Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi with Garlic Brown Butter Herb Sauce

Break away from traditional potato gnocchi and discover a remarkable twist that transcends expectations: Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi. These pillowy soft dumplings, tender to the bite, offer a subtle natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, savory garlic brown butter herb sauce. Crowned with a refreshing dollop of lemon ricotta, this dish is an unparalleled symphony of flavors and textures, proving that wholesome ingredients can transform a classic into an extraordinary meal. Prepare to be amazed by its simplicity and profound taste.

Why We’re Obsessed with Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have become an undeniable favorite in our kitchen, often taking precedence over their white potato counterparts. Their inherent sweetness, vibrant color, and impressive nutritional profile make them incredibly versatile for both savory and sweet applications. Once you master the art of baking a sweet potato to perfection, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself joining the sweet potato fan club. From crispy sweet potato fries and hearty sweet potato hash browns to creamy baked sweet potato soup and even decadent sweet potato brownies, the possibilities are truly endless. They bring a unique depth of flavor and a boost of vitamins to any meal.

The inspiration for this gnocchi recipe struck one evening when we sought to innovate beyond the traditional potato, flour, and egg combination. We envisioned sweet potatoes lending their distinct character to gnocchi, and the addition of fresh ricotta cheese promised to elevate both the flavor and texture, resulting in a dumpling that is both lighter and richer than its conventional cousin. This culinary experiment proved to be a resounding success, creating a dish that quickly became a cherished staple.

Unleash Versatility: Gnocchi That Pairs with Any Sauce

The beauty of these Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi lies in their incredible versatility. Their pillowy softness and subtle sweetness make them an ideal canvas for an array of sauces, from the robust to the delicate. Upon their initial creation, we tossed them with a savory lamb ragu, a hearty pairing that highlighted their earthy undertones. The following night, they effortlessly transformed into a comforting classic when served with a traditional tomato sauce. Each rendition was met with enthusiastic approval, confirming their adaptable nature. Such was their appeal that when the last gnocchi disappeared, a collective longing for more prompted an immediate second batch.

For this subsequent culinary adventure, we crafted a simple yet profound garlic brown butter herb sauce. The result was nothing short of spectacular: a generous drizzle of this aromatic sauce over the warm gnocchi created an unforgettable flavor experience. The nutty notes of brown butter, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs married perfectly with the sweet potato and ricotta, elevating the entire dish to a new level of deliciousness. This combination quickly became our go-to and is highly recommended.

An Irresistible Dish You Can’t Put Down

The delightful interplay between the gentle sweetness of the gnocchi and the rich, savory depth of the brown butter sauce is truly captivating. This harmonious balance creates an almost addictive quality, making it incredibly difficult to resist another bite. When you add a light, bright dollop of lemon-infused fresh ricotta, the dish transcends mere satisfaction, becoming an experience where putting down your fork feels like an impossible task.

Contrary to popular belief, making gnocchi from scratch is far more approachable than you might imagine. This recipe yields a generous quantity, ensuring that you can savor this amazing meal multiple times, even if you’re not hosting a large gathering. Its impressive flavor profile and elegant presentation make it perfect for both an effortless weeknight dinner and a sophisticated course when entertaining guests. Prepare to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with this culinary masterpiece.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable dish. While the recipe card will provide precise measurements and detailed instructions, here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to prepare our tender Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi, along with the irresistible garlic brown butter herb sauce and the refreshing lemon ricotta topping:

For the Gnocchi:

• Large Sweet Potatoes: The star of our gnocchi, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Fresh Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and richness, differentiating this gnocchi from traditional versions.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the gnocchi dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The binder that gives the gnocchi its classic chew and structure.

For the Brown Butter Herb Sauce:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation for our rich, nutty brown butter.
• Fresh Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory notes.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A blend of rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, sage, and/or chives provides a fragrant, earthy finish. Choose your favorites or a combination!

For the Lemon Ricotta Topping:

• Fresh Ricotta Cheese: The base for a light and refreshing counterpoint to the rich sauce.
• Large Lemon: You’ll need both its zest and juice to add a bright, tangy zing.
• Salt: To taste, ensuring perfect seasoning for the topping.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For boiling the gnocchi.
• Medium Saucepan: For preparing the brown butter herb sauce.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To combine your gnocchi ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Fork or Potato Masher: For preparing the sweet potato.
• Slotted Spoon: For safely transferring cooked gnocchi.
• Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: To keep cooked gnocchi warm.

Crafting Your Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making homemade gnocchi might seem daunting, but this recipe simplifies the process, making it enjoyable and rewarding. Follow these clear steps to create perfectly tender and flavorful sweet potato ricotta gnocchi:

• Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes. Begin by thoroughly cooking your sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. You have two convenient options:
  • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until soft.
  • Microwaving: Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork. Microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, checking for tenderness, and flipping halfway through if needed.

