Wondering what the best sauces for Gnocchi are?
Look no further!
I’m here to share 25 of my favorite simple sauces that everyone will love.
Whether you’re looking for something creamy and indulgent or something light and fresh, these sauces will transform your gnocchi into something really special.
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With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can easily create any one of these sauces for an amazing meal.
25 Best Sauces for Gnocchi
Sure, you could eat your gnocchi plain, but why not make it extra special with a delicious sauce?
With these simple sauces, you’ll be able to prepare a meal that everyone will love.
1. Cheese Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/181832903698055629/As a cheese lover, this sauce is one of my go-to’s when it comes to the classic comfort food of gnocchi.
It’s creamy, rich, and pairs perfectly with the little potato dumplings.
Plus, this sauce only requires a few simple ingredients like butter/oil, flour, milk, and cheese – so you can whip it up in no time!
To make the cheese sauce:
- Heat butter or fat drippings in a medium pan over low heat.
- Add flour and salt; whisk until combined.
- Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until thickened (about 7 minutes).
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted; season with white pepper and dry mustard.
- If desired, add Tabasco for an extra kick of spice.
- Serve hot over your favorite gnocchi dish and enjoy!
2. Arugula Pesto
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/40039884181848009/Unique and flavorful, this arugula pesto is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite gnocchi dish.
You can make it in a few simple steps.
- Start by combining the fresh arugula, garlic, lemon juice, and walnuts in a food processor or blender.
- Next, slowly add in the olive oil while blending until you reach a desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt to taste (I like adding some pepper too).
Pro Tip: For added texture and flavor, top off your finished gnocchi with some toasted walnuts or pine nuts!
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/50032245849046793/Super simple yet incredibly delicious, this sun-dried tomato cream sauce is a great addition to your gnocchi.
This sauce is the perfect balance of savory and tangy – the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes bring out an umami flavor while the Greek yogurt adds a nice creaminess.
- To make it, just sauté some garlic in butter, add the sun-dried tomatoes and broth, simmer for 10 minutes or so until thickened, then stir in the Greek yogurt.
- Add salt as needed and voila!
A simple yet flavorful pasta sauce that will take your gnocchi to another level.
4. Brown Butter Sage Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/94012710963154128/Here’s a family-friendly sauce that will take your gnocchi from ordinary to extraordinary.
The combination of butter, sage, and lemon creates a delicious flavor profile that is surprisingly simple yet so flavorful.
It’s a great way to freshen up your favorite pasta dishes and make them feel special.
- To make this sauce, simply melt the butter in a pan over medium heat until it turns golden brown, add the sage leaves and sauté for 1 minute, then season with black pepper and squeeze half a lemon over everything.
- Serve the sauce over your cooked ravioli or gnocchi and enjoy!
5. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/422142165084336253/Your family and guests will love this delicious Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce.
It’s easy to make and comes together in minutes using a blender or food processor.
The sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with basil, pine nuts, garlic, oregano, salt, and olive oil.
This sauce can be served over cooked gnocchi for an elegant meal you can whip up quickly on busy weeknights.
Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, add some vegan cream cheese or non-dairy yogurt when blending the ingredients together.
6. Broccoli Pesto
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/32440059820430297/Broccoli can be so much more than just a side dish.
This fresh and flavorful pesto sauce is a great way to turn your regular gnocchi into an extra special dinner.
The combination of broccoli, basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts creates a delicious flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Plus, it’s super easy to make – all you need to do is blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you want an even creamier sauce, add some Greek yogurt or heavy cream when blending the ingredients together.
7. Bolognese Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/97953360636564300/Filling and comforting, this Bolognese sauce is a classic.
It’s definitely worth the time to make it from scratch – you’ll be rewarded with a deep and rich flavor.
- Start by sautéing your carrots, onions, celery and garlic in olive oil until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- ext add in the pancetta and cook for another few minutes before adding in your ground beef and pork.
- Once all of that is cooked through, deglaze the pot with white wine and reduce it down before adding tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Finally pour in chicken broth and milk, season with salt and pepper then let simmer for at least an hour or two.
- Serve over your favorite gnocchi (or any pasta!) for an unforgettable meal!
8. Kale Pesto
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/253257179037662286/Kale has a strong flavor that can sometimes be overpowering, but this pesto sauce is the perfect balance of savory and bright.
With olive oil, pepitas, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a creamy and delicious way to enjoy your gnocchi.
- To make this easy kale pesto, simply blend all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Add in extra olive oil or lemon juice if desired.
The result is a zesty green sauce that you can use as a topping for gnocchi (or any other pasta dish!).
Pro Tip: If you don’t have pepitas on hand, try using walnuts or even slivered almonds instead!
9. White Bolognese Sauce
Sure, you could eat your gnocchi plain, but why not make it extra special with a delicious White Bolognese Sauce?
This sauce is perfect for those who don’t want something too heavy or spicy.
