Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Zesty Lemon Cream Sauce & Fresh Peas: Your Essential Spring Pasta Recipe
Discover the perfect culinary bridge from the hearty meals of winter to the vibrant flavors of spring with this exquisite Ricotta Gnocchi dish. Infused with a bright lemon cream sauce and studded with sweet green peas, it’s a rich yet refreshing pasta that promises a burst of fresh flavor in every melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Embracing the Arrival of Spring Flavors
As the last vestiges of winter fade, giving way to longer, brighter days, our palates instinctively crave a change. Heavy stews and comforting roasts make way for lighter, fresher fare. This transition is not always abrupt; sometimes, we seek dishes that offer the best of both worlds—the comfort of a rich, satisfying meal, yet with a vibrant, invigorating twist. This Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce and Peas is precisely that dish, embodying the gentle shift from cozy evenings to sun-drenched afternoons.
There’s a palpable excitement in the air when spring finally decides to show its face. After months of unpredictable weather, the promise of consistent warmth and burgeoning greenery makes one yearn for recipes that reflect this renewed energy. For us, that means diving headfirst into dishes that are both decadent and dazzling, a true celebration of the season’s bounty. This pasta dish, with its creamy texture and bright, zesty notes, is the ultimate expression of spring on a plate.
The Magic of Pillowy Ricotta Gnocchi
At the heart of this extraordinary dish lies homemade ricotta gnocchi. Unlike their potato-based cousins, ricotta gnocchi are remarkably light, airy, and tender, practically melting in your mouth with every bite. Their delicate texture makes them an ideal canvas for the vibrant lemon cream sauce. Made with fresh ricotta cheese, a single egg, and a touch of Parmesan, these gnocchi are surprisingly simple to prepare, even for those new to pasta making.
Ricotta vs. Potato Gnocchi: A Tale of Two Textures
While both varieties are beloved Italian dumplings, ricotta gnocchi offers a distinctly different experience. Potato gnocchi tend to be denser and chewier, relying on the starch of the potato for their structure. Ricotta gnocchi, on the other hand, derive their ethereal lightness from the fresh cheese. This makes them quicker to cook and often more forgiving to prepare, eliminating the need for precise potato preparation and ricing. The result is a dumpling so tender, it practically floats off the spoon.
Tips for Crafting Perfect Ricotta Gnocchi
The key to perfect ricotta gnocchi is not to overwork the dough and to use good quality ricotta. Ensure your ricotta is well-drained; excess moisture can lead to a sticky dough that requires too much flour, resulting in tough gnocchi. A quick chill in the refrigerator helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and shape. When rolling the dough into logs, use a light touch, and cut them into small, even pieces. Remember, these delicate dumplings cook quickly, so keep an eye on them—they’re ready as soon as they float to the surface of the boiling water.
The Zesty & Indulgent Lemon Cream Sauce
Complementing the delicate gnocchi is a bright and luxurious lemon cream sauce. This sauce is a symphony of flavors—richness from heavy cream, a pungent kick from diced garlic, and an undeniable freshness from generous amounts of lemon juice and zest. It’s a sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy, perfectly coating each gnocchi with a luscious sheen and an invigorating tang.
Mastering the Cream Sauce
Creating this sauce is straightforward. It begins with a quick roux of butter and flour, which provides the base for a smooth, velvety texture. Sautéing garlic briefly adds a foundational aroma without overpowering the lemon. The heavy cream is then gradually whisked in, allowing it to thicken into a luxurious consistency. The magic truly happens with the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest, which cut through the richness of the cream, leaving a bright, clean finish on the palate. A touch of salt and pepper ensures every flavor note sings in harmony. Keep the sauce warm over low heat while your gnocchi cooks, ensuring it’s ready to embrace them the moment they emerge from the water.
The Essential Pop of Fresh Green Peas
No spring pasta would be complete without the vibrant addition of fresh green peas. These tiny emerald gems provide more than just a splash of color; their natural sweetness and delightful “pop” of texture offer a wonderful contrast to the soft gnocchi and creamy sauce. Frozen peas work beautifully here, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value. Simply thaw them, and stir them in at the very end to maintain their bright color and tender bite.
The inclusion of peas elevates this dish from merely delicious to utterly irresistible. They infuse the pasta with a sweetness that complements the zesty lemon, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile that sings of springtime gardens and fresh beginnings. Plus, they make a compelling argument for getting a healthy serving of vegetables in a truly enjoyable way! (Moms, we know you’re rolling your eyes, but trust us on this one.)
A Culinary Escape from “Adulting”
Life can be demanding, filled with endless tasks and responsibilities. Sometimes, all you need is a moment of pure, unadulterated pleasure, a simple escape. For us, that often comes in the form of cooking a truly satisfying meal. This ricotta gnocchi dish is more than just food; it’s a therapeutic process, a chance to get lost in the creation of something beautiful and delicious. The simple act of rolling gnocchi, whisking a sauce, and watching flavors come together can be incredibly calming amidst the daily grind.
Whether you’re battling paperwork, navigating challenging projects, or just trying to keep all the plates spinning, taking a pause to create this dish is a small act of self-care. It’s a reminder that amidst all the “adulting,” there’s still joy to be found in simple pleasures, especially when those pleasures involve homemade pasta and a glass of wine. And yes, claiming vegetables in a creamy pasta definitely helps justify the indulgence!
table of contents
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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
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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.
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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.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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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.
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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.
Beyond the Recipe: Tips for Success
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
The quality of your ingredients truly shines in a dish this simple yet elegant. Opt for whole milk ricotta if possible, as it yields a creamier, richer gnocchi. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable—its nutty, salty notes are far superior to pre-grated varieties. Always use fresh lemons for both juice and zest; bottled juice simply won’t deliver the same vibrant, aromatic punch. And while frozen peas are convenient, if you happen to find fresh sweet peas in season, they’ll elevate the dish even further.
Customizing Your Dish
While this recipe is perfect as is, it also offers a fantastic foundation for customization. Consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or asparagus tips along with the peas for extra greens. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a hint of heat. For a richer, herbier flavor, finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives can be stirred into the sauce at the end. If you’re looking to add protein, seared scallops, grilled chicken, or even crumbled Italian sausage would complement the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce and Peas makes a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For wine enthusiasts, a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would beautifully complement the lemon and green notes in the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Your Invitation to Springtime Indulgence
This Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce and Peas is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of warmth and comfort blending seamlessly with the bright, invigorating essence of spring. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you feeling satisfied, yet light and refreshed, eager to embrace the new season. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and invite the flavors of spring into your kitchen. We promise, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful journey from winter’s end to spring’s vibrant beginning.