Name: Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 1 1/2 cups — the creamy base for soft gnudi; Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): 1/2 cup — adds nutty, salty depth; Egg Yolk: 1 large — binds ingredients together; All-Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup, plus more for dusting — gives structure to the dough; Nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon — subtle warmth and aroma; Salt: 1/2 teaspoon — enhances flavor; Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon — adds a touch of spice; Butter: 2 tablespoons — richness for the cheese sauce; Garlic (minced): 2 cloves — adds depth to the sauce; Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup — forms the creamy sauce base; Fontina Cheese (shredded): 1/2 cup — for a smooth, buttery finish; Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): 1/2 cup — gives the sauce its gooey texture; Chopped Fresh Parsley: for garnish — brightens and freshens the dish

Description

Light, fluffy ricotta gnudi bathed in a creamy cheese sauce—this Italian comfort classic is a luxurious yet simple dish that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 1 1/2 cups — the creamy base for soft gnudi
Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): 1/2 cup — adds nutty, salty depth
Egg Yolk: 1 large — binds ingredients together
All-Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup, plus more for dusting — gives structure to the dough
Nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon — subtle warmth and aroma
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon — enhances flavor
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon — adds a touch of spice
Butter: 2 tablespoons — richness for the cheese sauce
Garlic (minced): 2 cloves — adds depth to the sauce
Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup — forms the creamy sauce base
Fontina Cheese (shredded): 1/2 cup — for a smooth, buttery finish
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): 1/2 cup — gives the sauce its gooey texture
Chopped Fresh Parsley: for garnish — brightens and freshens the dish

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg yolk, parmesan, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a floured baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape gnudi with a spoon or scoop and chill for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Dish: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream, then stir in fontina and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Cook to Perfection: Gently simmer gnudi for 3–4 minutes, until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Finishing Touches: Toss gnudi in cheese sauce and warm through.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with parsley and black pepper. Serve warm.

Notes

Note: Drain ricotta overnight for best texture.
Note: Test-cook one gnudi first to check consistency.
Note: Avoid pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Ricotta gnudi, Italian gnudi, cheese sauce dumplings, vegetarian Italian recipes