It’s made with simple ingredients like olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, ground beef, and mild Italian sausage meat.
To make the sauce in just a few steps:
- Heat up the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until softened.
- Add the carrots and celery and season with salt.
- Stir in the ground beef and Italian sausage meat until cooked through.
- Sprinkle on some flour to thicken up the mixture.
- Finally add garlic, rosemary, sage leaves, white wine, and beef stock/broth.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes before serving.
10. Marinara Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/92464598591222239/Everyone loves marinara sauce and it’s super easy to make at home!
I like to use olive oil as the base, sautéing some onions and garlic before adding in crushed tomatoes and herbs.
The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious flavor that tastes great with any type of gnocchi.
Plus, you can customize it with whatever other ingredients you have on hand – adding mushrooms or bell peppers is an easy way to add texture and depth.
Pro Tip: If you want your marinara sauce extra thick, simmer it for an additional 10 minutes or so until the liquid has evaporated significantly.
11. Vodka Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35677022040857674/If you don’t mind a bit of kick, this vodka sauce is for you!
It’s a delicious blend of sweet onion and garlic, balanced with tomatoes and tomato paste.
The balsamic vinegar adds an acidic note that is complemented by the red pepper flakes.
Olive oil and half-and-half create a creamy texture while the Parmesan cheese provides a salty finish.
To top it off, there’s vodka to give it extra depth and flavor.
Plus, the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes – making it a great weeknight dinner option!
Pro Tip: If you want to make your sauce spicier, add more red pepper flakes or substitute them for fresh chili peppers.
12. Traditional Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/474848354471129125/Super easy and super flavorful, this traditional Toum garlic sauce is the perfect accompaniment for your gnocchi.
- To make it, you just need to blend together fresh garlic cloves and kosher salt until a paste forms.
- Then add in canola or vegetable oil in a slow steady stream while continuing to blend (don’t worry, the amount of oil used isn’t too much!).
- Finally, add lemon juice and voila!
You have a delicious lemon-y garlic sauce that will take your gnocchi game to the next level.
Pro Tip: For an extra kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce into the mix!
13. Garlic Roasted Tomato Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/423479171224161205/Garlicky roasted tomatoes make a delicious, simple sauce perfect for gnocchi.
Roasting the tomatoes and garlic in olive oil brings out their sweetness and flavor while making them incredibly soft.
The addition of basil really brightens up this dish, giving it an extra fragrant kick.
- To make it, simply toss the tomatoes and garlic with olive oil and seasonings.
- Bake until the vegetables are golden brown and tender, then blend together to create a smooth sauce.
- Serve over your favorite pasta or gnocchi for an unforgettable meal!
14. Authentic Italian Gravy
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/14707136270165446/If there’s one thing I know about Italian food, it’s that the sauce makes all the difference.
Enter Authentic Italian Gravy: a delicious and hearty tomato-based sauce chock full of savory flavors.
- It starts with a base of sautéed vegetables, beef neck bones, and Italian sausage for added meatiness.
- Then, red wine and plenty of herbs like oregano and basil are added to give it an earthy kick.
- Finally, tomatoes are simmered in olive oil until thickened – creating a rich and flavorful gravy that will turn any dish into an Italian feast!
Pro Tip: Increase the ratio of olive oil to tomato paste if you want your sauce to be extra silky smooth.
15. Basil Pesto
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/24277285502144851/Basil pesto is a classic.
The combination of basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil creates a flavorful sauce that goes great with gnocchi.
It is also incredibly easy to make – all it takes is a few simple steps:
- Blend the basil, cheese, nuts, and garlic in a food processor until smooth.
- Then add in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until creamy and you’re done!
The pesto will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container if stored in the fridge.
Pro Tip: skip the nuts if you prefer your pesto nut-free.
16. Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy, this creamy Tuscan gnocchi is a meal that’s sure to please.
- Start by heating the butter (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped shallot and garlic and sauté until fragrant – about 2 minutes.
- Then add your dry gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, reserved tomato oil, chicken broth, and cream.
- Bring it all to a simmer and stir in Italian herbs and seasonings of your choice – salt & pepper.
- Once the sauce has thickened up, time for the spinach and cheese!
- Throw it in along with the fresh basil or parsley for an extra punch of flavor – yum!
Pro-tip: If you want to make things even creamier, substitute some of the liquid with more heavy cream or half & half instead of chicken broth.
17. Pomodoro Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/206461964159673403/Treat yourself to a delicious Italian classic with this Pomodoro Sauce!
It’s super easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – perfect for those busy weeknights.
All you need is some extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, basil leaves, and seasonings.
- Just saute the garlic and onion in the olive oil until fragrant, then add tomatoes and seasonings.
- Let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes so all flavors can meld together into a thick sauce.
- Serve over your favorite gnocchi dish for a meal that is both flavorful and comforting!
18. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/571042427764120814/When you combine the flavors of roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, you get a delightful sauce that is sure to take your gnocchi dish to the next level.
This sauce is easy to make in just a few simple steps:
- Start by melting butter in a pan and adding the garlic, flour, and stock/water.
- Stir until there are no lumps.
- Then add milk, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes or so.
- Finally, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese – stirring until melted.
- Serve over your favorite style of gnocchi for an amazing flavor combination!
Pro Tip: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving!
19. Tomato Mint Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/41447259051371753/This sauce from Martha Stewart is a delicious combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and tomatoes.
The flavors are bright and vibrant and will make your gnocchi go from plain to extraordinary!
It’s fairly easy to make in just a few steps.
- First, combine the canned tomatoes with olive oil, shallots, garlic, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook until the shallots are softened, then add the mint, basil, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened then serve over your cooked gnocchi.
Pro Tip: Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of your dish for an extra kick of flavor!
20. Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/392094711321515507/When you mix the earthy, umami flavor of mushrooms with the creamy texture of Parmesan and a hint of white wine, you get this delicious sauce.
Not only is it incredibly easy to make in just a few simple steps – sauté garlic and mushrooms, add thyme, vegetable stock and cream, simmer for 10 minutes – but also pairs perfectly with gnocchi.
I like to top my dish off with some extra Parmesan cheese for an added crunch.
Pro Tip: After adding the heavy cream, bring your sauce mixture to a low boil in order to thicken it up.
21. Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/23081016832812706/Gorgonzola is a special type of blue cheese that has a rich and creamy texture.
This gorgonzola cream sauce is the perfect way to elevate your gnocchi dish.
- It’s simple to make, just start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender.
- Once cooked, mash them up and add in the egg yolk, salt and pepper, and flour, and mix until you have a smooth dough.
- Then roll it into small balls – these will be your gnocchi!
- Finally, melt butter in a pan over medium heat then add the heavy cream and gorgonzola cheese before simmering for about 4 minutes.
Now you can toss your freshly-made gnocchi into this delicious sauce for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top before serving!
22. Thai Peanut Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70509550407369087/Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and Thai peanut sauce is no exception.
The combination of garlic, ginger, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, natural peanut butter, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a well-balanced blend of sweet and savory that can be used on all kinds of dishes – from noodles to grilled veggies.
Plus it’s easy to make – just mix all ingredients together in a bowl until you get your desired consistency (it should be thick but pourable).
Pro Tip: You can adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.
23. Pistachio Pesto
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/287878601171608817/I’m a total sucker for pesto, so when I heard about this pistachio pesto sauce, I knew I had to try it.
The combination of roasted pistachios and fresh herbs gives the dish a unique flavor and texture that you won’t find with traditional pestos.
And since it’s made with olive oil, it adds a healthy dose of fat and calories to your meal.
- To make the sauce, simply combine all ingredients (except for salt) in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Then season with salt to taste.
It’s that easy!
Pro Tip: If you want an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to give your dish more heat.
24. Italian Béchamel Sauce (Besciamella)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/554083560419122943/This Italian Béchamel Sauce (Besciamella) is a classic, creamy sauce that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
It’s especially delicious when served with pasta – it adds a richness that plain old tomato sauce just can’t compete with!
- To make this sauce, start by heating the milk in a pan until almost boiling then add salt and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl mix the flour with some of the warm milk from the pan until there are no lumps.
- Add the mixture back into the pan along with cheese and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes or until thickened.
This velvety goodness will truly take your pasta dish up a notch!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to season your sauce at the end – adding a little bit of pepper will really bring out all those flavors!
25. Pumpkin Cream Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/268808671496131047/You’re not going to find a cream sauce that’s this creamy and delicious anywhere else.
This pumpkin cream sauce is made from heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil, pumpkin puree, almond milk, and garlic.
Plus, it only takes a few minutes to make!
- Start by heating the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Once hot, add your onions and garlic until they start to caramelize.
- Then add the sage and stir for an additional minute or two.
- Next, add your pumpkin puree and almond milk (or other preferred non-flavored milk).
- Simmer for 10 minutes or so until the mixture thickens up slightly then season with salt & pepper to taste.
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Ingredients
- Cheese Sauce
- Arugula Pesto
- Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce
- Broccoli Pesto
- Bolognese Sauce
- Kale Pesto
- White Bolognese Sauce
- Marinara Sauce
- Vodka Sauce
- Traditional Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)
- Garlic Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Authentic Italian Gravy
- Basil Pesto
- Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi
- Pomodoro Sauce
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Tomato Mint Sauce
- Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Sauce
- Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
- Thai Peanut Sauce
- Pistachio Pesto
- Italian Béchamel Sauce (Besciamella)
- Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Instructions
- Pick your favorite sauce from this collection.
- Prepare all of the required ingredients.
- Make your sauce in 10 minutes or less.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.