Tomato Goat Cheese Gnocchi

This Goat Cheese Gnocchi Recipe is made with gnocchi, goat cheese, tomato sauce, parsley and cooked to perfection. 

If you're in the mood for something hearty and warm, this Goat Cheese Gnocchi is the perfect choice. Bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes, it's ideal for a quick weeknight meal or when you need a delicious dish in a hurry.

Goat Cheese Tomato Gnocchi is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of tomato sauce and the creamy tanginess of goat cheese. This unique twist on traditional gnocchi elevates it with a rich, flavorful combination. It's a favorite for those who appreciate the distinctive taste of goat cheese and crave a creamy tomato sauce to complement their gnocchi.

Serve this with Italian Breaded Steak or my Italian Mahi Mahi.

Jump to:

• What is Goat Cheese Gnocchi?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Is Gnocchi a potato or a pasta?
• Goat Cheese Gnocchi Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Goat Cheese Gnocchi
• What to serve Goat Cheese Gnocchi with
• Substitutions
• Goat Cheese Gnocchi Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Goat Cheese Gnocchi
• Goat Cheese Gnocchi Recipe Top tips
• Tomato Gnocchi with Goat Cheese
• Food safety

What is Goat Cheese Gnocchi?

Goat Cheese Tomato Gnocchi is a delicious variation of traditional Italian gnocchi where the tomato sauce is infused with creamy goat cheese. It combines the soft and pillowy texture of gnocchi with the tanginess of goat cheese and the richness of tomato sauce.

Why you will love this recipe

Full of flavor: The combination of the tomato sauce with the goat cheese is phenomenal.

Kid Friendly: My nieces absolutely loved this recipe (especially the sauce). If they want another pasta, you can make the sauce and add whatever pasta you prefer.

Great for cold weather: I love keeping warm with this goat cheese gnocchi during the winter days.

Serves a crowd: It is super easy to double this recipe, making it very simple to serve this at your next dinner party.

Is Gnocchi a potato or a pasta?

Gnocchi is not a form of pasta. It is actually a potato dumpling made with flour, eggs, and mashed potatoes. You can serve gnocchi with a variety of sauces like pesto, marinara, or this goat cheese tomato sauce.

Goat Cheese Gnocchi Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Gnocchi
• Tomato Sauce
• Goat cheese
• Parsley
• Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Goat Cheese Gnocchi

Hint: Make sure to lower the heat when adding the tomato sauce and goat cheese. I do not recommend using homemade gnocchi as it will fall apart cooking it in the skillet.

What to serve Goat Cheese Gnocchi with

• Fresh Salad: Balance the richness of the gnocchi with a light and refreshing salad. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the Goat Cheese Gnocchi alongside a medley of roasted vegetables. Roast vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender and caramelized. The roasted vegetables add depth and texture to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Prepare some garlic bread to accompany the creamy Goat Cheese Gnocchi. Slice a baguette, spread garlic butter or olive oil mixed with minced garlic on the slices, and bake until crispy and golden. The garlic bread complements the flavors of the gnocchi and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Sautéed Greens: Sauté leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard with garlic and olive oil. The vibrant greens provide a nutritious and flavorful addition to the dish.

Substitutions

• Gnocchi: Any brand of gnocchi will do. You can find these in the pasta section of your grocery store. 
• Goat cheese: Goat cheese is usually in the gourmet cheese section of the grocery store and rarely in the actual dairy/cheese section. If you do not like goat cheese, you can use cream cheese or ricotta instead. 
• Tomato sauce: You can use crushed or tomato puree, or tomato sauce. If you prefer using marinara sauce, you can do so as well. 
• Garlic: Feel free to add more minced garlic if you prefer. For best quality, use fresh garlic instead of the garlic from the jar. 
• Olive Oil: I would extra virgin olive oil for best quality and taste.

Goat Cheese Gnocchi Recipe Variations

• Spinach and Mushroom Goat Cheese Gnocchi: Sauté sliced mushrooms and baby spinach until tender. Toss them with the cooked goat cheese gnocchi for a flavorful and hearty vegetarian option. You can also add some garlic and a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
• Pesto Goat Cheese Gnocchi: Instead of tomato sauce, toss the cooked gnocchi with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. The combination of the tangy goat cheese and the vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and pine nuts creates a delightful and aromatic dish.
• Sundried Tomato and Goat Cheese Gnocchi: Sauté sundried tomatoes in olive oil with garlic until softened. Toss them with the cooked goat cheese gnocchi for a burst of tangy and sweet flavors. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves and some grated Parmesan for an extra touch of freshness.
• Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Pancetta and Peas: Sauté pancetta or bacon until crispy, then add cooked peas to the pan and toss them with the cooked goat cheese gnocchi. The combination of the salty pancetta, sweet peas, and creamy goat cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.
• Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Gnocchi: Blend roasted red peppers, garlic, and olive oil until smooth to create a vibrant and tangy sauce. Toss the cooked goat cheese gnocchi with the sauce for a burst of flavor and a beautiful red color.

Check out this Cream Cheese Poblano Peppers.

Equipment

• Large pot: A large pot is necessary for boiling the gnocchi. Choose a pot that is big enough to accommodate the gnocchi and provide ample space for boiling water.
• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is needed for combining the ingredients for the gnocchi dough, including potatoes, flour, goat cheese, and eggs if using.
• Potato masher or ricer: A potato masher or ricer is essential for mashing the cooked potatoes into a smooth consistency. This helps create a fluffy texture for the gnocchi dough.
• Knife and cutting board: You will need a knife and cutting board to prepare the potatoes by peeling and cutting them into manageable pieces before boiling.
• Slotted spoon: A slotted spoon is useful for removing the cooked gnocchi from the boiling water without transferring excessive water.
• Skillet or saucepan: A skillet or saucepan is required for cooking the tomato sauce and heating the gnocchi. Choose a size that comfortably accommodates the sauce and gnocchi.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula is handy for stirring and sautéing the tomato sauce and gnocchi.
• Grater (optional): If you prefer freshly grated Parmesan cheese as a topping, you may want to have a grater on hand to grate the cheese before serving.

How to store Goat Cheese Gnocchi

• Cool the gnocchi: Allow the cooked goat cheese gnocchi to cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and ensures the gnocchi retains its texture.
• Transfer to an airtight container: Place the cooled goat cheese gnocchi in an airtight container. Make sure the container is of an appropriate size to avoid excessive empty space, which can lead to faster deterioration.
• Store in the refrigerator: Refrigerate the container with the goat cheese gnocchi. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is the recommended duration for maintaining their quality and freshness.
• Label and date: Label the container or containers with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of their freshness and ensures they are consumed within a reasonable time.
• Reheating: To reheat the goat cheese gnocchi, you can use a microwave or stovetop. Gently heat them until warmed through, being careful not to overcook. The gnocchi should be tender and heated evenly.

Goat Cheese Gnocchi Recipe Top tips

• Blanch and shock the gnocchi: To prepare the gnocchi ahead of time or if you have leftovers, blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two until they float to the surface. Then transfer them to an ice bath to cool and stop the cooking process. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This method helps retain their shape and texture.
• Use a slotted spoon: When removing the cooked gnocchi from boiling water, use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to avoid transferring excess water. This helps prevent the gnocchi from becoming soggy.
• Add the goat cheese at the end: Incorporate the goat cheese into the tomato sauce or directly into the cooked gnocchi just before serving. This ensures the goat cheese retains its creamy texture and doesn't melt completely.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.