Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

Light, pillowy, and meltingly tender, Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce is the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor every bite. These delicate ricotta dumplings, often described as “nude ravioli,” are cloaked in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce that wraps each piece like a warm embrace. Trust me, you’re going to love this — it’s indulgence in its most comforting form.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by a trip to Tuscany, where gnudi is a cherished specialty. In a small trattoria, I was served a plate of these cloud-like dumplings, tossed in a rich sauce that clung to every curve. It was love at first bite. Back home, I recreated the memory in my kitchen, carefully balancing the ricotta’s freshness with just enough flour to hold it together. The cheese sauce is my personal twist — a decadent touch that turns a simple rustic dish into something unforgettable.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Gnudi hails from the heart of Tuscany and literally means “naked” in Italian. They are called “nude” because they are essentially the filling of ravioli without the pasta wrapper. Traditionally made with ricotta and spinach, they’re often served with sage butter. This version swaps the spinach for pure ricotta and pairs it with a creamy cheese sauce, blending tradition with a bit of modern luxury.

Why You’ll Love Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

This dish has everything to become your next comfort food obsession.

Versatile: Works as a starter, main course, or even a side for a special meal.

Budget-Friendly: Made from simple ingredients like ricotta, flour, and cheese.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under an hour.

Customizable: Change up the cheese sauce or add herbs to the gnudi.

Crowd-Pleasing: Soft dumplings in cheese sauce are universally adored.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The gnudi can be shaped and chilled until ready to cook.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats gently for a luxurious lunch the next day.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Drain the Ricotta: Remove excess moisture for a lighter, firmer gnudi.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle gently to keep them tender.
3. Test One First: Boil a single gnudi to check texture before cooking the whole batch.
4. Salt Your Water Well: Just like pasta, it seasons the gnudi from the inside out.
5. Serve Immediately: Gnudi are at their fluffiest when freshly cooked.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing Bowls: For combining ricotta, cheese, and flour.
Slotted Spoon: To lift gnudi from the water without breaking them.
Large Pot: For boiling the gnudi.
Small Saucepan: To prepare the cheese sauce.
Whisk: Ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Ingredients in Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

1. Ricotta Cheese: 2 cups, whole milk — soft and creamy base of the gnudi.
2. Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup — adds nutty depth to the dumplings.
3. Egg Yolks: 2 — helps bind the mixture without heaviness.
4. All-Purpose Flour: ¾ cup — holds the gnudi together while keeping them tender.
5. Salt: 1 teaspoon — seasons the dumplings.
6. Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon — adds subtle warmth and aroma.
7. Butter: 2 tablespoons — for richness in the sauce.
8. Heavy Cream: 1 cup — creates a luscious sauce base.
9. Fontina Cheese: 1 cup shredded — melts smoothly for creamy texture.
10. Garlic: 1 clove, minced — infuses the sauce with gentle savoriness.
11. Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon — balances the flavors.
12. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped — adds freshness to finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh farmer’s cheese or well-drained cottage cheese.
Fontina Cheese: Swap for Gruyère or mild provolone.
Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Nutmeg: Try a pinch of mace or cinnamon for a twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ricotta Cheese: Fresh, creamy, and slightly sweet, it’s the soul of gnudi, giving them their signature lightness.
Fontina Cheese: A semi-soft cheese that melts like a dream, bringing mild nuttiness to the sauce.

Instructions for Making Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolks, flour, salt, and nutmeg until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lightly flour your hands and shape the mixture into small oval dumplings.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Drop gnudi gently into the boiling water. Cook until they float, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Remove gnudi with a slotted spoon and set aside.
6. Finishing Touches:
   In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, then pour in cream. Whisk in Fontina until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Pour sauce over gnudi, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic lies in the contrast: gnudi that are pillowy soft with a delicate bite, paired with a sauce that’s luxuriously creamy and subtly nutty. The Parmesan in the dumplings adds savory depth, while the Fontina sauce coats each piece in velvet.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a light hand when shaping the gnudi to keep them airy.
• Avoid boiling too vigorously — a gentle simmer prevents breakage.
• Warm plates before serving to keep the sauce silky.

What to Avoid

• Don’t skip draining the ricotta — excess moisture will make the gnudi fall apart.
• Avoid adding too much flour — it will make them heavy.
• Don’t let the sauce boil after adding cheese, or it may separate.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Shape the gnudi ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The cheese sauce can be made earlier in the day and gently reheated. Leftover gnudi can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and reheated gently in sauce or butter.

How to Serve Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce

Serve as an elegant starter with crusty bread to mop up the sauce, or pair with a simple green salad and a crisp white wine for a light but luxurious main.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Toss leftover gnudi in tomato sauce for a whole new flavor profile.
• Slice and pan-fry them in butter for a crispy twist.
• Add to baked casseroles as a cheesy, pillowy topping.

Additional Tips

• For extra elegance, finish with a sprinkle of truffle salt.
• Serve family-style in a shallow dish for a rustic presentation.
• Grate fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for extra umami.

Make It a Showstopper

• Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy plate.
• Serve in individual mini cast-iron skillets for visual impact.
• Drizzle with a touch of infused olive oil for aroma and sheen.

Variations to Try

• Spinach Gnudi: Add finely chopped, cooked spinach to the ricotta mix.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: Replace Fontina with Gorgonzola for a bolder sauce.
• Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the cream before the cheese.
• Lemon Zest Finish: A sprinkle of zest adds brightness to balance the richness.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I freeze gnudi?

A1: Yes, freeze them on a tray until firm, then store in a bag. Cook from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Q2: Is gnudi the same as gnocchi?

A2: No, gnudi are lighter, made with ricotta instead of potatoes.

Q3: Can I make the sauce without cream?

A3: Yes, milk with a roux base works, though it’s less rich.

Q4: How do I know if gnudi are done?

A4: They’ll float to the surface and feel slightly firm.

Q5: What wine pairs best?

A5: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the richness.

Q6: Can I bake gnudi?

A6: They’re best boiled, but you can bake them briefly after saucing for a gratin effect.

Q7: Is this gluten-free?

A7: Use a gluten-free flour blend for shaping the gnudi.

Q8: How do I reheat without drying them out?

A8: Gently warm in sauce over low heat.

Q9: Can I add mushrooms to the sauce?

A9: Absolutely, sautéed mushrooms add earthy depth.

Q10: How long can they sit before cooking?

A10: Up to 24 hours in the fridge, covered.

Conclusion

Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce is proof that simplicity and luxury can share the same plate. Soft, creamy dumplings meet rich, velvety sauce in a dish that feels both rustic and elegant. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite.

Watch How to Make Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce