If you think gnocchi only lives in the world of red sauce and cheese, think again. This roundup is built for cooks who want comfort with edge — pillowy-soft gnocchi layered with deep flavor, smart textures, and bold, seasonal ingredients. From Slow-Braised Oxtail with Lemon Gremolata to Chipotle Shrimp with White Corn, these are dishes that hit hard and hug back.
Start with something rich but surprising: Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Butternut Squash — earthy, sweet, and just funky enough. Or go classic with a twist in Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, where browned butter meets cozy spice. For the smoky lovers: Brisket and Roasted Poblano Gnocchi is pure depth in a bowl.
Seafood fans, don’t sleep on the Creamy Shrimp Gnocchi with Chipotle and Corn — it’s bright, silky, and packs just enough heat. Want something slow and rustic? Try the Lamb Gnocchi with Dill Cream Sauce or Creamy Gnocchi with Peas and Black Trumpet Mushrooms, where every bite leans into earthy complexity. And when you want a dish that’s pure comfort with restaurant-level balance, the Creamy Garlic Butter and Sage Gnocchi brings it all home.
This is gnocchi for people who crave texture, contrast, and flavor that actually tells a story. Easy enough for a weeknight. Big enough to bring to the table.
Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Caramelized Onions and Squash
Cooks in 105 minutesDifficulty: MediumThis Breadfruit and Blue Cheese Gnocchi combines pillowy, roasted breadfruit gnocchi with a rich, creamy blue cheese sauce. Caramelized onions and roasted butternut squash add depth, while toasted pumpkin seeds bring a satisfying crunch.
Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage
Cooks in 75 minutesDifficulty: EasyButternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage combines the creamy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the bold, savory flavors of Italian sausage. Finished with Parmesan cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh thyme, this dish is a perfect autumn-inspired comfort meal.
Smoky Brisket and Roasted Poblano Gnocchi
Cooks in 270 minutesDifficulty: MediumSmoky Brisket and Roasted Poblano Gnocchi combines tender, slow-roasted brisket with smoky, roasted poblano peppers in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Served with pillowy gnocchi, this hearty dish delivers bold flavors and comforting textures.
Creamy Shrimp, White Corn, and Chipotle Gnocchi
Cooks in 60 minutesDifficulty: EasyCreamy Shrimp, White Corn, and Chipotle Gnocchi combines tender shrimp, sweet corn, and smoky chipotle peppers in a luxurious cream sauce, topped with fresh basil and crumbled queso fresco. This fusion dish offers a harmonious blend of Italian comfort and vibrant Mexican flavors.
Braised Oxtail Gnocchi with Lemon Gremolata
Cooks in 240 minutesDifficulty: HardBraised Oxtail Gnocchi with Lemon Gremolata combines tender, slow-cooked oxtail and pillowy gnocchi in a rich tomato-based sauce, topped with a vibrant, zesty gremolata for a luxurious and flavorful dining experience.
Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Gnocchi with Dill Cream Sauce
Cooks in 180 minutesDifficulty: MediumThe Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Gnocchi with Dill Cream Sauce is a comforting and aromatic dish that combines tender, slow-cooked lamb with a pillowy gnocchi, all draped in a creamy dill-infused sauce for a hearty embrace of rustic flavors.
Creamy Gnocchi with Peas and Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Cooks in 50 minutesDifficulty: EasyCreamy Gnocchi with Peas and Black Trumpet Mushrooms is a luxurious dish featuring tender gnocchi cooked in a rich sauce made from vegetable broth, white wine, and heavy cream. The earthy depth of black trumpet mushrooms and the sweetness of peas create a harmonious blend of flavors perfect for any occasion.
Creamy Garlic Butter and Sage Gnocchi
Cooks in 30 minutesDifficulty: EasyCreamy Garlic Butter and Sage Gnocchi is a rich and elegant dish featuring tender gnocchi coated in a luscious sauce made with garlic, fresh sage, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting and flavorful meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish for guests.