Description
This Sweet Potato Gnocchi Pasta recipe features pillowy gnocchi made from mashed sweet potatoes combined with a light, flavorful butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners and highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes in a savory pasta form.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi Dough
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Sauce & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for 8–10 minutes, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–50 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly, then peel and mash until smooth. Transfer 1 1/2 cups of mashed sweet potato to a bowl.
- Make the Dough: Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (if using) to the mashed sweet potato. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more flour as needed until the dough is workable but still slightly sticky.
- Shape the Gnocchi: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, roll each piece over the back of a fork to create ridges that help hold sauce.
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches for 2–3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce and Serve: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped herbs, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cooked gnocchi and sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream or use browned butter instead of regular butter.
- These gnocchi freeze very well; freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before boiling to prevent sticking.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add more flour but avoid adding too much to keep the gnocchi tender.
- Fresh herbs like sage or thyme can be substituted depending on flavor preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
