Description
This Lemon Gnocchi (Gnocchi al Limone) is a creamy, citrusy pasta dish made with pillowy ricotta gnocchi, a buttery lemon pepper sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s bright, comforting, and ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 batch ricotta gnocchi (about 450 g cooked gnocchi)
- 1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 ounce (about 28 g) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- ½ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Zest the lemon fully and juice one half. Reserve the other half for later.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add lemon zest, half of the lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir and gently reduce for 1–2 minutes until aromatic. Reduce heat to low.
- Add ricotta gnocchi to boiling water. Once they float, cook for 30 seconds more.
- Transfer gnocchi to the skillet using a slotted spoon. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water.
- Add ¼ cup of pasta water to the skillet and gently toss to coat gnocchi.
- Turn off heat. Gradually stir in about three-quarters of the grated cheese, mixing until the sauce emulsifies.
- If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water one tablespoon at a time.
- Taste and adjust with salt, more pepper, and additional lemon juice if desired.
- Garnish with remaining cheese and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Ricotta gnocchi can be swapped with potato gnocchi.
- Add sautéed spinach or peas for texture and color.
- A drizzle of olive oil before serving adds extra brightness.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water—avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
