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    You are here: Home / Side Dishes / What To Serve With Gnocchi

    What To Serve With Gnocchi

    Last Updated April 28, 2023. Published April 28, 2023 By Lorie Leave a Comment

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Gnocchi is that pillowy soft fluffy potato pasta that is so versatile and simple to cook. Need to decide what to eat with gnocchi? These simple, delicious recipes will pair perfectly with your gnocchi.

    Gnocchi in skillet with parmesan, butter, chopped parsley.

    Gnocchi is a favorite pillowy soft dumpling like pasta that can be served in so many ways. It has become more and more popular over the years thanks to viral social media recipes, but it has been a fan favorite for a long time.

    But what do you serve with gnocchi? That is a great question, that has so many answers! Check out the many sides, sauces, and more to make the most of your gnocchi today!

    What is gnocchi?

    Gnocchi, which translates as "lumps" in Italian are considered an Italian dumpling. While the early introduction of gnocchi in Roman times did not include potatoes, the dough of gnocchi now often includes wheat, egg, flour and potatoes.

    Some consider gnocchi a pasta, although that is not technically the case, but we love them all the same.

    Gnocchi can be served very simply in browned butter and sage, a tomato sauce, pesto and more. The fact that gnocchi are often served in similar ways as pasta makes people commonly consider it a pasta. Whatever you call it, gnocchi is so delicious!

    How to Prepare Gnocchi:

    Gnocchi are commonly boiled in water and then tossed with some sort of sauce. Again, mimicking the way we cook pasta. But beyond boiling, it can be baked, fried, air fried, and more.

    So many recipes exist now for creative ways to serve gnocchi and the possibilities are endless. You can most certainly think beyond the boiling water when it comes to cooking your gnocchi as well.

    Recipes That Include Gnocchi:

    These recipes are our favorites when it comes to serving up gnocchi. Simple but classic flavors and delicious ways to include the pillowy soft dumplings.

    20 Minute Pan Fried Gnocchi
    This super simple 20 minute Pan Fried Gnocchi recipe is a perfect dinner side or dinner in itself! No boiling necessary, fry up the gnocchi until crisp and golden and toss in a garlic, lemon herb butter for an amazing dish everyone will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Pan fried gnocchi tossed in butter and parmesan and topped with chopped parsley.
    Tomato Basil Gnocchi
    15 minutes is all that you need to whip up this one pot tomato gnocchi with fresh basil, as well as all the garlic and parmesan! Such a simple dinner to prep and prepare but tastes like an amazing meal that you had to work for. The whole family will love it!
    Check out this recipe
    Pot of tomato basil gnocchi.
    30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup
    A hearty soup is just 30 minutes away with this simple Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup. Only a few minutes to prep, minimal ingredients and simmered with the perfect Italian seasonings. Grab a fresh loaf of crusty bread and make it a cozy soup for dinner kind of night!
    Check out this recipe
    Bowl of soup with Italian sausage and gnocchi pasta with spoon.

    Salads To Serve with Your Gnocchi Recipes:

    Roasted Pear Salad with Balsamic Dressing:

    This is a salad that very often is paired with our pasta dinners in general. Sweet and juicy pears, crunchy pecans, and a perfect balsamic dressing makes for a great side dish to any meal. This salad is great with browned butter and sage gnocchi.

    Overhead view of white bowl with pear salad.
    Roasted Pear Salad with White Balsamic Dressing
    A fresh, simple salad everyone will love. This Roasted Pear Salad with a simple white balsamic dressing is full of flavor, crunchy pecans and pairs well with any dinner. Add grilled chicken or salmon on top for a full meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted pear salad in white salad dish with pecans, goat cheese and more.

    Spring Green Salad with Citrus Honey Dressing:

    This vibrant salad is great for the greens, but it's the burrata and sourdough croutons that make it the very best. Serve it up with pesto gnocchi--this pesto recipe is amazing.

    Spring green salad with burrata and croutons.
    Spring Green Salad with Honey Citrus Dressing and Sourdough Croutons
    This simple salad is bursting with flavor, crunchy homemade croutons and creamy, rich burrata. It pairs well with pastas, chicken, or your favorite dinner. Top it with a protein and you have a complete meal!
    Check out this recipe

    Burrata Caprese Salad

    Fresh tomatoes and burrata, what more could you ask for! This recipe is amazing with Pan Fried Gnocchi.

    Burrata and tomatoes on plate with basil and balsamic.
    Burrata Caprese Salad
    This amazing summer salad features juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil topped with a generous drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or glaze) and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and coarsely ground pepper. A delicious twist on a classic caprese salad that you are going to want to eat on repeat all summer long!
    Check out this recipe
    Burrata and tomatoes on plate with basil and balsamic.

    Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

    This is not your typical way to serve brussels sprouts, but it is so flavorful and hearty. A great option to serve with gnocchi that is simply tossed in butter and topped with parmesan.

    Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad in white bowl with shredded parmesan.
    Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
    This simple shaved brussel sprout salad comes together in just 20 minutes and is certain to be a crowd pleaser! Creamy dijon mustard, olive oil and a touch of sea salt and pepper are all you need to dress this salad--all things you probably have in the pantry now!
    Check out this recipe

    Lemon Arugula Salad

    Salads don't have to be a lot of work--this arugula salad comes together in 5 minutes and it is a perfect pairing to your gnocchi dinner!

    Bowl with lemon arugula salad and bread and butter beside it.
    5 Minute Lemon Arugula Salad
    This easy arugula salad is ready in just a few minutes, with a simple homemade lemon dijon dressing! So simple but so delicious!
    Check out this recipe

    Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

    A super simple salad, bursting with fresh juicy mandarin oranges, chopped almonds, dried cranberries and a simple, delicious dressing. A great side salad to complete a meal indeed!

    Spinach and mandarin orange salad with honey balsamic dressing.
    Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing
    Fresh juicy mandarins make this Spinach Mandarin Salad a perfect way to brighten your day! Easily tossed together in about 15 minutes. Toasted almonds, cranberries, a fresh honey balsamic dressing and more will make this the perfect go to salad for any dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    White salad bowl with spinach, cranberries, almonds, goat cheese, oranges and balsamic dressing drizzled on top.

    Bread Recipes:

    Cheesy Garlic Bread

    Garlic bread goes with any dinner, but cheesy garlic bread? Even better! This will pair perfectly with any pasta dinner and beyond. Gnocchi tossed in marinara is a classic option.

    Cheesy garlic bread on plate topped with chopped basil.
    Cheesy Garlic Bread
    Cheesy garlic bread with the best homemade garlic butter spread. This easy garlic cream cheese bread recipe lets you make a delicious and affordable side from scratch.
    Check out this recipe
    Cheesy garlic bread on plate topped with chopped basil.

    Garlic Knots

    Garlic knots on cutting board with freshly chopped parsley.

    Homemade doesn't have to mean lots of work--these garlic knots are so simple and the perfect side to serve up with Tomato Basil Gnocchi.

    Garlic Knots
    These easy homemade garlic knots are the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for anyone who loves Italian food (and isn't that everyone?)! They're soft, light, and chewy, brushed with glorious garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
    Check out this recipe
    Garlic knots on cutting board with freshly chopped parsley.

    Vegetable Dishes To Serve With Gnocchi:

    Last but certainly not least, here are some vegetables that pair with a gnocchi dish. Vegetables topped with fresh parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice will complete any meal!

    Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
    Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are a simple side to toss together and get a delicious vegetable on the table. Fresh garlic, a dash of sea salt, and plenty of parmesan make these a perfect addition to any dinner or meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
    Lemon Herb Roasted Asparagus
    Lemon herb roasted asparagus is an easy and quick (yet elegant!) way to prepare asparagus. Asparagus is roasted in the oven, then tossed with a simple dressing made of lemon, herbs, and garlic for a burst of fresh flavor. You can make this easy side dish in less than 25 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon herb roasted asparagus on white plate with lemons.
    Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic Glaze are the perfect side dish recipe for any dinner. Simple and delicious, with a perfect balsamic glaze and pecans, your veggie at dinner will be a big hit!
    Check out this recipe
    Dish with maple balsamic roasted brussels sprouts with pecans.
    Balsamic Spinach and Mushrooms
    An incredibly fast and easy side dish, these Balsamic Spinach and Mushrooms are a new favorite in our house that's packed full of flavor and nutrition!
    Check out this recipe
    Grilled Broccolini
    This delicious grilled broccolini recipe is made with just 5 ingredients and it can be finished in less than 15 minutes. Fresh broccolini is tossed with olive oil, lemon, red pepper flakes, and salt, then charred on the grill. This light and tasty side dish is perfect for summertime grilling!
    Check out this recipe
    Air Fryer Broccoli
    Simple, crispy parmesan crusted Air Fryer Broccoli is a perfect way to enjoy your veggies. Ready in 15 minutes but gone in less than that! Kid friendly for sure.
    Check out this recipe
    Air Fryer Broccoli in bowl with parmesan on top.
    Simple Maple Herb Roasted Carrots
    These Simple Maple Herb Roasted Carrots are the perfect side dish to add to any dinner--from special holidays to weeknight meals. Fresh thyme, sage and rosemary round out the sweetness from the maple for a delicious dish!
    Check out this recipe
    White serving dish with maple herb roasted carrots.

    Enjoy any of these dishes paired with light fluffy and pillowy gnocchi! Want to make your own? Try this Easy Gnocchi Recipe and enjoy with any number of the recipes above!

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