gnocchi?

You can refrigerate uncooked gnocchi for up to a day or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer to prevent sticking.

→ What can I substitute for sage?

Thyme or rosemary can be used as alternatives to sage, adding a different flavor profile.