What to Serve with Gnocchi

Gnocchi, the soft, pillowy Italian dumplings made from potatoes and flour, are a favorite comfort food for many. Whether you’re making homemade gnocchi or using store-bought, pairing it with the right sides and sauces can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable experience. If you're wondering what to serve with gnocchi, you've come to the right place.

When it comes to what to serve with gnocchi, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're looking for a rich, hearty dish or a lighter, more refreshing option, gnocchi pairs well with a variety of sauces, proteins, vegetables, and sides. From classic tomato sauce to bold gorgonzola, from grilled chicken to sautéed shrimp, you can mix and match these options to create the perfect meal.

Remember to consider the balance of flavors and textures when planning your menu. Whether you prefer rich and creamy or light and fresh, there’s a gnocchi pairing out there for everyone. So, the next time you're wondering what to serve with gnocchi, use this guide to help create a delicious and memorable meal.

Jump to:

• Why Gnocchi are So Versatile
• Sauces to Serve with Gnocchi
• Proteins to Serve with Gnocchi
• Vegetables to Serve with Gnocchi
• Salads to Serve with Gnocchi
• Bread to Serve with Gnocchi
• Wine Pairings with Gnocchi
• Best Gnocchi Recipes
• FAQs

Why Gnocchi are So Versatile

One of the reasons why gnocchi are such a popular dish is their versatility. It can be served with a variety of sauces, from rich and creamy to light and tangy. It can also be paired with hearty proteins or lighter vegetable-based sides, depending on your preferences and the occasion.

Gnochci are more similar to dumplings than pasta, but they can be enjoyed with almost any pasta sauce. But being made from potatoes makes them already rich and filling on their own. That's why it's important to pair them with the right complementary dishes.

Sauces to Serve with Gnocchi

The sauce you choose for your gnocchi can make or break the dish. Here are some of the most popular sauces that pair beautifully with gnocchi:

• Brown Butter and Sage: For a more traditional Italian approach, try serving gnocchi with brown butter and sage. This is a rich and savory option that highlights the delicate flavor of gnocchi. Brown butter adds a nutty depth, while fresh sage leaves provide an aromatic punch.
• Classic Tomato Sauce: A simple tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil is a perfect pairing for gnocchi. The acidity of the tomatoes complements the soft, starchy dumplings, creating a balanced dish. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Pro tip: Use San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter, less acidic sauce.
• Pesto Sauce: Basil pesto, with its vibrant green color and fresh, herby flavor, is another excellent option for gnocchi. The combination of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan creates a fresh yet rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the soft, tender gnocchi. Tip: If you want to lighten the dish, try making a spinach or arugula pesto for a different twist.
• Alfredo Sauce: If you're craving something rich and creamy, Alfredo sauce is a wonderful choice. This sauce, made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, coats the gnocchi in a velvety, decadent layer that is impossible to resist.
• Gorgonzola Cream Sauce: For those who enjoy bold flavors, a gorgonzola cream sauce, or an Italian Four Cheese sauce is a fantastic pairing with gnocchi. The creamy, pungent gorgonzola cheese adds a luxurious texture and a rich flavor that works well with the mild taste of gnocchi.
• Ragù: A Tuscan Ragù or a Bolognese Ragù pair well with any kind of pasta and gnocchi. This hearty, meaty sauce, is the perfect traditional Italian pairing.

Proteins to Serve with Gnocchi

To create a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein to your gnocchi dish. Here are some ideas:

• Italian Sausage: For a more robust and savory dish, serve gnocchi with Italian sausage. Whether it's sweet or spicy, the sausage adds a flavorful, meaty element that can stand up to heartier gnocchi sauces like marinara or tomato cream sauce.
• Grilled Chicken: Even though chicken is not traditionally served with gnocchi or pasta, grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts are a healthy and tasty option to serve with gnocchi. The lightness of the chicken pairs well with heavier sauces like Alfredo or tomato sauce. Add some herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
• Shrimp: For a seafood twist, try serving gnocchi with sautéed shrimp. Shrimp pairs well with lighter sauces like pesto or garlic butter, making it a great option for a fresh, summer-inspired gnocchi dish.

Vegetables to Serve with Gnocchi

Vegetables are a great way to add some color, texture, and nutrition to your gnocchi dish. Here are a few vegetable side dishes that pair perfectly with gnocchi:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a touch of caramelized flavor to the meal. The smoky, slightly charred veggies are a great contrast to the soft, pillowy gnocchi.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Leafy greens like spinach or kale are a great way to add some nutrition and a slight bitterness to balance out the richness of gnocchi. Sauté the greens with garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon for a simple but flavorful side.
• Asparagus: Asparagus is a light and fresh vegetable that pairs well with gnocchi, especially when served with a lemon butter or pesto sauce. Simply blanch or roast the asparagus for a quick and easy side dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, add depth and umami to your gnocchi dish. Sautéed mushrooms in garlic and butter can be served alongside or mixed into the gnocchi for a hearty, flavorful combination.

Salads to Serve with Gnocchi

A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect way to balance out a rich gnocchi dish. Here are some salad ideas:

• Arugula Salad: Arugula's peppery bite is a great complement to the softness of gnocchi. Toss arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan for a simple, light salad that contrasts with the richness of the gnocchi.
• Caprese Salad: The classic Italian Caprese salad, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is a great pairing for gnocchi. The bright flavors of the tomatoes and basil help to cut through the richness of the gnocchi, while the mozzarella adds a creamy texture.
• Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette: For a light and refreshing option, serve a simple mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing helps to balance out the richness of gnocchi dishes that use cream-based sauces.

Bread to Serve with Gnocchi

Bread might seem like an extra indulgence when serving gnocchi, but in Italian cuisine, bread is often served alongside pasta dishes to soak up the delicious sauces. Here are a few options:

• Focaccia: Focaccia is another great bread option to serve with gnocchi. The soft, chewy texture and the hint of olive oil and herbs make it a delicious side that pairs well with any sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to Italian dishes even though it's not traditionally Italian. The crunchy, buttery bread with a hint of garlic is the perfect way to mop up any extra sauce from your gnocchi.

Wine Pairings with Gnocchi

No Italian meal is complete without a good glass of wine. Depending on the sauce and protein you're serving with your gnocchi, here are a few wine pairing suggestions:

• Tomato-based sauces: Pair with a light to medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Barbera.
• Creamy sauces: A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, works well to balance the richness.
• Pesto sauce: A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino, enhances the fresh, herby flavors.
• Brown butter and sage: A nutty, full-bodied white wine, like a Viognier, complements the richness of the butter.

Best Gnocchi Recipes

Check out ALL our Gnocchi Recipes by visiting the complete Gnocchi category page.