  Once cooked, allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly so they are comfortable to handle.

• Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash. Carefully slice the cooled sweet potatoes down the middle and scoop out all the soft, cooked flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash the sweet potato thoroughly until smooth, ensuring no large lumps remain. Measure out 2 cups of the mashed sweet potato.
• Step 3: Form the Gnocchi Dough. To the mashed sweet potato, add the fresh ricotta cheese and kosher salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, adding about 1/2 cup at a time. Mix gently until a soft, manageable dough forms. The key is not to overmix, as this can make the gnocchi tough. If the dough feels overly sticky, add an additional tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency that’s easy to work with.

• Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi. Lightly flour your hands and a clean, spacious work surface. Form the gnocchi dough into a large ball. Divide this ball into 8 smaller, equal-sized portions. Take each smaller ball and roll it gently into a 1-inch thick rope. Aim for consistency in thickness to ensure even cooking. Using a knife or a bench scraper, cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. This process should yield approximately 120 individual gnocchi, ready for cooking.
• Step 5: Boil the Gnocchi. While you’re shaping the gnocchi, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add a teaspoon of kosher salt to season the water, then bring it back to a boil. Carefully add the gnocchi to the boiling water in 4 separate batches, making sure to cover the bottom of the pot with a single layer of gnocchi for each batch. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the water temperature and result in gummy gnocchi. Cook each batch until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender to the taste, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes.
• Step 6: Keep Gnocchi Warm. As each batch finishes cooking, use a slotted spoon to drain the gnocchi thoroughly and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in a warm oven (around 150-200°F or 65-95°C) or simply tent it loosely with foil to keep the gnocchi warm while you cook the remaining batches.

• Step 7: Prepare the Brown Butter Herb Sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and begins to turn a delicate golden brown, developing a rich, nutty aroma. This browning process takes only a few minutes, so watch it closely to prevent burning. Reduce the heat to low and add your chosen chopped fresh herbs. Allow the herbs to sizzle gently in the brown butter for about a minute to release their full fragrance, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Step 8: Make the Lemon Ricotta Topping. In a small bowl, combine the fresh ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed to achieve a balanced, bright flavor that complements the richness of the gnocchi and brown butter sauce.

• Step 9: Serve and Enjoy! Arrange the warm gnocchi in individual serving bowls. Drizzle generously with the fragrant garlic brown butter herb sauce, ensuring each gnocchi is coated in its rich flavor. Finish each serving with a dollop of the refreshing lemon ricotta. Alternatively, for a family-style presentation, toss all the cooked gnocchi with the brown butter sauce in a large bowl, and serve the lemon ricotta on the side for guests to add as they please. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this incredible homemade meal!

Storage Solutions for Leftover Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi

Having leftovers of this delightful dish is a treat! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi for days to come. Here’s how to store and reheat it effectively:

Storing Gnocchi with Sauce:

If your gnocchi is already tossed with the garlic brown butter herb sauce, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method keeps the gnocchi moist and flavorful.

Reheating Gnocchi with Sauce:

• Microwave: Place the gnocchi and sauce in a microwave-safe container. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until thoroughly heated through. This usually takes about 60-90 seconds in total.
• Stovetop: Transfer the gnocchi and sauce to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Reheat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

Storing Gnocchi without Sauce:

For gnocchi that hasn’t been sauced, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows for versatility in reheating with fresh sauce or butter.

Reheating Gnocchi without Sauce:

• Microwave: Place the plain gnocchi in a microwave-safe container with a small amount of butter or a splash of water. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until heated through (about 60-90 seconds).
• Stovetop: Reheat the gnocchi in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a little butter or olive oil for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until hot.
• Boiling Water: For a quick refresh, you can drop refrigerated gnocchi directly into a pot of boiling salted water for a few minutes until they float and are tender again.

Prepare Ahead: Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

This Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi is an excellent candidate for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick and delicious dinner even on busy nights. The best way to prepare and freeze gnocchi in advance is before it’s cooked. This preserves its texture and flavor beautifully.

How to Freeze Uncooked Gnocchi:

1. Prepare and Shape: Follow the gnocchi recipe through the point of cutting the dough into individual 1-inch pieces.
2. Flash Freeze: Arrange the uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together. Place the sheet pan in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the gnocchi are firm and partially frozen (flash frozen). This step is crucial for preventing them from clumping in the freezer bag.
3. Store Long-Term: Once flash frozen, transfer the solid gnocchi pieces to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cooking from Frozen:

When you’re ready to enjoy your make-ahead gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw! Simply proceed with boiling them directly from frozen. They will require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to fresh gnocchi to ensure they are cooked all the way through and tender. Look for them to float to the top and taste one to check for doneness.