14 Best Gnocchi Recipes for Easy Dinners!

If you’re looking for the ultimate hack for a super quick but restaurant-worthy dinner, store-bought gnocchi is it! Those pillowy potato dumplings are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table fast—but you still want to impress. Whether you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, or full of veggies, gnocchi is here to save dinnertime. It might not be quite as popular as pasta, but it’s just as easy and satisfying, and that’s exactly why I’ve created this collection of 14 of the best gnocchi recipes. 

Of course, if you want to, you can make your own gnocchi to use in these dishes. I just love how easy it is to pick up a store-bought variety though, and if you want to let your guests believe that you made it yourself from scratch, then I won’t tell them 😉

1. Gnocchi Bolognese

Think of this as your favorite bolognese pasta but with soft gnocchi that soaks up all the delicious, meaty sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and totally irresistible. The gnocchi adds an extra layer of texture to a rich, meaty bolognese sauce, making it the ultimate comfort dish. Just add some garlic bread for a super satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold evenings! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Fresh basil and parmesan, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan. Serve warm.

2. Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi

This one’s inspired by the Marry-Me pasta dishes that have been a huge viral success on TikTok this year! I was already enjoying the famous Marry-Me pasta on a weekly basis, and I wanted to shake things up a little. This Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi is rich, dreamy, and loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic in a luscious cream sauce. So indulgent and delicious! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until wilted.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering until thickened.
5. Toss in the cooked gnocchi and serve warm, with black pepper, if you like.

3. Gnocchi Carbonara

This Gnocchi Carbonara is a rich, velvety dish featuring crispy pancetta, egg yolks, and Parmesan. It’s everything you love about carbonara, with an added gnocchi twist! The sauce here is made the traditional Italian way – without any cream – and it’s so much better than picking up a jar of readymade sauce. Just make sure you carefully follow the instructions and remove the pan from the heat, to avoid the eggs scrambling. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 4 oz pancetta, diced
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and Parmesan together.
4. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the pancetta, remove from heat, and stir in the egg mixture until creamy. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi

My kids love this one! Cheesy Broccoli Gnocchi is a cozy dish filled with tender gnocchi, fresh broccoli, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its best, with the added benefit of having some greens in there! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and steam the broccoli until tender.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.
3. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
4. Toss the gnocchi and broccoli in the cheese sauce. Serve hot.

5. Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi

This Creamy Ground Beef Gnocchi is a quick and hearty dish, with a savory ground beef and cream sauce that clings to every bite of gnocchi. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights but still feels indulgent. It’s a great alternative to a traditional bolognese, and it’s high in protein and balanced. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in heavy cream and beef broth, simmering until thickened.
5. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce, garnish, and serve.

6. Easy Gnocchi Alfredo

Gnocchi Alfredo is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s as simple as it gets. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a rich and comforting meal on the table in no time.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
4. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the Alfredo sauce and serve warm.

7. Sausage and Tomato Gnocchi

This Sausage and Tomato Gnocchi is a hearty and flavorful dish with juicy Italian sausage, tangy tomatoes, and tender gnocchi all tossed in one pan.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Parmesan and basil, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add sausage and cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Toss in the cooked gnocchi and serve warm, with garnish. 

8. Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi is a simple yet luxurious dish that combines the bold flavors of pesto with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect balance of fresh pesto flavor and creamy goodness—all in under 20 minutes!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil, for garnish 

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and stir in pesto and heavy cream.
3. Toss in the cooked gnocchi and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, with garnish.

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is bursting with garlicky goodness and tender chicken, all tossed in a creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly. The garlic and cream sauce, combined with tender chunks of chicken, makes this dish a warm and comforting weeknight favorite.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
4. Toss in cooked gnocchi and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

10. Creamy Tomato Gnocchi

This Creamy Tomato Gnocchi is everything you love about a comforting tomato-based dish but with added richness thanks to the cream! It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and absolutely delicious.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
4. Toss in cooked gnocchi and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.

11. Creamy Salmon Gnocchi

Rich and satisfying, this Creamy Salmon Gnocchi features tender pieces of salmon in a smooth, velvety sauce. It’s perfect for when you want a fancy dinner with minimal effort! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
4. Gently fold in the flaked salmon and cooked gnocchi. Garnish with dill and serve.

12. Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi

This Chicken and Bacon Gnocchi is a hearty, savory dish that combines the flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce that hugs the gnocchi perfectly.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in heavy cream and bacon, simmering until thickened.
4. Toss in cooked gnocchi and serve warm, garnished with parsley.

13. Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Butter

Celebrate fall with this Pumpkin Gnocchi in a nutty, brown butter sauce. It’s cozy, rich, and full of autumn flavors!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh sage for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and cook until it turns golden brown.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and simmer until warmed through.
4. Toss in cooked gnocchi and garnish with Parmesan and sage.

14. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi

This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi is a comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi with sautéed mushrooms and spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. The earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach balance the richness of the cream, making this dish both hearty and fresh. So good!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and mushrooms until golden.
3. Stir in spinach and heavy cream, simmering until the sauce thickens.
4. Toss in cooked gnocchi and serve warm.

With these 14 Best Gnocchi Recipes, you’ll never look at store-bought gnocchi the same way again! From creamy, rich sauces to hearty, savory combinations, these dishes make weeknight dinners exciting, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Which one will you be trying first?