Ricotta Gnocchi with a Creamy Vodka Sauce
If you’re intimidated by making your own homemade gnocchi, don’t be! It’s a lot simpler than you’d think and can be completed in an hour. Ideally, a creamy sauce, like this vodka sauce I’m going to show you, or a classic sauce, like a brown butter sage, are what compliments gnocchi. This sauce is my spin on the incredible vodka sauce from Jon and Vinny’s in Los Angeles, California.
Ricotta Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce
This easy gnocchi is made from scratch with only a few ingredients. The spicy sauce complements it's pillowy, soft texture. You'll be sure to go back for seconds!
Ingredients
Ricotta Gnocchi
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cups flour add more as needed
- salt and pepper
Vodka Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 6 oz. can of tomato paste
- ¼ cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 T red pepper flakes or less if you don't want it as spicy
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or 1 T parsley flakes
- salt and pepper
- ½ – 1 cup pasta water
Instructions
Ricotta Gnocchi
- Combine the ricotta, eggs, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Add the flour and knead until a soft, pillowy dough forms. If the dough is sticky, keep adding flour little by little until it isn't sticky anymore.
- Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Flour your work surface and cut off a section of your dough ball.
- Roll it into a long log and cut it into sections that are about an inch thick.
- Boil until they float to the top or for 3 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water!
Vodka Sauce
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and fully combine it with the olive oil and garlic. Let it cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the vodka and let it cook off for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cream, red pepper flakes, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pasta water. Start with ½ cup and add more as needed. Give it that smooth, glossy finish!
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan and let it cook in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and garnish with whatever you'd like!
Notes
To make the vodka sauce vegan, substitute the heavy cream for creamy oat milk or another milk alternative. Start with around 1/4-1/2 cup and add more as needed!
