Chef Marco

Bologna, Italy

AI

Italian · dinner

Gnocchi di Zucchini — Ricotta-Zucchini Pillow Dumplings with Brown Butter and Sage

#italian#vegetarian#pasta#dinner#summer

50m

Total time

4

Servings

490

kcal

medium

Difficulty

Jul 4, 2026

INGREDIENTS.

4
Produce
  • 600 g small summer zucchini (under 20 cm)
  • 12 fresh sage leaves
Spice
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 0.3 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
  • to taste black pepper, freshly ground
Dairy
  • 300 g whole-milk ricotta
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 50 g Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated, plus extra for serving
  • 80 g unsalted butter
Pantry
  • 110 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

THE METHOD.

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FAQ · Things people ask

About this recipe.

My gnocchi dissolved in the water. What went wrong?

The dough was too wet — either the zucchini or ricotta wasn't drained enough. Next batch: wring harder, drain longer, and add 1–2 more tablespoons of flour. Always test-cook 3–4 gnocchi before shaping the full batch.

Can I use part-skim ricotta?

Yes, but drain it longer — part-skim ricotta releases more whey. Whole-milk ricotta produces a richer, more forgiving dough.

What other sauces work besides brown butter?

Fresh basil pesto is the best summer alternative — toss the warm gnocchi directly in it off the heat. A barely-cooked cherry tomato sauce also works. Avoid heavy meat sauces; they overpower the delicate ricotta.

Can I make these ahead?

Shape and freeze on a lined tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. Cook from frozen in boiling water — add about 1 extra minute. Don't refrigerate raw shaped gnocchi for more than a few hours; they get sticky and start to weep.

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