Fluffy White Bean Gnocchi Recipe: A Dreamy Homemade Delight

Hearty white bean gnocchi promises a comforting Italian-inspired meal that whisks you straight to rustic countryside kitchens.

Soft pillowy dumplings carry rich, creamy flavors across every delightful bite.

Nutritious legumes blend seamlessly with traditional potato-based pasta, creating unexpected depth and texture.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, turning simple components into something magical.

Homemade gnocchi might seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks down each step with ease and confidence.

Simple techniques guarantee tender, melt-in-your-mouth results that will impress anyone around your dinner table.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that celebrates pure, honest cooking.

White Bean Gnocchi Recipe Full of Flavor and Comfort

• Craft Hearty Homemade Goodness: Create restaurant-quality gnocchi right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with protein-rich white beans, this recipe transforms a classic Italian dish into a healthier, more nutrient-dense meal.
• Master Versatile Cooking Technique: Learn an impressive pasta-making skill that impresses family and friends while being surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching marinara for cream sauce, adding vegetables, or incorporating different herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients to Make Homemade White Bean Gnocchi

• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that provide a smooth base and protein for the gnocchi.
• Flour: Helps bind the gnocchi dough and gives structure to the final pasta.

• Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to the gnocchi base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the gnocchi.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the gnocchi and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
• Marinara Sauce, Fresh Basil, Parmesan Cheese: Provide additional flavor and garnish for the finished dish.
• Bean Liquid: Helps create a smooth, cohesive gnocchi dough.

How to Cook Perfect White Bean Gnocchi

Step 1: Blend Creamy Bean Base

Place cannellini beans, bean liquid, and garlic into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth consistency.

The texture should look like a creamy spread with no visible chunks.

Step 2: Create Dough Magic

Transfer the bean blend into a mixing bowl.

Add flour and salt to the mixture. Gently mix until the ingredients blend into a uniform color.

Use your hands to knead the dough, bringing it together into a cohesive mass.

Step 3: Shape Gnocchi Pieces

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.

Take one portion and roll it into a long snake-like shape on your work surface. Carefully slice the snake into small bite-sized pieces, creating approximately 34 individual gnocchi.

Step 4: Texture the Gnocchi

Use the back of a fork to create signature gnocchi ridges. Gently drag each piece along the fork tines, forming classic gnocchi shapes.

Lightly dust the shaped pieces with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Boil to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Carefully drop gnocchi pieces into the boiling water.

Cook until they float to the surface, which takes about 1 minute. Work in small batches if needed.

Step 6: Golden Sauté

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the drained gnocchi and sauté for 2 minutes, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior on each piece.

Step 7: Sauce and Simmer

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the golden gnocchi. Gently heat the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and warm thoroughly.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.

Add a dusting of parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade White Bean Gnocchi!

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Gnocchi Dish

• Use well-drained cannellini beans to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without excess moisture in your gnocchi dough.
• Gently roll gnocchi on a fork's back to develop those classic ridges, which help sauce cling beautifully to each piece.
• Dust shaped gnocchi with a light flour coating to stop them from clumping together during cooking and handling.
• Drop gnocchi into boiling water in small groups to maintain water temperature and ensure even, perfect cooking for each batch.
• Sauté gnocchi in olive oil after boiling to develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior that adds delightful texture to the dish.

Variations to Mix It Up

• Herbed Sensation: Infuse the gnocchi dough with finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic herb-packed version that elevates the basic recipe.
• Roasted Veggie Companion: Toss the golden gnocchi with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to create a vibrant and nutritious vegetable-loaded meal.
• Spicy Calabrian Kick: Mix in chopped Calabrian chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the bean mixture for a fiery, bold flavor profile that adds exciting heat to the gnocchi.
• Pesto Transformation: Replace marinara sauce with homemade basil pesto, creating a creamy and rich alternative that brings a classic Italian sauce to the white bean gnocchi.

Pairing Suggestions for Gnocchi Meals

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the creamy bean texture and cut through the rich marinara sauce.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the hearty gnocchi and add a peppery, bright contrast to the dish.
• Enhance with Herbed Olive Oil: Drizzle a homemade herb-infused olive oil with fresh rosemary and thyme over the gnocchi to elevate the earthy bean flavors and add depth to the overall taste profile.

Storage Guidelines for Gnocchi

Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Place cooled gnocchi on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, cover, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add gnocchi, and gently stir for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add extra marinara sauce if desired for moisture and flavor restoration.

FAQs

• Are white beans good for making gnocchi?

White beans provide a creamy texture and protein boost, creating a healthier alternative to traditional potato-based gnocchi. They help create a lighter, more nutritious pasta option.

• Can I use a different type of bean for this recipe?

Cannellini beans work best, but you could substitute great northern or navy beans. Avoid darker beans as they might change the texture and color of the gnocchi.

• Do I need special equipment to make these gnocchi?

A food processor and fork are the main tools needed. The fork helps create the traditional gnocchi ridges that help sauce cling to the pasta.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses regular flour. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for pasta making.

White Bean Gnocchi Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy white bean gnocchi delivers Italian comfort straight from Tuscany’s kitchens, blending hearty legumes with pillowy potato dumplings. Rustic yet elegant, this dish invites you to savor a delightful culinary journey through traditional flavors and simple ingredients.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can cannellini beans, liquid reserved
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Finishing and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Chopped basil
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Purée cannellini beans, reserved bean liquid, and garlic in a food processor until creating a silky, uniform mixture.
2. Transfer bean purée to a mixing bowl, incorporating flour and salt. Gently knead the dough until it forms a cohesive, smooth texture.
3. Partition the dough into 6 relatively equal segments, focusing on consistent sizing for uniform cooking.
4. Roll each dough segment into elongated cylindrical shapes on a clean work surface, ensuring even thickness.
5. Slice each cylinder into bite-sized pieces, approximately 34 total gnocchi dumplings.
6. Utilize a fork’s backside to create traditional gnocchi ridges, gently pressing and rolling each piece to develop characteristic texture.
7. Dust shaped gnocchi with a light flour coating to prevent potential adhesion.
8. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil at 212°F.
9. Carefully submerge gnocchi into boiling water, cooking approximately 1 minute until they spontaneously float to the surface.
10. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature (around 350°F), creating a golden sauté environment.
11. Transfer boiled gnocchi into the skillet, browning for 2 minutes until exterior develops a crisp, golden complexion.
12. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, gently warming and coating the gnocchi.
13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and optional parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

• Ensure beans are thoroughly drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which could make gnocchi too sticky or soft.
• For gluten-free option, swap wheat flour with almond or chickpea flour to maintain similar texture and protein content.
• Test one gnocchi piece in boiling water first to check consistency and adjust flour amount if dough seems too wet or fragile.
• Prevent gnocchi from sticking by generously flouring work surface and keeping shaped pieces separated on a lightly floured tray before cooking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg