If you are craving a comforting yet unique pasta experience, this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It features pillowy soft gnocchi made from naturally sweet sweet potatoes, delivering a perfect balance of creaminess and a subtle earthiness. The elegant sauté of garlic and baby spinach enriches the dish with freshness and a lovely pop of color, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties everything together with its savory, nutty notes. This recipe not only delights your taste buds but also offers a wonderful twist on traditional gnocchi that feels both rustic and refined.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe plays a vital role to create that tender texture and rich flavor. You’ll find the list simple yet thoughtfully chosen to keep the gnocchi light, fluffy, and full of character.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and moisture for soft gnocchi.
- All-purpose flour: Essential to bind the dough; adjust the amount to achieve the right softness without stickiness.
- Egg: Adds structure and richness to your dough for perfect gnocchi shapes.
- Salt: Enhances flavor in every bite, both in the dough and the cooking water.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity aroma and helps in sautéing for that delightful golden finish.
- Garlic: Provides a bold, fragrant punch to elevate the sauce.
- Baby spinach: Offers a fresh, vibrant contrast and melts beautifully into the warm gnocchi.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The perfect salty, nutty accent that finishes the dish with flair.
- Butter: Infuses richness and helps with gentle browning to add flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and highlighting all the wonderful ingredients.
How to Make Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by piercing your sweet potatoes with a fork and cooking them until soft—either microwaving or baking works great. Once tender, allow them to cool just enough to handle, then peel off the skin and mash thoroughly to a smooth consistency. This forms the moist, sweet base of your gnocchi dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the egg and salt. Gradually add the flour, starting with 1½ cups, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth but still tender, adding more flour as needed to avoid stickiness—this delicate balance ensures gnocchi that are light rather than dense.
Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
Divide your dough into four portions, rolling each into a long rope about ¾ inch thick. Cut these ropes into 1-inch pieces and, if you like, press each piece lightly over the back of a fork to create charming ridges that help the sauce cling lovingly to every bite.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop the gnocchi in batches, cooking until they float to the surface—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This is the telltale sign your gnocchi have reached perfect tenderness. Use a slotted spoon to remove them gently and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Sauté and Finish the Dish
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let its sweet aroma fill your kitchen as it cooks for about 30 seconds. Toss in the cooked gnocchi and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Stir in the baby spinach until just wilted, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately for that warm, comforting hug on a plate.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra garnishes can elevate this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe to a new level of sophistication. Freshly chopped herbs like sage or parsley deliver an herby brightness, while a drizzle of browned butter infuses a deep nutty flavor. For a bit of texture, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes provides a satisfying contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides that don’t overshadow the delicate flavors. Consider a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables that bring earthiness and crunch. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is also ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce, making every bite memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, try plating the gnocchi in shallow bowls with a swirl of sage-infused brown butter sauce underneath for a stunning look. You can also try baking the sautéed gnocchi briefly with a sprinkle of mozzarella for a bubbly, cheesy topping. Pairing layers of roasted sweet potato slices with gnocchi in a gratin-style dish introduces a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the gnocchi separate from sautéed spinach and sauce if possible to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, freezing the shaped gnocchi before boiling is a fantastic option. Simply place the cut gnocchi on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To cook, boil them directly from frozen—they’ll just take a minute or two extra to float to the surface.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter, tossing until warmed through to revive their golden crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make gnocchi rubbery. Re-season lightly if needed to brighten the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use another type of flour for the gnocchi?
Absolutely! If you prefer a gluten-free option, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend works well. Just be mindful that the dough’s texture may be slightly different, requiring adjustments in flour quantity.
Is it necessary to roll the gnocchi over a fork?
Rolling gnocchi over a fork to create ridges is traditional and helps the sauce adhere better, but it’s completely optional. If you’re short on time, simply leaving them as small pillows will still taste wonderful.
How do I know when the gnocchi are cooked?
The best indicator is when the gnocchi float to the surface of the boiling water, usually after 2 to 3 minutes. Once they rise, they’re tender and ready to be scooped out for sautéing or serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauté?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted butternut squash to the sauté for extra flavor and variety. Just add them after the garlic and cook until tender before tossing in the gnocchi.
What sauce pairs best with Sweet Potato Gnocchi?
This recipe shines with simple butter and garlic sauces, but creamy sage sauce, browned butter, or a light tomato sauce also complement the sweet potato’s natural sweetness beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening and an impressive treat any time you want to welcome friends or family to the table. It’s approachable, delicious, and packed with flavor that makes every forkful special. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to find a permanent place in your kitchen repertoire, delighting you time and time again.
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Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta is a delightful homemade dish featuring soft gnocchi made from roasted sweet potatoes, tossed in a garlicky butter sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly tender and lightly golden, these little pillows of flavor bring a comforting yet elegant touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Gnocchi Dough
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds)
- 1 ½ to 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Sauce and Finish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork and cook them by either microwaving until soft or baking in the oven until tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and mash them until completely smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the egg and salt. Gradually add 1½ cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour little by little.
- Knead and Shape: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into a long rope approximately ¾ inch thick.
- Cut and Form Gnocchi: Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, roll each piece over the back of a fork to create ridges that help sauce cling better.
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches, dropping them into boiling water. When the gnocchi float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes, remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside to drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté Gnocchi and Spinach: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi and spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, enjoying the rich and comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- To add richness, consider serving gnocchi with creamy sage sauce or browned butter.
- You can prepare the gnocchi dough ahead of time and freeze the shaped gnocchi before boiling them later.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
