Ricotta Gnocchi with Zesty Lemon Cream Sauce & Fresh Peas: Your Ultimate Spring Pasta
Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a culinary bridge from the hearty richness of winter to the bright, fresh vibrancy of spring. This delightful meal offers a luxurious creaminess beautifully balanced by a bright, acidic lemon finish, while sweet green peas burst with the very essence of spring’s freshness. It’s the comforting yet invigorating plate you’ve been yearning for as the days grow longer and warmer.
As the seasons shift, there’s a distinct craving for lighter, more vibrant flavors. After months of comforting stews and heavy roasts, the arrival of spring brings with it a desire for dishes that are both satisfying and refreshing. Here in Denver, the weather can be a fickle thing, teasing us with warm sunshine one day and a sudden snowfall the next. But even with these unpredictable shifts, the undeniable pull towards spring produce and lighter fare is strong. This dish perfectly encapsulates that transition, allowing us to bid farewell to the chill of winter and warmly welcome the blossoms of spring.
This is precisely why this Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas recipe earned its place at our table. The star of the show, the melt-in-your-mouth ricotta gnocchi, serves as the ultimate canvas for a sauce that is both indulgently rich and brilliantly zesty. Each tender bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors. Add the delightful pop of sweet green peas, and you have a beautifully balanced creation that artfully blends the best elements of winter’s comfort and spring’s awakening. It’s a culinary embrace that truly allows you to let go of the old and usher in the new with an explosion of fresh, delicious taste.
The Magic of Ricotta Gnocchi: Light, Pillowy Perfection
Unlike traditional potato gnocchi, which can sometimes be dense, ricotta gnocchi offers an incredibly light and airy texture. The ricotta cheese lends a delicate richness and moisture, creating dumplings that practically float off your fork. This makes them a fantastic choice for a spring meal, as they feel less heavy while still providing that satisfying pasta experience. Making them from scratch is surprisingly simple, and the reward of biting into these tender clouds is absolutely worth the minimal effort.
Why Lemon Cream Sauce is a Spring Essential
The lemon cream sauce is where this dish truly shines as a herald of spring. The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and zest cuts through the richness of the heavy cream, creating a sauce that is both luxurious and incredibly refreshing. It’s not just a garnish; the lemon is integral to the flavor profile, awakening the palate and perfectly complementing the subtle sweetness of the ricotta and peas. This sauce transforms a simple pasta dish into something elegant and memorable.
Even on the busiest of days, or when faced with the less glamorous realities of adulting (like, say, tackling endless paperwork), having a delicious, homemade meal like this to look forward to can make all the difference. This pasta provides not just sustenance, but also a moment of pure culinary enjoyment. And yes, you can absolutely tell yourself you’re getting a serving of vegetables with those delightful peas – a little self-care in a bowl!
Whether you’re celebrating the first signs of spring or simply seeking a comforting yet light meal, this ricotta gnocchi recipe is a true winner. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can combine to create something truly extraordinary. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones with this unforgettable dish.
table of contents
Toggle
Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas
ingredients
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan + more for garnish
- 3/4 to 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 3 cloves garlic diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup frozen green peas thawed
instructions
-
To make the gnocchi, combine the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and 3/4 cup flour in a large bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
-
While the gnocchi is chilling, make the sauce. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add in the garlic and brown for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and brown for 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Cook until thick and creamy, approximately 5 minutes. Keep warm on low heat.
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Flour a clean, flat work surface. Take a large handful of dough and, using your hands, roll it into a long ¾ inch thick log. Use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to cut the log up into ½ inch pieces. Place the cut pieces onto a lightly floured baking sheet. Continue this process until all dough is rolled and cut.
-
Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water, working in 2 batches. Give the water a quick stir to make sure the gnocchi doesn’t stick together. When the gnocchi rises to the top of the water, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the saucepan with lemon cream sauce. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi and stir in the peas. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Adore This Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe
This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your spring cooking rotation:
- Effortlessly Elegant: While it tastes incredibly gourmet, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Seasonal Harmony: It expertly bridges the gap between seasons, offering the comfort of pasta with the fresh, bright notes of spring.
- Irresistible Texture: The homemade ricotta gnocchi are uniquely tender and light, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Vibrant Flavor Profile: The zesty lemon cuts through the rich cream, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly addictive sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adaptable to include other spring vegetables or proteins, catering to various tastes and dietary needs.
Tips for Crafting the Best Ricotta Gnocchi
Making homemade gnocchi might seem daunting, but with a few pointers, you’ll master it in no time:
- Drain Your Ricotta: Excess moisture can lead to a sticky dough that requires too much flour, resulting in dense gnocchi. If your ricotta seems very wet, gently press it in a colander lined with cheesecloth for 15-30 minutes to remove some liquid.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Just like with pie crusts or biscuits, over-kneading gnocchi dough develops the gluten, making them tough. Mix until just combined, and handle gently.
- Adjust Flour as Needed: The amount of flour can vary based on the moisture content of your ricotta. Start with the lower end of the range and add more tablespoon by tablespoon until the dough is just firm enough to roll without being overly sticky. It should still be soft and pliable.
- Test a Piece: Before cooking the entire batch, drop one or two gnocchi into the boiling water. If they fall apart, knead a little more flour into the dough. If they are too firm, the dough might need more moisture (though this is less common with ricotta gnocchi).
- Cook in Batches: Overcrowding the pot lowers the water temperature and can make gnocchi stick together. Cook them in two or three batches, removing them with a slotted spoon as soon as they float to the surface.
Mastering the Lemon Cream Sauce
This sauce is the backbone of the dish, providing richness and a beautiful zesty kick. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect every time:
- Fresh Ingredients are Key: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice simply won’t yield the same vibrant taste.
- Build the Roux: The butter and flour create a roux that thickens the sauce. Make sure to cook it for the specified time to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Whisk Constantly: When adding the heavy cream, whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Gentle Heat: Keep the sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are ready. Avoid boiling it vigorously, which could cause it to break.
- Season to Taste: The amount of salt and pepper can be adjusted. Taste the sauce before adding the gnocchi and adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
This Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it further with a few simple additions:
- Garnish: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few sprigs of fresh parsley or basil will add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. A final drizzle of good quality olive oil can also enhance the dish.
- Side Dishes: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the pasta. Crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light Chardonnay would beautifully complement the lemon notes in the sauce.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even some crispy pancetta or prosciutto to the dish.
- Vegetable Boost: Enhance the spring theme by adding other fresh vegetables such as asparagus tips, baby spinach, or finely chopped spring onions to the sauce along with the peas.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Dill or mint could offer an interesting twist to the lemon-pea combination.
Embrace the Flavors of Spring
This Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas is truly a celebration of spring. It’s a dish that brings warmth, freshness, and a vibrant zest to your table, proving that transitioning seasons can be utterly delicious. So, next time you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and invigorating, turn to this recipe. You’ll find yourself falling in love with every light, pillowy, and zesty bite. Happy cooking, and welcome to spring!